The funny thing about cancer is that the challenge is not in dying from it the challenge is in living with it. There is no dealing with it and moving on, there is just dealing with it. Big Don and all of us are finding that out the last few weeks. Mom and Dad are on the front lines, but everyone who reads this blog has and will continue to be affected by this in some way, big or small.
Now Big Don isn't the most eloquent speaker, but if you ask for advice you just open your ears and listen and somewhere in there he gives you gold. I know this from many years of practice and because it was less painful to start listening than to get the bare bottom spanking. So when I talked to Big Don tonight I just listened and sure enough, Gold. This damn disease hits you in so many ways and now for mom and dad its boredom. This week was an off week of chemo and of course we won't have any answers for the next few months so it is hurry up and wait. I expressed some of my general frustration about this with Big Don and how this can creep into your everyday thoughts and actions. His answer simple; don't feel sorry for yourself just control what you can control.
We cannot control what the tumor is doing, we cannot control how often we do chemo or how quickly we get results. We cannot control him losing his hair, or the fact that everything he eats tastes like cardboard. We cannot control the white cell count or the red cell count or the Cincinnati Reds magic number count. But we can control taking care of our friends, our family, and our responsibilities. We can wake up each day with a positive attitude and protect the ones we love.
Last night in the middle of the night Big Don shot out of bed and ran out into the living room because he heard a noise. He is 180 pounds, bald, and filled with cancer and chemo and he was going to fight an intruder in his underpants with his bare hands. Just taking care of his business and the ones he loves. Cancer has a hell of a fight and I got a hell of a Dad.
Don,
ReplyDeleteWe at Majestic Valley Arena are all pulling for you. Can't wait to see your smiling face at one of our events soon. We will keep in touch through this blog.. Hang in there big guy.
What happened to the intruder?!?
ReplyDeleteKeepin u guys in my thoughts always...
Fantastic Post!! Love you Dulles!
ReplyDeletePretty powerful words and some great advice. Keep up the fight. Continue to keep all of you in my prayers always. Yvonne
ReplyDeleteI love you Dulles.
ReplyDeleteDamn right you do!
ReplyDeleteDawn
Don, Kay, and Family, I am embraced with his positive attitude, and his outlook. Your blog is very well displayed as a very positive, spiritual, and determined blog. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteSmiles & Blessings,
Al & Renee'
Dulles,
ReplyDeleteWhen you say not many people get to know the feeling of how many people have your back, it's very true...but so amazing when you do find out. We were one of those families who were blessed to find out how many people stand behind you when needed. I'm here to tell you that whole world now stands behind you through this entire battle...and we will...until the day you have to tell us to back off :) Your strength is inspiring as a family and your faith will propel you through all of this, even when days feel tough. Thank God for strong families and strong communities. Take care of each other and be sure you call us if you need anything along the way...really! We would love to return the support that you so generously shared with our family when we needed it. we are thinking of you and praying for you all the time. Our hearts are with you. Just ask my 2 year old...you will get through this...and likely end up stronger than you ever thought you had to be. We'll keep you in our prayers daily...even Bodie had Big Don in his "nigh nigh prayers" We hope for a call to find some small way to help. Take care of each other...as you already do so well.
Love,
Guy, Joanie, and Bodie Slaybaugh