The Hardest Day Of My Life

People have often said to me, and I have often thought it, that going to the funeral service of your beloved wife would be the hardest thing a person could ever do.  I was sure that Sept 27 would be the most difficult day of my life.  I think these statements are true, except for one very important fact.  The fact that when a person has the 100% assurance that their loved one is in a place far better than can even be imagined.  

I went to bed on Friday night wondering how I would manage the next day and asking God for strength to make it through.  For the first time in months I slept 6 hours straight. My mind was clear for the day and as I drove alone up that straight stretch of highway between Calgary and Olds I was compelled to switch my radio over to CD and began listening to some of my favorite gospel artists.  Halfway through the journey, I started to sing, I turned off the CD and began to sing the songs we had picked for the service.  Again for the first time in months, even years, my voice felt young again.  I could sing high notes and low without even straining.  I know that God was giving me strength - a supernatural strength I had never experienced before.

Managing a "strong front" wasn't an issue for me on a day that was supposed to be the hardest day of my life.  I had thought that I would have to dig back into the reserves of my years as a performer and call up the old acting skills to make it through.  Not so, it just seemed natural to visit, hug and sometimes even console the friends and relatives who came to stand with me through this "difficult time".  Reflecting back, I know that Jesus was standing beside me, holding me up and giving me strength through every minute of the day.

We are told in the bible that if we ask we will receive.  I asked for strength and God gave it to me.  The service was beautiful.  My 2 boys and their wives made beautiful displays and memorials of their mother that I will treasure forever.  The music was uplifting, I sang along with the congregation without tears.  God also tells us that He will "wipe away all our tears", and I experienced that on September 27 - The hardest day of my life.

There are to many people to thank for all the help in preparing for this beautiful day that I won't mention names here as I know I will forget someone.  One thing for sure - I am thankful that 2 dear friends offered to video the day.  I had thought that I would never want to remind myself of the events of yesterday and that my video camera would stay packed in its carrying case.  Now, as I review the tape and prepare snippets for viewing on my blog, I am glad I have it. Feel free to browse through the sidebar to the left and watch and listen to the tributes, music and messages of the day.  Over time I will render the whole service for viewing, however I have found that the only way to share these moments over the internet is in bits and pieces.  Each clip has been placed in the order of occurrence so when all the clips have been readied for viewing a person can join us in this  entire celebration by simply clicking through all of the clips from top to bottom.  

Enjoy them and celebrate with me.  The LIFE of my beloved Marilyn.     

Graduation to Glory

Today at 8:05 a.m. Marilyn crossed the finish line of life , graduating with honors passing through the Pearly Gates of heaven. Her dearest friend, confidant and cousin sat by her side as she struggled through the night. Below is her account of the event. Remember that we do not grieve for one who has gone on but now celebrate her amazing life and testimony.

I have so appreciated your thoughts, prayers and cares throughout her difficult journey. Overnight I was able to read to her your encouraging thoughts. Although she couldn't speak, her distinct reactions assured us that she heard and appreciated your kind words. I know that many of you would like to honor her life with cards, letters and flowers However in lieu of these gracious gifts the family would appreciate your support by contributing to Marilyn’s sister and her husband’s ministry to orphaned children in Nairobi, Kenya called “The Children’s Garden”. More details to come.

Please know that this will not be my final entry because today brings a new beginning and future.

Ardith writes her account as follows:
After a night of sitting in the hospital room with Bryon and Stephen watching Marilyn struggle for every breath, most of the time with her eyes closed, Bryon and Stephen left briefly for a much needed rest. Just before 8 a.m. I saw Marilyn open her eyes wider than usual. I said, "Good Morning, Marilyn," and updated her on the whereabouts of her family, including her Dad and Dorothy who were on the way down to see her. She needed a little assistance with her oxygen mask so I went out to call her nurse. When I returned it seemed right for me to pray with her, standing by her bedside and stroking her forehead quietly. I prayed that she would sense God's presence and protection, and that she and each family member would be given strength for the day.

