Rain...

We have minor flooding in the laundry room from the constant rain here in Kansas. Luckily, it is contained to one area of the basement. I have been busy with the floor squeegee and utilizing the floor fans. 

Our ground is saturated from the rains. It's very unusual to flood in July or August in our area of Kansas. Often, Kansas has had drought and very high temperatures at this time of year. 2013 has been unusually wet and cooler. 

Jim has been to tired to help me due to his cancer and chemo, but luckily the seeping water had been manageable. The rains are not pouring down, but are light, yet constant. 

I enjoy watching the rains. I just wish I weren't watching it come into the basement. I have it better than most, so I won't complain. 

Still struggling...

I am still struggling with keeping up on the blog. Summer has taken a toll on us; financial, physical, time, strength, courage, energy, and I could go on and on. I pledge again to try and do better with the blog. 

Jim's chemo treatment for his lung cancer was not deemed successful. Jim is now utilizing radiation and a new chemo, simultaneously. This new regime is taking a toll on Jim. He is extremely fatigued, weak, tired, low energy; all of those types of terms. 

Jim continues to have a positive attitude and sense of humor. I continue to try and support him and our family. 

The CONSTANT battle with the insurance company has been a huge source of stress and frustration. We have no income for July and August, thanks a lot BCBS and Cigna. We'll make it but it is so stressful sometimes wondering how we'll make it! 

I am thankful for my friends, and for Jim's friends. Their continued love and support means more than they will ever know. I need to give a special shout out to D. D's unwavering support means the world to us.

Thank you...

Thank you. Throughout Jim’s cancer crisis I have been in awe of the kindness and generosity displayed to us. Some people we knew would step forward and assist us in any way they could, and they certainly have. Some people we didn't expect but were pleasantly surprised by their help. Some saw a need and just took care of it. Some pointed us in the right direction. Some have prayed for us, thought of us, provided positive energy and uplifted us. Some people helped with encouraging words (some spoken and some written), some in actions and deeds, some with childcare, some financially, some gave time, some gave meals, some gave gift cards, some gave groceries, some in all categories. Some people have no idea just how much they have helped us. Sometimes it was a huge need that was met. Sometimes it was the littlest thing that was huge to us. Sometimes it was a tiny smile or a fb post of theirs that hit home. Some people knew that they helped us; some have no idea that it meant so much. Some types of assistance were easy to accept; sometimes we had to swallow our pride to say yes. Some of you truly were the mouth or hands of God, if you realize it or not. Some of you helped anonymously… and we never did figure out who you were, so I cannot personally thank you but I hope you know that you are appreciated.  We are so very thankful to each of you. If I haven’t personally thanked you, please know that I meant to and it was an oversight. Some of you may not realize that it was you that touched our hearts. Jim and I (and Matt) had a conversation regarding how it felt to be blessed by others, so that we can remember that feeling, so that we can pay it forward in the future. Several days I have been moved to tears by your words or deeds, and again today is one of those days as I reflect back over the last few months. Sometimes "Thank You" doesn't seem like it's deep enough to say what we feel, but I don't have a better phrase. Thank you, from both Jim and I. <3