The Monster Strikes Again

It is funny that writing this post has been on my mind for awhile for many reasons and then on Thursday night it really became evident to me why, maybe. The first thing I want to say is....Cancer Sucks!!! I know that is harsh, but it is the truth.

Between Shawn and I we have lost more than our fair share of loved ones to this horrible disease. I have lost my dad,John, in his early 60's to renal cell carcinoma and his dad to the same type of cancer in his late 50's. My sister. Melinda, died at the early age of 24 to leukemia and a brother-in-law, Steve, in his late 30's to liver cancer. My dad's sister, Frieda, died in her late 50's to esophageal cancer and my step-father, Jerry to melanoma in his 50's. I can't begin to tell you how many extended family members I also have lost to this monster. Shawn lost his mom in her 50's to multiple melanoma as well as 6 months prior to her, her mom died of the same thing.

In the past week or so, two sports figures are dealing with cancer also. Boston College stand-out linebacker, Mark Herzlich, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma and pro golfer, Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, on Thursday night a young sports guy caught my attention. One of Zach's teammates mom informed me that she had received a call about her 13 yr-old son, CP, from the doctor. It appears that he has a malignancy. She was just beside herself. She hasn't told him yet because his appointment with the doctor is not until next Thursday and she didn't want him to have to worry all week.

She was in such a struggle in trying to figure out how to even tell him. I have had lots of cancer experience but not with my own children and I hope that is a place I never have to go. I pray that she and her husband find a way to tell him and that CP is able to take in what is going on and deal with it. I pray that this cancer is contained into one place and that it responds to treatment. As I obtain more info and I know CP is aware of the situation, I will post more specific information. Please lift this family up.

Day 136--The First Of Many, We Hope.

May 16th: Well, I think Zach is finally recovering from the broken thumb. He finally got what he wanted, a shot over the long fences. Saturday morning, first at bat, first pitch, he took one deep (about 320 or so before it landed) over the left field fence. I was so happy for him. It has been a long, frustrating season for him between the broken thumb, the ever continuing sore heel and a really, really young team. It was a good day for him, you can tell by the smile! Zach is all smiles!

Nice Ball

Hayden's self-pic at that mornings game. Notice all the clouds and the lights are on for Pete's sake at a day game in the middle of May. This has got to be the coldest baseball season ever.

Day 135--Buddy Day

May 15th: Hayden had a great time Friday at his schools Buddy Day. He and his friend ran around and played everything and I chased behind them to snap a few pictures. I always love these days for Hayden. He isn't really into sports so I enjoy getting to see him participate in this. I am always amazed when I watch him because this is the kid we weren't sure would be able to do these things when he was little due to his NF. He is becoming a really good athlete but I don't think he realizes it. Maybe one of these days he will but until then, I will sit back in amazement of him. Hayden and PJ taking a break from the heat.

He is becoming a good hoopster.

Check out the concentration.

The wet sponge race. Hayden won and was so happy.

The chicken throw. I think this was his favorite.

Day 133-Dual Track Meet Between TVMS and FMS

May 13: The dual 6th grade track meet between Frenship Terra Vista Middle School and Frenship Middle School was a good one. Each school was made up of two teams, the blue and the gold. Zach's team, TVMS blue team won the whole thing which is a big deal since Terra Vista has never beat FMS in this track meet since the opening of TVMS a few years ago. The coaches are very excited about this group of young men from Zach's school. They have got lots and lots of speed. These boys are so ready for football they can't stand it. Here are a few pics of Zach at the shot put ring. He didn't throw as well as he had been by about 2 feet but no matter what, he was throwing for 2nd place the whole day(which he won). The kid that won 1st is a little more physically mature than Zach and threw a crazy 36'7"!! Check that boy for some steroids! Zach headed for the ring.

His release was way too flat and look how far back he was. Had been working on it but I think he was nervous.

Zach talking to the competition, Chandler. This is the kid that threw that crazy distance. Coach Ramos told Zach not to worry, he would get him next year.

Day 129 We Celebrated Mothers Day on Saturday

May 9th: We celebrated Mothers Day on Saturday since I had to work on Sunday. I didn't take any pictures but Hayden happened to snap this one as we sat in the backyard while Shawn cooked out. It is nice photo of one of our yard torches and Yogi walking around. Boring I know but it was a nice day.