Her breathing was still labored with her chest heaving with each one. It seemed right that I should quote to her the 23rd Psalm. When I got to the part that says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil', an amazing thing happened. Marilyn's face muscles relaxed and her breathing became like a baby's. Then, as I quoted the final words, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever", she was with her Lord.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Olds Baptist Church (5005 – 53 Ave. Olds Alberta) on Saturday Sept 27, 2008 at 2PM. Forward condolences to the bulletin board above. If friends or family so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to “The Children’s Garden” Orphan School, Nairobi Kenya.

Basking in blessings

"I have some good days and some days are bad".  

I have heard Marilyn repeat this phrase to many when questioned as to how she is doing.  It is a phrase that I have come to understand more over and over again as Marilyn rides the roller coaster of her life journey.

Today was one of those "good days".   Good, being a great deal better than yesterday but still a long way from "its time to go home good".  There are many things to praise the Lord for.

1.  Marilyn's spirit has definitely been lifted to another level.  Today she told me that after the night before she had lost all hope and simply wanted to die but now those feelings had left her. 

2.  For the first time in days Marilyn ate a few bites without the need for coaxing. 

3.  Marilyn's ability to think clearly and talk intelligently is beginning to slowly return.

4.  Marilyn was able to sit on the side of her bed for a few minutes today.

5.  My sister (Shirley) and husband (Gary) have come to help for a few days.

6.  I was able to spend a few minutes doing those mundane things like put a load of wash though and finally replenish my underwear drawer.

7.  The staff of unit 47 have all been very kind and caring. towards Marilyn.

This is by no means a comprehensive list but still one to rejoice over.  I also know full well that a relapse can take place at any moment. However for now, I am basking in the richness of Gods blessing.  This evening I sat at my own dining room table enjoying a celebration dinner with family.   

Thank you so much for your cares and prayers.  We do feel them across the miles.

Bryon 

A Little Spark

I left school late again, not knowing what to think of all that has taken place over the last few days. As I checked my phone messages I discovered two in rapid succession from Marilyn earlier this morning. (Apparently my cell phone had unknowingly switched to silent mode. She sounded quite desperate, asking that I come immediately up to the hospital. I felt terrible, thinking "have I abandoned my wife?" - and "what has gone wrong now?" Several calls later to the unit desk and her doctor only intensified the mystery. No one could think of a reason as to why she would be so upset.

I arrived in her room to be pleasantly surprised that Marilyn's father, Vern and his wife Dorothy, had been with her all day. I was relieved that there had been nothing urgently wrong. Marilyn had been slipping in and out of reality and on one occasion had simply pressed my speed dial number and the call was just an extension of one of her many dreams.

My favorite head nurse was on duty - taking great care to watch for Marilyn's ongoing condition. Physio-treatments during the day had also been successful, and Marilyn had actually walked (with assistance) from her bed to the stretcher for her trip down to radiation. Dorothy was able to coax a few bites of nourishment down her throat at lunch, and I, a few more later in the evening. Marilyn also managed a smile or two as I sang a few lines to her of "There's Something About That Name". Her blood count had also improved as a result of a recent blood transfusion.

Some of the heaviness of the day had lifted as I drove home tonight. For the first time in several weeks, I entered a house that wasn't empty. Marilyn's dad and Dorothy had come to spend the night.

Today many little things added up and lifted my spirits. Just a spark, but from a spark can come a strong flame.

Thanks for all your Prayers
Bryon

A Better Day

August 22, 2008


As I entered Marilyn’s room today the atmosphere was different. Not knowing just what to expect, I was elated to hear her voice, no longer a whisper, and to see her eyes, no longer closed. The confused and frightened clouded stare was now replaced with a hint of the old twinkle. On her bedside table were the remnants of a tuna fish sandwich she had eaten for lunch, evidence of a returning appetite. My spirits rose, and inwardly I uttered a prayer of thanks. A ray of hope entered the room.

I could see as the afternoon wore on, that despite the obvious improvement, Marilyn still had a long road ahead. Soon tiring, it became clear that the chatter between myself, her dad and Dorothy was quite bothersome to her. It was apparent that we needed to vacate the room and allow Marilyn some uninterrupted time for rest. We retreated down the hall to the visitors room.

