Back at Home

This morning at the Hope Lodge, things were VERY quiet. Almost everyone had plans to return home for the weekend. It has been a tough week for many, and we all just wanted to get home to "normal" for the weekend. It is a wonderful place, but it is just plain hard to be with so many people with such huge obstacles and health issues. We all need some time to unwind and relax.

I am always surprised when I hear people's stories. Most of them have double issues; "well, I lost my house in the June floods, and just when we were ready to rebuild, I was diagnosed with cancer." Or, "my dad died in the winter and my mom got cancer in the spring." Life doesn't stop when you have cancer, it just keeps going, good or bad. Most of the people are strong and resilient (at least in public). You seldom see them break down or lose it. They just take the next step, day after day, which is what we would all do. Every single one of the caregivers has said, "I wish I could take it on myself so my loved one wouldn't have to go through this."

Now that Justin has had 6 treatments, I am curious to see if I notice any changes. The nurse said it was a little too early to tell, but we are so ready for his little daily "blips" to stop. WAY ready.