Victoria Advocate | "God's Timing II" by coolgranny

God's Timing II

By coolgranny in The Paradox of Long Lives
July 26, 2009

Younger son called today, and wanted to know if the potty ever got put in. I laughed and said I just finished dad's paint job today, so the install should be soon. He asked if there are two working bathrooms, and I asked why. He and his family are leaving Friday for a visit at home before her cancer treatments start.

That tells me that DIL did her research, and she wants to see everyone while she still looks like herself. From what I read the treatments are every day for 6 weeks, her gorgeous hair will fall out, and she will lose even more weight. She is already a size 2, so gaunt will definitely be the word to describe her. I worried about this a while back as their vacation plans and daughter's need to just get back home were on hold. They will spend a week here, and then she will start the procedures. I immediately called her back and asked about her mental status. She said she was fine, but just wanted to visit while she had the strength, so she's definitely done her homework. Bless her heart. This disease is hard enough when a person has lived a full life. I imagine that the reality of it all has finally sunken in for both of them.

Hub told me to just swap cars with them when they get here. He is always trying to get rid of my mawmaw car. I will follow them back to NC, and hub will fly up later in the week. These are the times we wish that everyone in the family lived right next door. I am afraid I would be like the mother-in-law on Raymond. Distance keeps us focused on our own interests and keeps us from getting totally wrapped up in the grands. Sometimes, it is just nice to be able to hug them for real instead of over the phone.

I am also wondering about my mother-in-law. Plans were already in place for her visit around August 4th. She too is a cancer survivor, so her advice will be appreciated. When her hair fell out, she was ready with an assortment of silk scarves, and she wore more makeup and red lipstick everyday. She just refused to let this disease beat her up spiritually. I have to admire that. Maybe the wisdom of age and experience along with family hugs will be just what the doctor ordered for my sweet daughter-in-law.