An Update

We had a bittersweet Ed MN break (yes, I am just being politically correct as MEA is the old, but good term).  We took the kids up to Thumper Ponds Resort in Ottertail, MN to the water park and over night.  We had a great time and the kids loved all of the swimming.  My mom, sister, and my sister's kids also joined in on the fun, so that really made it more fun for my kids as well.  It was quite adorable to put Lola in her little swimming vest, plop her in the lazy river and just watch her bob along!  She didn't sit in a floater, just floated along on her own!  It was cute, but I didn't bring my phone/camera down to the swimming area so there are no great pictures from the outing.  Teague loved the big slides - I am just so amazed at how big (and mature) he is getting.  It feels weird just letting him "loose" knowing he doesn't really need me right there as he can swim just fine now!  Of course I still keep my eye on him, but he was busy keeping up with the big kids anyway!

The bad news....Ryan's dad was diagnosed with stage 3(b) colon cancer.  While we were up at Ottertail he went into the ER with what he thought was another bowel obstruction.  After many tests over the course of about 24 hours, it was discovered he had a mass in his colon that needed to be removed.  This is Ryan's post from Facebook (which sums it up the best): I just wanted to give some of you an update on my Dad. He went into the hospital last week with what he thought was a bowel obstruction. It turns out that it was stage 3 colon cancer. He had the tumor, along with part of his colon, and his spleen removed. He is recovering well in the hospital and is hoping to head home by the end of the week. He will more than likely need several months of chemo as there was some cancerous lymph nodes. However, the doctors seem very confident that he should be back to normal in no time. He of course says that he is not planning on missing any basketball games! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!  We are optimistic and feel we will know more about what the next few months bring after his visit with his oncologist in 2-3 weeks.  They sent him home today to recover from the surgery and then he will learn more about his treatment.  


I think my overall feelings about this are anger.  I feel like the people we love most (my dad, Esther and now Dave) have spent their lives working and this is how they are spending their retirements.  It doesn't feel right and I feel a bit jaded, I won't lie.  Again, I fear less about my own relationships with these important people and more about my children's relationships.  My children are much too young to have memories that will last their lifetime if they were to lose a grandparent now.  I am not trying to be morbid, but rather honest about my realistic fears.  This is all too fresh for me as my dad has (hallelujah!) received news that his 18 month PET scan was clear.  This was a big milestone as his cancer typically will re-appear within the first 18 months after surgery.  On the bright side, I know I am blessed because thus far our parents have beat cancer and there are many who haven't.  Continued prayers are appreciated.