{The Tale is in the Living}

  

Howdy twinklestars~

It's  afternoon and the weather is amazingly, blissfully perfect. Cowboy and I are on the back porch, mesmerized by the way the sun illuminates the spring green leaves, watching tiny white flowers fall from the pear tree, delighted by the big burly bees and wasps and little things buzzing around in the sky...

 

I can't believe it's the same tree that was covered in vivid orange-gold leaves during my last post. Things happen so fast....

 

 

I have something to tell you, and i hope you don't mind.

 

I have bloggy friends-SISTERS, really - who tell me "behind the scenes" that it is ok to share the not good stuff too. And, i think, they are right.

 

 

So the not good stuff is the dreaded C word. My beloved Cowboy has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which is fairly uncommon in the US, and usually not found until it has reached a later stage. In a staging range of I-IV, his is IVb. This means, sadly, it is inoperable. It has also metastisized, to his liver and lungs and lymph nodes far and wide.

For a very long two months it was tests and appointments and scans and bloodwork and procedures and outpatient and tons of paperwork and phone calls and emails and waiting waiting waiting..but all that is over and now we've settled into the business of living again.

Cowboy has been beyond incredible. From the very beginning, his concern has been for his family....things great and small. Imparting his wisdom, his advice. Strong for me as i fall apart.

 

 

He's not questioning God or asking why. He says the rest of the story is in the living. How we celebrate each minute here on out. When he hugs, he squeezes tight. We were eating at a different restaurant every night until he started chemo.  We slow danced to Dwight Yoakum under the big glowing moon.

 

 

Isn't it amazing how miniscule those usually nagging dust particles that make up the fabric of life become when you're too busy really living life to give them any thought?

So here we are, amazed beyond belief, now more than ever, at the power of nature and the beauty of spring. Every leaf and blade of grass, every tiny wisteria petal, we welcome and celebrate.

Thank you to everyone who has worried or wondered or emailed, who send love and prayers and good juju from all over the big blue marble. We appreciate each and every one of you. And to the one who reminded me, what the first line of my own bio says, I applaud you and your strength, too.

XOXO and lots of love from Roo & Cowboy

 

 

Comments

[Pam]

Deb sent me over, too, Roo. Your Cowboy sounds like an amazing guy. I don't know how I would act, or think, if I was in his shoes, but I have to say, I pray I can be as wonderful as he is being. Your post touched my heart, and made me think about my own family, and my own loving husband. Tell the cowboy I am going to sit outside tonight with him, look up at the moon and think of the two of you. God's blessings to you both. xox Pam

[Carrie]

Deborah sent me on over to visit and hear about your story. Prayers, prayers and more prayers I send to you all! May you have many special moments together...and may blessings abound ♥

[Ces]

Dear Roo, I came here via Deborah. I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that you will find comfort in each other's love and care. You have friends praying for you. Cowboy and you will be in mine.

[Deborah]

Praying, never ceasing, for abundant Grace to carry you. Love love love, Deb

[auntie bliss]

This is what my daddy had, as well as a couple of friends. I'm sorry for you both. I'll pray too!

[Maggi]

My goodness, I'm not really even sure what to say! I'm so glad Cowboy and you have been grabbing life and enjoying each other. I'll be thinking and praying for both of you!

[Deborah]

Sending you love love love. ♥♥♥ Deb

[Sheila]

Roo, I just dropped by to wish you a Happy Easter, and I am so very, very sorry to hear this news about Cowboy! Please know I am thinking of you and that my heart goes out to you.

He is so right. Living is about being in the moment because you never know what is in store. Thank you, precious, for reminding all of us of that important life lesson.

Today takes on even more importance in view of what you just told us and in view of the Lord's sacrifice and His gift of eternal life. I am ever more thankful to Him for that gift.

Sending you warm hugs across the miles...

XOXOXO,

Sheila

[Teresa in California]

Dearest sweet
Roo and Cowboy,
I was just over at 'A Fanciful Twist' and saw the news about Cowboy. My prayers are with you both. I'm just one of those blogging 'sisters' who cares about everybody as life gets shared around. May you find comfort in each other in the days ahead, and know that many prayers are being sent up to the One who knows all things.
many hugs,
From Teresa at 'A Magical Whimsy' http://www.amagicalwhimsy.com/

[Debbie Doodles]

Dearest Roo - I just happened here today from a Fanciful Twist. Since, there are no accidents I, too, must be here to send you and cowboy love and hugs too. Cherish all your time together, remembering the best of times. Be strong.