An hour later I decided to see if Marilyn was up for some exercise and was pleasantly surprised with a positive response. After some confusion she was able to position herself for a walk down the hall pushing her wheel chair. Clearly, the turn-around I prayed for was in sight. Marilyn managed to walk the distance back to her room and stay sitting up for just over an hour.

My heart was celebrating as I drove home in the rain. Today Marilyn forged ahead. In my mind I compared her efforts to that of the Olympians we have been cheering on all week.

Bryon

PS - An answer to you question Jenny. – I know that anytime the Stewart family would like to entertain Marilyn with a visit and a song that she would welcome it. Let me know when you plan to drop by so I can bring my video camera. I would love to feature your talent on this blog.

It Was A Very Good Year!!

What better time of the year but at Christmas to receive some good news! Marilyn and I entered the Doctor’s office on Wednesday and waited with fear and trepidation, not knowing what we would be told concerning her last scan just 2 weeks prior. The interview began with the expected question, “How have you been feeling lately?”

Marilyn’s answer “Pretty good I guess”/

“How good?” came the reply – “Do you feel fantastic, or maybe terrific?”

“Don’t keep me in suspense, just give me the results”, blurted Marilyn.

Finally we heard the news we were waiting for. The tumor that has plagued Marilyn for the last year has stopped growing and for the moment there are no signs of spreading anywhere else. Also, for the time being there is no need for Chemotherapy. There is no doubt in my mind that we are presently enjoying the effects of many prayers that have gone up on our behalf. Every time I watch Marilyn venture to expand her abilities and begin to do things that we once took for granted, I marvel at the blessing of the miracle God has granted. Just six months ago, I would never have believed we could experience a “normal” Christmas again. However, those thoughts have vanished during the last two days as I rushed around to “keep up” with Marilyn as she cleaned the house, did laundry, wrapped Christmas gifts, and rushed to find those last minute gifts.

Truly, this has been a long and rough journey that has really just begun. Now as we take time to remember the true meaning of Christmas and marvel again at the birth of a world savior, Marilyn and I will try to slow the pace and revive our energy. With a two week break ahead and a myriad of stress behind, our prayer is for God’s help to move on to the next phase of our lives.

We still covet your prayers and thank God for the ones answered. Building strength, both physically and mentally, is our goal for the New Year. And, with your prayers, and God’s help, I am confident we will find success.

We wish all the best to you and your families in the New Year. Merry Christmas!!

Marilyn and Bryon.

A Huge Accomplishment!!

What a beautiful day for a hike. I never thought I would be setting out into the woods to hike up a trail with Marilyn quite so soon but God had other ideas. We set out for a short Sunday afternoon drive and ended up at a friends’ place who happens to be building a new house at the top of a steep hill. Of course we were curious to see the progress but Marilyn had no intention of hoofing it up to the top to check out the view. However, our friend Dave had other ides. He simply took Marilyn’s hand and said “Sure you can make it – You can’t come all the way out for a visit and miss the view”. And up the hill they went. To both my stepmothers astonishment and myself we watched as Marilyn allowed Dave to guide her up the rough trail right to the top and the beautiful mountain view.

The day began with Marilyn reaching for and attaining her goal to take an unassisted shower and ended with her conquering this unexpected challenge. We have much to be thankful for. There have been many hard days along the road and I am sure we will face more in the days ahead but we can look back on Sept 24 with the satisfaction of an exceptional day of success.

Bryon

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

Home At Last - Time to Set New Goals

August 10, 2006

It has been 18 weeks, 19 hours, 59 minutes …( but who’s counting), from the day I insisted Marilyn take her first ambulance ride to the emergency care department. A torrent of water has passed under that bridge, and today I am bustling about preparing our home for her return, (hopefully permanently). In some ways it seems like only yesterday and in others – a complete eternity. Those weeks and months translate into 1/3 of an entire year. During this time our lives have been changed forever.

