Early Success!!

September 10, 2006

I just spent a few minutes reading back over some of the journals I wrote during the first few days of April when this whole ordeal began. The thing I have to keep reminding myself is – how far Marilyn has come in the last five months. Five months, not a very long time in the big picture of life - but for Marilyn and I - it has seemed like an eternity.

From total loss of mobility and disillusionment and wondering at times as to whether Marilyn would make it through another day until now has been both a long and stressful journey. Each little improvement has been a new miracle that we have thanked God for. I remember well watching in amazement the day Marilyn first managed to lift her legs into the bed on her own. And now today I had the pleasure of enjoying a luncheon sitting for over an hour with Marilyn and my stepmother Lyn consuming some of the best-barbecued ribs to be found in Alberta. This was Marilyn’s restaurant debut. A goal set by Dr. Dowden, Marilyn’s oncologist. During our last visit we listened as Dr. Dowden encouraged Marilyn to set the goal of Thanksgiving dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Has Marilyn met her goal over a month early? Perhaps she has and that is exciting, however, we are far away from the normal lifestyle we once enjoyed. We know and have felt the positive effects of many prayers and hope to someday leave the wheelchair and walker behind. But for now this equipment has become a necessity and we have begun to understand what a disabled person goes through on a daily basis.

What is in store in our Future – only God knows. For now we will not forget to give thanks for each moment we can share together. The opportunity to take pleasure in a meal together at our favorite restaurant is simply another step towards normalcy. As for now I am happy to be able to return to teaching with the ongoing support from my stepmother, Lyn. (Without her help I wouldn’t be able to keep on going)

Unfortunately the only camera I had to record this eventful moment was my cell phone so hence the poor quality, but nonetheless, proof of our excursion.

http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/mskip's%20pictures/tonyromadebut.jpg