4 years… and updates

Superman and I escaped for an hour in Duluth, with the sun shining bright and the boys busy with their friends.  We simply went for a drive.  Rick googled and found the name of a park- Enger Park- that was close by.

The light was bouncing off everything, surrounding us with warmth and beauty.  Everywhere our eyes sought out, seemed to be cast with a golden glow.

Enger Park is the home to an observation tower that overlooks the city of Duluth,  as well as Lake Superior.  

Up we climbed.  Stopping to soak in the golden hues already lowering in the sky.

People were quietly traipsing about, going in and out of the tower.

The concrete staircase was in the middle, with each level having places to sneak a peek.

And this is what awaited us at the very top…  my camera may have been tilted just a tad, but what I love is that it looks like the curve of the earth, in the photo below.  Could the sky be any bluer?

Here is the draw bridge below, and areas where the the ice has been broken and it won't be long and ships will be moving through once again.

A peek out the back of the tower which overlooks a golf course.

The lake view through the front.

One last look back, as we descended the hill out of the park.

As we drove down the hill from the park, I squealed when I saw this next structure looming in front of us.  This was just one of the hotels we stayed at over the course of our honeymoon- almost 18 years ago.  

I sometimes feel, like God, puts these reminders in my path and helps me conjure up memories of what has stood the test of time- like Superman, love, and our marriage.  

Speaking of still standing...

As much time as I spent at the hospital with mom last week, when our book club found a night we could all meet last week, I knew how much my spirits would lift being around these beautiful women.  Impulsively, I lifted my glass and said I had just passed a milestone worth mentioning.  

March 16th, 2011 was the date of my breast cancer diagnosis.  We had book club just the night before my appointment. 

Last Monday, marked my 4th year of living with cancer.

So many have continued to walk with me, all 4 years, like these special friends.  We lived fully this night, and I am one blessed woman.

I've always thought that reaching a million views on my blog, was like a fantasy dream.  But suddenly, I am well over half way to that reality.  Want to help me achieve another goal?  Visit away! 

Its still the "little" things that add up to the biggest joys.  

Mom is settled back into room 212 at Bethany on University.  I finally crumbled on Saturday.  My body simply unable to tolerate much food, my legs cramping, and the rest of me just worn out.

It was Rick and my Uncle Bill and Aunt Carol, along with my cousin Pam who saved the day for us.  They fully moved mom out of her apartment in the basic care side and moved her all the way in to the skilled nursing side.

We took pizza over to her last night and Colton entertained with his new card tricks.  

Mom ate a little.  Talked a little.  But she has a new look in her eyes.  A far away look, that goes right past the grandchildren, right above my shoulder, and seemingly penetrates the brick wall, in a dreamy way.  

We talked about celebrating her 80th birthday earlier than October 21, her actual birthdate, with a big party, sometime this spring.

But as Rick so poignantly said last night, "the time to celebrate your mom, seems to be right now, in this moment, today."  

Thank you to all who have done exactly that- the love is streaming throughout her room.  

I have received some lovely and encouraging gifts in the mail, and on my doorstep.  Thank you!  

 Nolan's re-test for his concussion looms later today.  Infusion tomorrow.  I will be back with more as soon as I can… 

Live your moments.  Live them full. 

50 years… and an update.

A panoramic view of the Moorhead Sports Center where the Moorhead Spuds defeated the Roseau Rams in front of a packed arena.

The first Moorhead Spud Hockey team from 1965.

The first high school hockey team to go to the Minnesota State Hockey tournament, with head Coach, Terry Cullen. 

The Horizon Middle School 6th grade orchestra played the national anthem on this momentous night.

The mini-spuds, aka our Rookies, waiting to go out and play in between periods of the high school game.  (Hi Brady) 

Another panoramic of the big social after the Spud Game.  It was so well attended and the committee that organized this big event did an outstanding job! 

It isn't often we can get the 4 of these guys in one place at the same time.  In fact, we're missing one- Chris VandeVelde is playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, NHL team, and wasn't able to come home for the event.  

But from left to right we have Matt Cullen (Nashville Predators,) Brian Lee, Ryan Kraft, and Jason Blake who all play/played in the NHL.  

Last Saturday was such a memorable and celebratory day for Moorhead Hockey.  From the youth level which starts with Rookies who begin their hockey careers at the ripe old age of 4- all the way up through the high school level, and up even further to the very top level- the NHL- Moorhead hockey was well-respresented all day.  

Colton's team played a game early afternoon that we got to attend.  Then Nolan's team played, right afterwards and the rink filled with fans coming to watch.  Nolan's team also won their game.  Nolan had one of those "dream come true, moments."  Former High School Hockey Coach, Dave Morinville, was at Nolan's game and saw him score a goal.  Dave came to us and mentioned what a sweet goal that had been.  I told him that group of Bantam AA boys, have always talked about their dreams of someday playing for Coach Morinville.  Even though Morinville has retired, those childhood dreams of playing for the Moorhead Spuds, live on in those boys.  

