The Calm Before the Storm

Mom and Dad have had quite a number of visitors and even a little vacation this past month! Aunt Di came for a weekend and enjoyed a Sunday brunch Jazz buffet, as well as the butterfly exhibit at the Houston Natural Science Museum. Uncle Mac and Aunt Dede also came and visited the Natural Science Museum, although they spent time admiring the Bulgari Jewelry exhibit which included jewels worn by Elizabeth Taylor. They also viewed a 3-D movie about D-Day. Father Gerry graced my parents with his presence this past week, braving the Texas thunderstorms to arrive safely last Monday. He and Dad are "brothers from another mother" (pardon the phrase) and so they kept each other busy every second of the visit. They went to an Astros baseball game one evening, the Planetarium another, and even rode the gyroscope at the Science Museum!

Mom and Dad also spent a week up at the farm between all their visitors. There they were able to catch up with the Applebys and the Shufords, as well as the Taravellas! It happened to be the weekend of our favorite "Fair in the Square" and Mom felt good enough to go down and do a little bit of shopping with Kristen. Dad was of course hosting one of his famous rafting adventures! The Mountains were gorgeous with perfect weather and it was a wonderful way for them to relax before the surgery.

Mom's surgery will be this coming Tuesday, Aug, 19. On Monday she has lots of appointments all day to prepare. Some good news we received last week after an ultrasound...Mom's tumors have shrunk significantly and are looking good to be removed! Mom will only have to spend one night in the hospital if all goes according to plan :) She will be smothered by us kids for her surgery...I got in today, Kristen will be here tomorrow and Russ arrives on Monday. Today in the car on the way back from the airport Mom was talking to be about how she's not going to bring her purse to the hospital, only a little bit of cash incase she wants to go buy a soda. I promptly informed her that that would not be necessary, that she will have four Minions here to do her bidding!

After her surgery she will have a 4-6 weeks rest period before beginning her radiation. The radiation portion of the treatment should last 6 weeks and will be 5 days a week. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, visits, letters, emails, and support. Even though Mom sometimes can't respond, know that she appreciates all of your well wishes and constant love!