Will normalcy ever return to the Seeley household? That remains to be seen. But today we take that first all-important step towards bringing it back. About three weeks ago Marilyn’s doctor ordered a CT scan so he could determine the current state of her cancer tumor and make some decisions regarding further treatment. We waited with much fear and trepidation, and today, after a short ride to the Baker Cancer Center, and a much longer sit in the waiting area we were finally ushered into a consultation room where we listened as Dr. Scot Dowden gave us a rather optimistic report. In short, Marilyn’s tumor has not grown, nor has the cancer spread. It appears that for now the radiation treatment given shortly after Marilyn’s admittance to Foothills hospital has at the very least stopped this growth for the time being. Dr. Dowden also explained that this scan can’t determine the difference between active cancer cells and scar tissue and that very likely, a portion of this tumor has now been reduced to scar tissue. Unfortunately, scar tissue can be the cause of much pain, and at the moment it is the pain that is causing Marilyn the majority of her problems. Chemotherapy treatments are still a possible treatment in the future, however for now, this would be considered unnecessary. Marilyn’s best offence against the cancer and pain is to continue her exercise regime and keep pushing herself towards another goal.

With the help of Dr. Dowden, a new goal for Marilyn has been agreed upon. We are now aiming towards a dinner out in a restaurant for a Thanksgiving celebration. So far Marilyn has been able to both accomplish and surpass all of the goals she has set. We reminisced this afternoon that had there been no summer wedding to attend, Marilyn may have never achieved so much. As of now, not only has Marilyn relearned the skill of walking, but she can now negotiate two full flights of stairs up and down on her own power. She can also shower and use the bathroom facilities with almost no assistance. Considering the fact that just 2 months ago, Marilyn could not sit up in bed and needed a special machine to lift her in and out of bed, these achievements are indeed amazing. Along with her increased strength and mobility, Marilyn’s exercise regime has been a major contributing factor to a significant loss of weight as well. So far Marilyn has lost over 70 pounds and she hasn’t even become a Kristie Alley groupie.

Coming home will be one of the greatest challenges either of us has faced so far and we both look forward to this with great excitement as well as with much anticipation. I know we would not be where we are today without both the moral and prayer support of all of our friends, co-workers, and church associates. Please remember our door will always be open for visitors and our phone within reach. Our address is 172 Mount Apex Green in SE Calgary, and our phone number – 7262333. As Marilyn says goodbye to the many nurses, therapists and health care workers who have been her family lately, and as she prepares to reacquaint with the familiar surroundings of home, I know that the bumps of this transition will be smoothed out by all her friends and family. Once again, thanks for your prayers and support and we both hope to see you in our home or talk to you on the phone in the near future.

Bryon

Home Again Home Again Jiggedy Jig!!

July 11

Once again Marilyn has pushed hard through her pain to do her exercises. Over the last week she has accomplished climbing and descending stairs with the aid of a cane and handrail. She also graduated to riding in the front seat of out van so I now can take her for a short ride. On Sunday we tested out her endurance again by planning a party at our home. I told Marilyn the party was a surprise going away/birthday for my stepmother (Lyn) who has been such a help to both of us for the last few weeks. Lyn was told that the party was a celebration for what Marilyn had accomplished. It was rather amusing to watch the two of them plan away for their own party.

In the end the celebration was a grand success. Despite a bout of the flu seeming to attack her, Marilyn endured well. She was able to climb into our van without much difficulty, ride home, climb the steps into the house under her own power, sit and visit with the 20 or so guests and then reverse the whole process 3 hours later to go back to the hospital.

Lyn also enjoyed the surprise with gifts, cards and of course, a cake. On Monday she boarded a plane headed for another family celebration in Victoria and 90th birthday party for her sister Marg. We will miss her support and help greatly but also wish her a relaxing and much-earned time for a holiday and rest.

Today I am just sitting with Marilyn as she rests and recuperates from a rather nasty bout of flu. Hopefully this afternoon we will be able to resume walking and perhaps a short ride in the sunshine. The next step remains in the hands of the doctors as they determine when it will be appropriate for her to move ahead with treatment for the cancer.

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers.

Bryon

Major Celebration - We reached our Goal - We've got a Wedding to Attend!

July 3, 2006

Praise the Lord!!! Marilyn reached her first goal. All the exercises have paid off. The wedding was a big success.

Not only did Marilyn reach her goal of attending the ceremony in the park, she also enjoyed a beautiful steak reception dinner and over 3 hours socializing with the guests.