We then went to the Sports Center and watched the Moorhead Spuds defeat the Roseau Rams in front of a packed house of fans from across the generations of Moorhead fans and players.  

I felt like Rick's ability to shoot photos throughout the day, and physically carry and set up all his equipment, time and again, was an answer to prayers.  He seems to have turned a bit of a corner in managing the nerve pain from the shingles virus.  

While Rick shot pictures of the speakers at the social, I marveled at how I knew so many of the people in attendance.  It truly felt like a reunion.  A family reunion of sorts.  There isn't anything we wouldn't do for one another- in and outside of hockey. 

Like Cinderella at the ball, shortly after midnight I began to fade fast.  My energy drains quickly in large crowds, and I'd surrounded myself with them, all day.  Prince Charming was right there beside me, and we slipped away into the quiet of the night.

Mom moved Monday!  She is back in her room at Bethany Towers.  Between her hospital stay, and the care she received at Elmwood Square skilled nursing at Bethany, she hadn't been in her own room for almost 4 weeks.  She was so relieved to be back surrounded by her belongings.  I spent all of Monday morning packing, unpacking, arranging and sorting.  I got the phone transferred and left as both of us began to wane in the energy department. 

So the next challenge has arisen- figuring out how to pay for her ongoing care.  With only her house left, we're seeking out all of her options to ensure she gets the level of care she so deserves.  

How can I ...

Even when you've played the game of your life, it's the feeling of teamwork that you'll remember. You'll forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you'll never forget your teammates.

- Deborah Miller Palmore-Basketball Olympian

The Moorhead Bantam AA Spud Classic Tournament Champions!  

Nolan and his team won all 4 of their games in their home tournament this weekend.  They scored a combined 27 goals, and gave up 0!   

The core group of players on this team have skated together in one way or another, since they were 3 and 4 years old.  They've always had a passion for the game, and tend to leave it all on the ice- including their blood, sweat and tears.

I also have to think, these boys will never forget the teamwork, but they will also never forget the plays, the goals, the saves and all the great memories they have formed together over the years.  

The arena was packed with friends watching, cheering, and supporting our boys.  Truly, all I could think as I watched was that it doesn't get any better than this.  

We even had a former team mate come to play against us on a team from Sioux Falls, SD.  It was so fun to see him and his family.  The Bertolini family was such a fun group of people and we loved their time here with us! 

The boys were also truly surprised and excited to hear that one of their childhood favorite hockey players, Jordy Christian came to see them play.  For years, our kids begged us to go see Jordy play and we traveled many places just to see him play in high school and then college.  Now, to have him come, and see them, see what he inspired them to do, feels like a full circle moment to me.  

We're so proud of our boys!  

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I have to say I've received such interesting Christmas gifts this year, and have to share a couple more.  My nieces, Alex and Madi, introduced me to Alex and Ani.  Specifically, they love their stackable bracelets.  I think they are affordable, beautifully made, have a wide variety of metals and designs, and are so fun to wear!  

Alex and Ani

These were the two I received as presents.  The butterfly came from the girls, and had this meaning printed on a card in the box that came with each bracelet.  From Alex and Ani:

DETAILS

A regenerative species, butterflies consistently transition from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly. Giving us faith in change, the butterfly is associated with unwavering grace, soulful insight, and eloquence on our journey. Channel the energy of the butterfly and emerge brilliantly from your own transformation.

 

Alex and Ani will donate 20% of the purchase price* from each Butterfly Charm Bangle sold, with a minimum donation of $25,000, between January 2015 and December 2015, to the Hanley and Caron Treatment Centersthat offer a variety of continuing care, support services and prevention programs for patients, families and the community. 

*Purchase price includes sales to Alex and Ani retail and web customers, and authorized retailers.

EXPANDABLE TO FIT EVERYONE

They also gifted me with this anchor:  

DETAILS

Holding fast and steady despite the elements, the anchor is a symbol of stability, hope, and peace. The anchor allows us to keep a clear mind amidst the tides of life. An emblem of good luck, wear the Anchor Charm for courage, safety, and peace of mind.

You can stack and combine the bracelets in any which way your heart desires! They have initials, birthstones, all kinds of activities, teams, and colors, its hard to choose just one!  

If you're ever looking for a gift for someone who loves Jewelry, I wouldn't hesitate to try Alex and Ani!

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How can I pray for you? 

Tomorrow is the MRI of my brain.  I've pushed it out of my mind for so long now.  Its time to face it.  So I'm gripping tight to my word, "believe," and taking a huge helping of hope, and will lie still, strapped to the bed that allows the images to be taken of my head.  

Wednesday I will see Dr. Foster and we will figure out the best way to move forward from wherever I may be. 

I'm making my list of people to pray over.  Either in the comments below, or through email or Facebook, feel free to leave me prayer requests, so I may pray for you, as I go through sedation and then the MRI scan.

Jesus Calling: January 12th

"Let me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you.  I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it.  You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of the journey.  You'd feel more prepared if you could visualize what is on the road ahead.  However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me…  My abiding Presence is the best road map available."

Amen!