When a bell rings…

It has been a heck of a journey up to this point. At the beginning of Michele’s diagnosis we were scheduled to leave for an incentive trip within weeks. Fast forward to now and three new grandkids later we are poised to take care of grandkids instead of making this year’s trip.

Bittersweet?

In all the right ways.

The next steps

Today is a day that marks another last. Today is the last chemo round for Michele. It is the end of the prescribed program to battle the cancer. Set by the best of the best to yield the best results possible.

It is the first next step. Finish the dose. Complete the post dose regimen next. And then.

Breath!

A friend once said that when things are tough sometimes you just need to breath (dog, breath).

My thoughts today could ramble. I want to cry. I want to shout. I want to be relieved.

The Yellowstone series

Yep… let’s start here. In the hospital, this series was a solid base for us. Many of the pictures in these blogs from the hospital are from moments of us living in the moment and fighting for normalcy. The strength of the people of the Yellowstone is a reminder of how fast we have come from a time of the wild frontier.

These last few years have been many of nights standing guard on the dark and willing peace and calm to us both. It goes without saying that Michele embodies so much of the strength from the women of the Yellowstone. It is her strength in commitment to family and goes right on through to the Bat Shit Crazy.

I have no doubt she would be right in there shooting at the people trying to take what is hers away. A true “If you fuck with my family then you fuck with me spirit!”

No doubt many of times I have wished she would have stopped her thoughts and words… and then there are times it is something beautiful to watch. Sometimes she is gonna say what she is gonna say.

Which reminds me of the nurse and the temperature incident. It is in these blogs.. trust me. When she is fierce, bring the whole team with you… you will need them.

Transition to the next story line

We now start the steady progression of what post treatment of cancer looks like. True to Michele form, she has been preparing for this day.

She has been working with her clients to develop and continue to grow her business in the years to come. This is something she has done throughout the treatment and she will continue to fill her days with serving others.

After 20 years in our house, we are working on a few updates. I knew she was ready when she called me and told me she already was giving the green light on work. She barely told me what she wanted to do! There were some house numbers we have had in our front entrance desk drawer from probably 15 years now that are finally up! This is huge! UPDATE: While typing this, she just sent me a text saying she was BUYING THIS for some outdoor furniture. She loves a good deal!

In the last 6 months, I have pulled back on the “air cushion” around her and have let her drive herself all over town again. Right before she was diagnosed she had spent 12 hours on the road selling clients with a face mask on and difficulty breathing. I am still nervous for her being out at night. I am sure she will be doing that soon too.

Grandkids transition

Since diagnosis, we have 3 new grandkids. Our oldest, Aubrey, is now in high school! I think “Mimi” as she is known is now embracing the role for all the grandkids. We really are loving this period where we have slowed down to be present more.

Today after the chemo, She is heading to spend a week with Allie and the Alleman family in Baton Rouge. Next week, she will fly back and we go straight into watching the Yeakey kids for few more days.

Last week, we added a kids playground to the back yard to make it that much more fun to be at “Mimi’s house”.

The Bell

Today the post treatment Bell will be rung! It will be a brief moment to celebrate the journey.

I also believe that the ringing will be a symbolic nod to our friend Wes Foote who transitioned peacefully this morning after his own battle with brain Cancer. He is not waiting for his wings on us. Wes and Diane are friends that we have got to travel with, dance with, and learn to navigate some of life with. While his body may be done, I know he will be with us on future trips in spirit. Pray with us for Diane in the days ahead.

We also lost another angel this past week in Joanne Patek. Best known for being the Fitzgerald’s first employee and The Fitz Group Clap and Cheer person! She will forever be implanted on the hearts of all the agents she came in contact with. Her smile, her heart, and her love of others was always the brightest. She is now back with Pat, her beloved husband, and we know it has been a long while for her.

That reminds me of another Yellowstone flashback when we all come back together.

I am going to breath

The caretakers toll is something that is quietly admired. I watched my own father play his role when Mom was sick. There is no guidebook for it. There are only examples to draw upon. I had a great one!

Not all caretakers are easy to see. But I see you. There are many battles that require caregiving to take place. Not just Cancer. Not even just Illness. It is a role where you do the best you can and do what is your right path. If you need an ear or just someone to quietly be with to cry. let me know.

The time we get to live on the dash between two dates is precious. Marriage is a commitment for better or worse. I like to think that even in the worst, we have the opportunity to get better. I want to thank you all that have been there for us and for ME in this journey.

Now for the bell!

Here is a reflection on the moment.