2007
Our family has endured a lot in 2007. While composing this post, I called Jill to ask what we could report before June of last year. Neither of us could remember anything besides Peyton's dance recital in the spring! No doubt life was pretty mundane (albeit good) before her diagnosis with breast cancer. I remember thinking early last year that life was sort of ho-hum and wishing there was something more to look forward to. Now I just wish for a peaceful 2008 and am looking forward to some normalcy in life!!! But then what is normal... There is always something to be fixed, someone not feeling well, issues to be dealt with. As long as you or someone you care about is not battling disease or in harm's way, everything else is CAKE.
Okay, so let's see... In 2007, Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 5th. We gained a new family member in Lainey Paige on June 11th. Jill went through chemo in the summer and had a double mastectomy in the fall - not to mention a multitude of tests and doctor's visits in between. We spent some great family time together at Lake Keystone, at Jill's house during her convalescence, and at Mom's and Dad's house during the ice storm. Peyton started school (pre-K), and Oklahoma saw it's worst ice storm ever. A trying year, but '07 ended pretty well overall for us.
We learned a lot of valuable lessons in 2007 as well.
*The Race for the Cure walk taught Jill and us that many, many people cared about her in a big way, and also that too many people have been affected by breast cancer.
*We also gained a great sense of (extended) family from the well wishes and generous gifts sent to Jill to help her through the trying times.
*We learned that God helps us through all trials and tribulations and cares about each of His
children in this world and in his/her path to salvation.
*We learned that "mature" trees are a threat in an Oklahoma ice storm.
*We found out that Uncle Junior is a good food provider in a pinch.
*We confirmed what we always knew about Mom - that she puts others before herself and takes good care of her family.
*We also confirmed that Dad is our main squeeze when it comes to being dependable in times of need.
*Most of all, I think we all learned that family is the most important thing in life along with our faith!!!
2008
* As for 2008, things have started off pretty good for our family.
* Lainey has begun to crawl and and eat baby food.
* Jerry found a new job at Spirit Bank after being laid off from Beneficial.
* I managed to sell my house of 12 years and buy a new one - moved in last Tuesday.
* Peyton signed up for T-ball.
* Jill received her last fill in the expanders and is looking now toward her last surgeries (replacing expanders with implants and hysterctomy) this summer.
*...and Mom and Dad have just been hangin' on for the ride the last few months (actually the last year!).
Boy, have things changed - mostly for the better I do believe. Can't say enough about Mom and Dad being there for both Jill and me. They have been incredible.
Love,
Amber
P.S. My new mailing address is:
2519 W. 66th Circle
Tulsa, OK 74132
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PICS
Lainey in her winter gear
The builder allowed me to move into the new house's garage the weekend before we closed... Thanks to lots of help from the fam!