Here is to the future and wishing each of you reading this – GOOD HEALTH – and don’t stop reaching towards your own goals!!

Home for Father's Day

June 18

I have never appreciated Father’s day more than I have today. As Father’s day 2006 drew nearer I steeled myself with the realization that likely the day would pass as all the others with little significance – just another day hoping and wanting to see Marilyn push towards perhaps another step down the hall outside her hospital room door.

And then - an idea began to emerge in the back of Marilyn’s mind. A father’s day celebration had been planned to take place in our home. I thought I would go along with the idea and endure it for the sake of the family but Marilyn had another plan. She decided to make it her goal to also be in attendance. When she expressed her idea to me it seemed impossible to me that she would be able to pull it off and I’m afraid I dashed her hopes.

In the end however, Marilyn’s determination won out and plans were made for her to attend. Right up to the time of departure I half expected things to fizzle out but with some strong help and encouragement from Karen (one of Carewest’s wonderful nurses), Marilyn got completely dressed (for the fist time in 3 months), and boarded a Calgary Handi Bus bound for our house.

I was hoping the trip would be an enjoyable ride watching the hustle and bustle of the summer holiday pass by the windows, but the expressions on Marilyn’s face told me otherwise. Every turn and bump seemed to send fiery darts of pain shooting through her thigh. I prayed we hadn’t bitten off more than we could handle. It proved to all be worth it for when we reached our destination the tide turned. I watched as Marilyn, despite her pain, thoroughly seemed to enjoy the entire visit.

We decided to forgo the idea of a return trip via Handi bus and with some trepidation I called and cancelled the return trip hoping Marilyn would be able to negotiate a regular car ride instead. This turned out to be more successful than I could even hope for. Not a perfect ride back but truly a better solution than the Handi Bus. As Marilyn settled back into her hospital bed we reminisced the day/s events and looked forward with anticipation to our son’s upcoming wedding day. Finally we could look towards the future that includes some positive hopes. This was surely the best Father’s day ever for me.

Progress is beautiful!!

June 1

I guess I goofed my link to Marilyn’s exercise progress chart yesterday. Thanks to Ardith for pointing this out. I would never have known otherwise. AND it appears that Ardith has finally decided to commit to becoming a partner with Marilyn and has set a goal to put in extra time practicing her harp. I can’t wait for that first debut concert Ardith.

More importantly however, is the news of Marilyn’s best ever day of exercise. Today she successfully sat up in bed without help from the therapist, stood and walked all the way from her bed to the door of her room and back – a distance of about 20 feet. Unfortunately I was not there to witness the event but arrived just as she was finishing up her bed exercises with Ryan (the assistant therapist). It was quite the ordeal for her and left her in a state of exhaustion, but not in a state of defeat. For even though she lay there shaking and trembling, a little smile spread across her face with the feeling of accomplishment.

Thanks so much for all the encouraging emails and visits over the past few days. I will be printing and reading today’s mail for Marilyn again. Each little bit of encouragement provides more motivation to become mobile again.

Here is the correct link for Marilyn’s exercise of week 3
http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/Exercise/Week3.htm

And here is the ever growing list of Marilyn’s partners (now 18 strong) – Sorry I don’t have any special trinkets to send out if you become a partner. I just hope the sense of accomplishment for goals achieved will be enough incentive to carry on.
http://www3.telus.net/brseeley/Exercise/partnergoals.htm

Cause For Celebration

May 14
Today is Mother’s day – perhaps not the best way to spend a day of celebration – but I look at this as hope for a new beginning. A new beginning for both Marilyn and I. Helping Marilyn through this last week has been the hardest thing I have ever faced. Watching Marilyn lose all hope for a future along with her intensifying fear sent me into a circle of changing emotions with only God to support me. I know the prayers of many were being heard as I spent the day working both to reassure but also motivate Marilyn.