Day 128--School Picnic & Some Good Conversation

May 8th: Had a great picnic lunch with Hayden at his school today. Picked up some Chick-fil-a for us(side note: don't go to C-f-a @ lunch time. It is insanity I tell ya!) and we sat on his Scooby Doo blanket, had some chicken and some good conversation. We mostly talked about the ambulance excitement from last night(see next post) and really enjoyed each other. He decided he would leave early with me since they weren't doing much for the rest of the day. It was a perfect afternoon.

Day 127 Hayden The Photo Journalist

May 7: As I worked last night my Hayden rushed into action for me with the camera. There was an ambulance down the street with two rapid responder trucks at one of our neighbors. Not sure what was going on, but I am grateful for Hayden springing into action for me. We have really got to get a better camera for all this action!

Day 126--Our Puppies

May 6th: Ok, I missed Tuesday on this 365 thing, but I am trying. Hung out with my dogs for a while. Our little dog Raisin was supposed to be a Schnoodle and we paid a hefty price for her @ the Mall pet store. Well, we don't know what she is, but she is no Schnoodle. She has some kind of heeling capability in her bloodline because that is one of her favorite things to do, heel. Just ask our poor Lab, Yogi. Example of her heeling capability. Poor Yogi will put up with this all day. They really do enjoy each other. She shows a fine technique!

Our sweet Yogi, he is a big boy but he doesn't have one mean bone in his body. Not much of a guard dog. He would just lick any intruder to death. He is so happy go lucky. Not a clue in the world but we wouldn't trade him for anything.

Day 124 Just Know What You Are Voting For

May 4th:No matter what side of the fence you find yourself sitting on for the May 9th election in Lubbock, there are just a few things I would like to point out. First thing is I have a game for you. Take a look at the picture below and tell me what is wrong with it. I am not picking on the against guys, however it is their sign on which the error appears. Go ahead, take your time and see if you can figure it out.........any ideas?..............You give up? Look below for the answer.

The word "liquor" being used is totally incorrect. Shawn and I have discussed this the past couple of days. According to just about any dictionary, liquor is produced by using a distillation process. That would include, whiskey, rum, vodka, etc, etc, etc. Now correct me if I am wrong but my understanding is that we are voting on "packaged alcohol sales" which include beer, wine and wine coolers and these are by definition made by a fermentation process. So my problem being is the misuse of the word "liquor" is misleading to voters. Granted I know that this is not really an issue but my feeling is if you are going to promote one side or the other, make sure you are promoting the correct thing. Makes Lubbock look more silly than we already are.

However for how incorrect the signs are, I am glad to see the democratic process at work on this. I don't know the exact number, but if you check with the Lubbock AJ, it appears that we are on course to break the early voting record in a special election. I'm glad that Lubbockites are getting excited about something but it is a little sad that is over alcohol sales. Oh well.

Project 365

OK ladies and gentlemen, I am so far behind in my 365 it is not even funny. Lost my camera for a few days so that didn't help the laziness that I have encountered lately. Therefore, today starts a new day for me. I will pick up 365 from today and try to be better at it. When one works nights sometimes it can disorganize you. I promise to do better!

Farewell D

On Wednesday afternoon my family and I had the honor of watching the funeral procession of Sheriff Deputy D. Harvey. For those of you that did not know D, he was killed in the early morning hours last Sunday while responding to a call, when his unit was hit head-on by a supposed drunk driver and his unit burst into flames. D. died on site. I know living in Lubbock that we, including me, are tempted to not really think of how much these men and women lay their lives on the line for us everyday. I ask that we do not take these individuals for granted. I have two nephews, one here and one in Oklahoma that are police officers, so this hits close to home.

Please be in continued prayer for D's wife and two young boys as they search for their "new normal" in the days, weeks and years to come. Even though they go to our church I never knew D but in passing but I wish I would have. As I talk with people who did I realize the fine man he was. I leave you with images from his funeral.
AeroCare led the procession
Lubbock Police Dept and Lubbock Sheriff Dept united.
Law enforcement from all over Texas and New Mexico. What a site!