Saturday, January 5, 2008

Waiting to come home

Today is the day Keith might get to come home from the hospital. He seems to be able to eat without trouble and I bet he's looking forward to something other than hospital food. If I were Keith I would never eat Jello again.

So we wait for the afternoon and I pick out going home clothes and think of how lucky we have been so far that this difficult operation has gone so smoothly.

Today is my Thanksgiving. I send my thanks to Dr. Boyer, Dr. Z., Dr. Diamond, Dr. Grobler and all the wonderful nurses and staff at Florida Hospital and the Cancer Center. Also thanks to Brenda for her outstanding work keeping everything moving along successfully.

God bless you all for your expertise and kindness.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Together, forever

Well, I'm going to try to continue blogging this month even with a cast on my right arm.

Keith is a little bit discouraged by his uncooperative tummy, but hopeful that with Dr. Boyer's return Thursday things will move forward.

Today, we played backgammon and I actually won (that's new) usually I only beat Keith when we play chess. We read the news, talked to the nurses and watched some TV. I even borrowed his hospital bed while he worked on his computer from the easy chair. It was almost like home.

I really miss him around the house but am thankful I have my daughter Kim around for company and help.

One of the hardest things has been the aloneness of this process. We have been together for such a long time that it just seems all wrong to be apart. I miss those quiet moments in the wee hours of the morning, snuggled in with piles of pillows, holding hands under the covers and just talking about everyday things.

Love deepens as the years roll by, it changes from a blaze to a steady fire that warms the heart and soul. It lights our way through times of trouble. My love for Keith has unexpectedly become the kind that really seems to be everlasting. I feel strongly that even death will not part us -- and most certainly, we will not allow the fear of death to do so. We have shared our deepest fears and greatest joys. Our marriage has grown stronger and will continue to do so, because we have learned that love is based on forgiveness and sharing and steady commitment to each other. Cancer is an obstacle to overcome, not a barrier to our love for each other. No matter what the outcome, our love for each other and for our family will endure. Keith will return to us healthy and whole with the help of his doctors and nurses and through his own strength of will. And I will be beside him all the way.