Victoria Advocate | "Life Goes On" by coolgranny

Life Goes On

By coolgranny in The Paradox of Long Lives
October 21, 2009

Granddaughter's first birthday was cute. She was Princess for the Day, loved her tu-tu, hated her hat, and smashed her cake. Cake went everywhere as she tried to shake off the new texture. After she tasted it, more went into her mouth instead of on the floor. She loved opening her presents after big brother started them for her. She would occasionally get stuck and want to play with her gifts, but mom and dad kept the show going. Such fun.

My best bud's birthday is next week, and he will get to be center of attention. He was a great big brother that day. Love and laughter make the world go round.

Daughter-in-law will start her chemo next week. They go in for the PET today, actually. This will be followed by 7 to 9 weeks of chemo, 5 to 6 weeks of external radiation, and 5 to 6 weeks of internal radiation. Both were devastated by the extended treatments, and I think I saw fear for the first time.

When they dropped me off at the airport, I gave my DIL a long hug. Sometimes words just don't do it. I hugged my son just as long, and reminded him that we are there for his family. Literally, a phone call away and a two and a half hour flight. His stress levels were already showing by the end of the trip. I could tell because he got confused on which road to take back to the airport. This is not my son. He is the one who always knew where we were when mommy would get lost. He would always tell his dad that he got us home. I use the GPS now and sometimes know where I am.

Plans are being made to come home for the holidays, and I pray that they will be able to do so. I remember that my mother-in-law had about a month's break between the chemo and radiation, but all cancer treatments are unique. Protocol is basic, but each individual reacts differently.

I continue to stay positive, as both kids are fighters, and sometimes the fight to live can be a gift from God. Both are strong willed individuals, and that will give them the perseverance they will need at this challenging time of life.