Friday morning

Its friday morning and we woke to the rain. Par for the course as it seems the residents of Hope Lodge suffering follows the weather. Gloomy day ..... gloomy residents. Cayman and Kristen had early morning appointments and I did see Cayman but I am not sure if Kristen made hers or missed it again this a.m. Her and Chad the two new young resident here were up late playing Wii in the living room. I think they add a little life to the place as they have only begun treatment and still feel pretty good. Cayman has been scarce this morning though which is unusual, but he is beginning to be in lots of pain from his radiation, especially since he has doubled up on his treatments so that he could go home by Christmas. Sid ran a fever all night but feels a little better this morning .... or so he said. I'm not believing it though. Coach missed breakfast and I haven't seen him either. They all are beginning to worry me some.
Likewise with Pop. I was hoping for a better day than yesterday but after a decent night Pop woke up not feeling well. I haven't been able to get him out of the room yet but he promised me he would go down to the dining area at 11 am and eat. The nausea meds don't seem to help. Everyone I did visit with this morning asked about Pop .... the whole lodge is worried about him ... but that is very typical of the folks here. People here watch and care for each other. I was impressed with Pop last night as he visited with Chad and Kristen about cancer care. Chad and Kristen have both battled cancer before (this is their second round)but are so unsure about the radiation. Both are scared you can tell as no one really knows what to expect. Dad was talking to them in the same way Tru Story visited with me about what they may feel and how to set their mind. They were listening intently and I was smiling as I understood what was going on .... Pop, battle worn was letting the fresh troops know some battlefield secrets. He told Chad that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help or receive help ... it was a sign of strength. It was tougher to receive help than to give it. That is are human nature. That we shouldn't deny others the joy and blessings received for helping us. Wow! What God inspired wisdom! Cool huh? Just another example of Pop loving God and loving people in the midst of the battlefield. Please pray that today gets better and Pops weekend is restful and nausea free. Will update everyone later today after we return to LP.

TW