Cold, dreary, wet. The kind of day in Colorado that really only happens this time of year. It’s not a bitter cold that tightens up your skin. It’s actually like walking through a mister at a summertime tourist location. You know, when you’re standing behind 100 families but you can see the sprayer up ahead, most of the water evaporating into the air, but j-u-u-us-s-s-t enough coming down to cool you off for the few minutes you’ll hold that spot. But… here in Colorado, late March, this is a mister that envelopes you. You can’t get out of the water. There’s just enough ice in the mix to let you know its actually cold, and snow is coming. We’re due for a decent storm tonight.
Just enough time to catch an early morning meeting and then off to Pop’s for treatment. Day 4. I think everyone I passed by this morning and had an exchange of hello’s with, reminded me that I picked the wrong day to wear shorts. Probably not the best meeting dress, but I hadn’t planned on making that one. Since I was out and had the time, I figured I’d head in for the meeting to get the ‘latest’. I threw a pair of jeans in the truck just in case it got to be too much, but comfort is key when grabbing a chair in the hospital for the day, and the jeans will remain there. Good meeting, good vibe. Breakfast was served. I love breakfast. Its time to head south and pick up my Dad.
Missed day 3 last week due to another storm. They actually closed the highway between our place and the folks. It’s about a 25 mile stretch between our houses, then another 20-30 down to the hospital. But there’s just an area about 5 miles long that seems to have its own weather conditions. I think its around 7200 feet, shouldn’t be such a big deal, but it’s location seems to always get the most snow and ice from Denver down to Colorado Springs. Dad was able to get out on the other side of this infamous area called ‘Monument Hill’ and made it to his 3rd treatment.
Two days prior he had gotten some gr
eat news – white blood cell counts are good. Lymph nodes are shrinking. Things are going well.
Today Dad is snoozing. No reaction, which is great. Keeping the drip slow, just in case, but this is the smoothest one yet. I know the news last week has his spirits up. Praise God for this. I am so thankful. I know our extended family are thankful as well. He, God, is so present in this thing and in so many ways in our lives right now. Let me not miss the opportunity here to say this; I know He is present and SO good, always. We often miss the ways He reveals it. This just happens to be one of those ‘in-your-face’ times in our lives. ‘Our’ clearly includes my extended family in how we see His blessing. Though we don’t share same-views on our faith, I am thankful they give me the freedom to share mine. Back to the ‘Our’ part … Micki and I and our kids are the our in this one – We’ve been in the midst of busy-ness and loose chaos, but in and through that has been great blessing. Right now, that blessing is so evident. Our kids are seeing effective prayer. We are seeing it. And, I’m not a great prayer leader – so this inspires me to be one. I love how God works. I love opening my eyes to see it.
He corrects my ways and directs my steps. In times like this… I actually pay attention. My hope is that out of this, I do a better job of paying attention. Hoping that, out of this I do a better job of leading the troops – of setting the example. I’m thankful for lessons like this.
Getting colder out now, late afternoon. Wrapping up todays visit. Can’t see the mountains through the fog and ‘misty’ air. But this drive back is filled with clarity.
