The Big C

There are no letters in the alphabet that strike fear in the human heart like the letter C.

Cancer. The Big C.

A few weeks ago my sweet 83 year-old mother-in-law had a routine mammogram. It came back unexpectedly "abnormal." Different from last year. So, it had to be checked out. A needle biopsy was performed, and there were cancer cells present. Even the doctor was surprised.

A diagnosis of breast cancer sets you on a certain path. The steps you follow are almost predetermined, but they are bewildering to a lady who at her advanced age does not need even one prescription medication. Not one. Not even the proverbial low dose aspirin. I hadn't appreciated how unusual that was until all the various doctors and nurses made it a big deal when filling out her medical history or looking at her chart.

Even so, there are decisions to make. Oh, for a doctor to just say, DO THIS and EVERYTHING will be OKAY. But no, there are no guarantees, no magic formulas and no 100% win-win situations. There are pros and cons to any of the choices, and nothing is easy. Just easier here and harder there.

In the end, she opted for a lumpectomy to be followed by five weeks of daily radiation. In any case, if cancer was detected in her lymph nodes, chemotherapy would also be recommended.

Yesterday, the doctor told us she came through the surgery with "flying colors." No problems, no complications.  He believes the cancer was caught at a very early stage. And thankfully, there is no cancer in the lymph nodes. She has an excellent prognosis.

My mother-in-law's faith is as strong as a rock. So be it, has been her attitude. "If the Lord is ready for me, I'm ready for the Lord." She may be confused by a myriad of medical details, but she sees the big picture crystal clear.

And that's not such a bad Life example to follow.

A Marvelous Week of Fifty-two

Time for a spring 'beach fix,' my mama says.

Always ready, let's pack the car, is my reply
(Anytime I drive eight hours, there should be a beach where and when I climb out of the car)

Fourth floor balcony views -
Deep, dark blue, medium aqua, translucent green - shades of a paint card
Rolling, swelling waves of salt and foam sliding over white sand.

Bikinis, swim shorts, flirty skirts, terry cloth wraps, trunks in every length
Sun visors, straw hats, flip flops,  sunglasses, beach towels.

UK blue lounge chairs, wide umbrellas rippling in the breeze
Rainbow awnings, sand chairs of every color, kites overhead
Life guard with a clipboard and a jug of water.

Dawn walks in the sand - foggy mist and cold toes
Or rising sun, orange gleaming surf, blinding glare and fishermen.

Shells - scallops, conchs, olives, Scotch Bonnets
Coquinas, auguers, whelks, sand dollars (oh, joy)
Scattered across wet sand.

Seaweed, driftwood, jelly fish bits and pieces, dolphins playing  
Portuguese Man O War, but no sharks or rays this trip.

Familiar faces - old friends seen again and again
Some from home, some local
Strangers - good morning and a smile - seen one day and not again.

The beach, the beach town - familiar and beloved - the same and not the same
Changing tides, shifting sands, stormy skies, bright sunshine.

Return to Home Sweet Home ... as always
The vacation, the visit, all too short
The anticipation of another 'beach fix' already building.


Thankful for the blessings -  God's amazing creation, mothers and daughters, friends 
And traveling mercies to and from.

A marvelous week of fifty-two.