Our little Daisy

Not that she’ll be little for long, but here is her story.

I guess it was a little over a year ago (or more) that we had been kind of, jokingly, talked about getting a puppy. There seems to be an age, around 6, that a dog in our family seems to get a puppy. Red came along when Nick was about 6, Merlyn came along when Red was about 6, and Snoopy came along when Merlyn was – well, I think he was actually 7. I believe Snoopy will be 6 this year, so, should we really be thinking about this? Gil wanted to make sure everything was good after his transplant, and, at the time, Snoopy was only about 4 or 5, so it wasn’t time yet, but we were definitely thinking about it.  Over the last year a few dogs had crossed out paths as possibilities, but they always found another home, so they were not meant to be. But on October 25^th 2014 one of Gil’s friends posted on Facebook:

To All My Friends: Jeff found this Walker while hunting. She might be 4 months old. Looks like she had been in the woods for a couple of weeks, probably dropped off and left. Trying to find a good home for her and will travel to meet anyone who might give her a good home. She does well with people and other dogs and would make a great family pet. She loves to be inside with the family. She was skin and bones when Jeff brought her home, but is looking better everyday. She is a sweetheart! She gives lots of kisses and loves to have her belly rubbed!

We said yes.

Over the next few days there was a string of conversations and texts leading to her being picked up in Ocala. On Wednesday, Oct. 29^th, Gil drove up while Debbie and her husband drove down and the exchange took place. She was so thin and frail; although we had agreed on naming her Molly, the name Daisy seemed a better fit – she was as frail and delicate as a flower, it’s Debbie’s favorite, and, in the realm of peanuts, Snoopy was adopted from “Daisy Hill Puppy farm” – since we have Snoopy, it’s good to have some reference to a theme there.

She was very timid and anxious as she met the other animals and checked out the house. When she tried playing, she would get scared and run away or lie down, tail tucked. Of course, being a puppy dumped in the woods, malnourished and underfed, she wasn’t exactly housebroken, so we had our work cut out for us. After a vet visit the next day we did find out she was riddled with parasites – tapeworm & hookworm, who knows what may show up in the blood work.

She seems to be gaining more confidence and started playing with Snoopy. She has quickly learned the doggie doors, but has been very cautious about going out on her own (although today, 10/31, she followed Snoopy out on her own). She is becoming very playful, Merlyn doesn’t mind her at all but just tries to stay out of the way, and is getting better every day. She is home.

1 year later...

One year ago...hard to believe it has been year already...after several shots, taking cells out, and chemo, today is the day we celebrate as transplant day, birthday #2, or ultimately Phoenix Day!! 

Today, we visited Moffitt for his one year check up. Just as we had hoped, all is good. His chances of a cancer relapse lessen with every year. So for now, and we expect it to continue, we celebrate remission and rising from the ashes. 

Thank to our family and friends, co-workers, teammates...everyone for your continued support

We celebrate with those who continue to survive & trhrive and cry with those who lose knowing that with every battle won or lost, knowledge is gained. 

Survived Camping!!

On New Years Day, after having gone to sleep around 2am, I got up, met part of my running team and did a virtual 5K at 8am.
On Jan 2nd, I went camping with part of our youth group. Now, I have been 'camping' - summer camp overnighter, boat, trailer, cabins, but not the stereotypical - tent-dwelling - sleep on the ground - s'mores making campfire camping.
We had a lot of fun, me and the 3 girls. Riding in the car together, putting together the tent, hanging out at the bathroom, in the tent, at the campfire, in break-out groups. We kept our tent warm when the weather changed from very wet to cold - VERY cold. I did not sleep at all but listened to them breathe and the wind blow, the lantern sway, and things crashing through the woods. The next day we were going to go canoeing, but with low waters and cold wind, it wasn't happening.

I did learn a few things...
1. if the youth director tells you to move stuff from the edge of the tent so it doesn't get wet, take his advice.
2. if you are offered a mat to put your sleeping bag on, take it. (I am to dang old to be sleeping on the ground!)
3. If you have a spare sleeping bag that is not wet, use it.  Damp and warm beats damp and cold any time, but warm and dry is even better!

We did clean out a lot of guilt baggage - burning them in the fire. So, What are YOU packing??

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 john 1:9

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12