I struggled for ideas that would brighten Marilyn’s special day and at the last minute the thought crossed my mind to change this from Mother’s Day to Mother’s Weekend. After a couple of quick calls to our boys I made sure that they would take some extra time out of their busy weekends to come up for a visit both days and then set out to find some fun things to do. Even though there was much to accomplish in the way of exercise, speaking with doctors and nurses, and working to motivate Marilyn – God seemed to work things out. Getting up at 6 AM didn’t hurt either. As well as some family time Marilyn and I were able to have a special movie night complete with popcorn, treats and a movie that Marilyn had wanted to see for a long time. Today she is looking forward to a special meal from her favorite restaurant (The Keg), another movie, and some quality family time. During the day we had some time for heart to heart talks – fear being the most prominent topic. I steered her towards the verse from Timothy “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. “ Several times we prayed together asking God for power over the fear. It remains to be seen how effective these prayers will be but I am hopeful today for a new beginning.

As for accomplishments – yesterday there were many. I looked deep into my heart and asked God for skills to motivate and establish confidence. Marilyn began to work towards her goals. She has had to retrace many of her initial steps but at least we are looking forward and upward again. Here is a list of yesterday’s feats
1. Marilyn sat up in bed to eat both at breakfast and at dinner (something she has not done since January)
2. She worked hard with her therapist on arm and leg exercises
3. She stood by her bed for a few minutes
4. She made it 4 hours between pain medications 2 times.

I hope many of you reading this will set some goals for yourself and work along side of Marilyn to reach these objectives. I have been printing off all of your encouraging emails and will continue to do so until Marilyn can once again regain the strength and focus it takes to type and communicate on her own. (At the moment she is unable to even play a game of X and O;s) These emails have been her link to many friends and do serve to motivate and encourage. I am keeping a chart on the web so you can check to see what she has been able to do each day and send an encouraging word when time permits.

Here is my email address
brseeley@cbe.ab.ca

Tiny steps bring joy!!

May 5, 2006

Today my heart is full of joy and I look with great anticipation towards the future. No, there has been no magic miracle or fantastic cure , only a few more baby steps. But with each baby step there comes a renewed hope. Hope that Marilyn will be once again able to look past the four walls of a hospital chamber and breath in the fresh spring air.

It seems strange to be rejoicing over such an infinitesimal thing as the ability to shuffle 5 feet across the room and then return to the bed without falling, but for Marilyn this was huge. I meant to her that – yes, she can learn to walk again. With each step her confidence goes up a notch. The doctors, nurses and therapists alike are all singing her praises today. Even though the pain still nags at her being, it has become somewhat duller due to the accomplishments of the past 2 days.

I must also thank all who have taken time out of your day to pray, visit and write a note or card. Marilyn is just now beginning to realize how much impact she has had on so many lives. Each day another card or note arrives with more encouragement for her.

If you would like to send a short note or card I am sure that it would be a great comfort and encouragement to us both. The addresses for this are listed below.

Foothills Hospital
Room 756
1403 - 29 St. N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 2T9

Or at home

Brseeley#cbe.ab.ca
172 Mount Apex Green SE.
Calgary, Alberta
T2Z2V5

Thanks so much for your support.
Bryon

Pain Can't Ruin A Good Party

April 18, 2006

Today was Marilyn’s birthday. At 10:00 she called to say she was headed off to the radiation department. Alice Glowaki was already there for a visit so I hurried off to the hospital so I could be there when Marilyn returned to her room. Alice was still in the room waiting when I finally arrived around 11, meeting Dorothy and Marilyn’s dad on the way up. Marilyn rolled back around 11:30 reporting that her first treatment would be later in the day. Her comment was “They say that this will buy me a few months but this is mans medicine and we don’t know what God’s medicine will do”.

The rest of the day was a flurry with the radiation treatment and non stop visitors who stayed until 9 pm. The room was a party palace with Marilyn as the center of attention. Her room is now full of balloons, chocolate, fuzzy animals, flowers and cards. Visitors for her special day were – Alice, Vern & Dorothy, Ardith, Una, Stephen, Dale & Irene B, Darlene F, and David and Tracie.

After all the fuss and flurry throughout the day I thought that Marilyn’s pain would spiral out of control. It was quite bad when everyone left but with some kind attention from Jim, the RN on duty and myself we were able to get her into a comfortable position. I left the room at 10:15 after some quiet time and a prayer. Marilyn is in Gods hands now.