{anthropolgie window. photo taken while on a date with my dad.}
For the past 5 months a new word has been a part of our family's vocabulary . . .
cancer
In february my dad let us know that the doctors suspected something was there. In april the diagnosis was official. And in june there was surgery.
Our vocabulary has also included the words . . . . prayer, fasting, blessing, priesthood, inspiration, faith, tender mercies, and "say 8". :)
{I'll keep this post short, because I know my dad does not like a big deal being made of this, but I figured since my mom blogged about his road to recovery I'm allowed to share a little snippet. There's a lot more I'll record in my personal journal to document details, and feelings, and the e-mails that went back and forth.}
What I do want to share here from my/our experience:
*It is a strange feeling when, for the first time, you have to consider your parents' mortality. Especially when they are so young. (55th birthday just last month). And in this circumstance knowing that this disease took my grandpa in his 60's.
*The power of the priesthood is real. I am lucky to have 4 brothers who are all worthy priesthood holders.
*Faith is real. This word has been my motto and driving force. I really, truly believe that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be made whole.
The surgery was successful. He is free and clear.
When we made our visit he was just 4 weeks out from surgery, still having to be careful, moving a bit slower, taking it easy. I was excited at the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with him when he suggested that just the two of us go out for the afternoon. We did some light shopping, ate lunch at BJ's (ohhhh, the pizzookie goodness), and had some good conversations in the car.
Like any trial or crisis this has helped us to be closer, more mindful of each other, more prayerful . . . and despite the magnitude of the situation we remember to keep our sense of humor. Just utter the words, "Say 8! Say 8!" and it's all good.