Sorry I didn’t write a letter last week. I couldn’t even sit, let alone type. I was flattened so low I couldn’t even read, or watch movies, or barely talk to Dad. I just existed, for a couple of days, before I started to improve. So thanks for all your prayers. I can barely imagine how bad it would have been without them! The only idea that kept me going was my decision to never have any more chemo, ever. I’m sure there are people who can handle it better than I did, but I feel like it’s going to take me weeks to recover back to where I was. I’m not even afraid of my cancer, because my life is in the Lord’s hands, and when my time comes, He’ll take me mercifully–I’m sure of that.
We’re trying to get into Christmas here. Nora helped us set up our tree, but then Sonia walked around it, looking to see if there was anything dangling from any of the branches. She remembers last year! They were still kittens, and they had fun climbing up the middle, bending down the branches, and knocking off ornaments. Maybe we’ll have to be content with just lights for this year, like a family with toddlers. I’ve tried putting a few presents under the tree, but Sonia comes running, lands on one, and skids across the floor until it stops. So most of the presents are flat, with bite marks. Scout’s behavior is a little better, since he’s still preoccupied with the mice and voules outside. I don’t think he’s catching any, but he patrols. No matter how deep the snow, he goes out looking for them.
Now Tina–well, I’m sorry to say her health is still on the decline. She’s terribly skinny, (even though we feed her Urgent Care cat food at $3.00 a can) and she gags all the time. Dad and I think she has some kind of growth in her throat, maybe a cancer. It isn’t anything the vet can find and cure easily, and we’ve already paid for two office visits. Dad suggested taking her in and having her put to sleep, but it was all talk. Tina said she wants to do it her own way, on her own timetable.
We went to the court of honor for John’s 13 scouts on Wednesday night, and it was a great evening! There was a live eagle! (Awful, evil birds!) The program only lasted an hour, and the refreshments were good. What could be better? I still remember vividly when John earned his own eagle, and it wasn’t very long ago. Aaron was one of the 13, and Jacob took the other route, the “almost eagles.”
Christmas plans: (1) Tonight is the second performance of the Messiah at Tom’s Church at 7 pm. If you look in the middle of the back row, you’ll see three nice-looking blonde singers: Me, Tom, and Bentley. There’s a pre-party at Tom’s at 5 pm. If you want to bring something, there’s still time. Contact Kim.
(2) Next Thursday, Sharon’s family will set out crossing the plains, hopefully to be here on time Saturday for the cousins’ party. Ice skating is at 1:00 at the same rink, and we’ll eat at 5. Contact Nora for a food assignment.
(3) Christmas Day: Sharon’s family will be in Upalco at the Thackers. Dad and I will visit some of you, if I feel OK.
(4) Sledding in Pocatello! More later!
Life is still good! Lots of love, Mom
