Rain

Monday, June 6 had two momentous occasions....no relation yet everything to do with each other.

Dad started Radiation and Chemo treatment on Monday.  You're never quite sure how someone will react to the radiation and strong chemo drugs, but so far so GOOD.  He seems to be taking it all in stride with almost no adverse effects.  He had another round of friends coming to visit as well as the permanent presence of his wife, 3 kids, and 6 grand kids (often in one room!).  No doubt the joyful noise helps in some way.

They say rain symbolizes cleansing, not only of the physical forms but also of the mind. In addition, many people also see rain as a symbol denoting a way for the existence of a new life.  So, Texas is in the midst of the worst drought in the last two decades - no rain since March.  And wouldn't you know it, but around the time Dad was getting ready for his treatments, it began to rain - a lot!  As I said, the two are unrelated, but in my mind, have everything to do with each other. 

Another interesting note.  While venturing the halls of Texas Children's Hospital we came across the Living Wall.  The wall shows ceramic artwork made by children while a patient in the hospital.  They place the artwork along a winding road on the wall (a road that leads them home).  These two side-by-side pieces caught our eye.

Steve and Cindy on the Living Wall

Dad is reading the comments and it is amazing to see the reach of his supporters!  Ireland and Brazil are starting to creep up the list of countries with page views.  Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming.

Looks like Dad may be out of the hospital by Thursday and we continue the treatment on an outpatient basis.  General information on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer from the National Institute of Health www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000352.htm

-Ryan

The head of hair in the bottom left of the picture is Steve watching the 6 grand kids...Cindy is in the background.

Kids are mesmerized by a movie on the computer.  Monica has her hands full!