Biopsy Done!

Well, friends, the biopsy went well. I will hear in a day or two about the results from the pathologist. Thanks for the prayers.

My Most Unusual Visit

When you've grown up and lived your whole life in West Texas and the Panhandle, you are accustomed to the friendly and open way strangers react to one another. It is not at all unusual for a moderately outgoing and friendly person to stand in line at a grocery checkout and discuss family, friends of family, medical conditions, pets, and a wide variety of other subjects that people in other parts of the country reserve for intimate family members only. That is what I love about living here in Lubbock.

Now, my family (especially the teenagers) find this trait a little intimidating. They are a little unnerved by discussions of parenting problems with total strangers at the market and have responded with everything from scoffing and teasing to avoiding alone trips with Ma to the grocery store.

But, even I was amazed with my trip today to the Chiropractor. I have been going to this chiropractor for three months or so trying to avoid neck surgery. He is a lovely man with a modest office run by his wife. They have one child, a daughter, who is 7 . She spends time with her grandmother when her parents are at work. Once when I was in the office for a treatment, Shelby was with her parents because of Grandma's eye appointment and the little princess talked to me all the way through my treatment. I know that this is a Christian family because of the very subtle Christian instrumental music that plays softly in the background in the office. Other than that, there have been no religious discussions. Just family, trips they have taken, etc.

Today I went in for my bi-weekly treatment with a small loaf of Zuchini Bread as a gift. I told Cheryl, the wife, about my upcoming biopsy on Wednesday. The surgeon thought the mass on my thyroid was too large to ignore and is checking it for a malignancy. I am a little unnerved and spent last weekend fasting and have asked several of my close friends to remember me on Wed. and perhaps remember me in their prayers. So, when I told Dr. Rohder about Wed, he asked if I would mind if he prayed for me. I answered that of course, I would appreciate it if he remembered me in his prayers.

I was frankly stunned when he reached out, put his hand on my neck and began a "Father, God" blessing right there in the treatment room. It was sweet and appreciated, but perhaps the most unusual experience I have ever had in a professional setting.

I got a lot more than I paid for today...

And, if any of you read this before Wednesday, please remember me... I am worried. But reassured.

Holding Meetings In Our Room

I was so enchanted to hear that late at night the fairies and goblins come out into Maggie and Ellen's bedroom. I thought I was about to hear terror stories of nightmares and little girls afraid in the dark and running to their mother, but noooooo; the collective mass of night demons come to their room to "go to meetings".

I wonder if this is a phenomena peculiar to little LDS children? After all, doesn't everyone go to meetings?

And, if I were a goblin, I would want to attend all of my meetings in Maggie and Ellen's room because they serve refreshments. Cake and ice cream.

So, as we approach the goblin season, remember the nightly meeting. I wonder if it like an AA meeting??? "Hello, my name is Nightshade, and I am a ....................."

Does Anyone Read This Blog???

Just thought I'd check in with everyone to see if we are still connecting through the blogosphere.

Everything in Lubbock is good. Grandkids are great and children are continuing their supportive roles.

I guess the big news, for anyone who hasn't heard, is that I am hoping to have gastric bypass surgery in November. I am cleared by all of the doctors and am suffering through the insurance mandated waiting period. But by November I should be "all speed ahead" with my new life. I am very excited and hoping this will improve my mobility and let me rejoin the human race.

Anyone interested can check out my doctor through his website. I google "Dr. Syn Lubbock, TX". He is a very interesting doctor who is very committed to helping fatties get their act together.

No other major news. Matthew started his college classes, Joshua is enjoying being an "upperclassman" in his middle school this year, Paul is very happy with 3rd grade and is looking forward to swimming classes, and Maggie and Ellen are cruising along at home with mother.

I really enjoy reading any posts from the rest of you, but am not seeing much from Emily, Liza, and of course, Carl. All are busy, I suspect. Let me know if you are alive and well. I hope to see you when I am getting around. I'll be a bag of skin....probably will need an introduction.