NHJ, wow, that must have been hard on them. Were they both away at the time?

NHJackie,

You must have been a great mom to raise such grounded children.
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Dotsie,

It was very hard on them. Laura had been to school for 2 years and Ed was just starting his freshman year when Chuck was diagnosed for the first time and give 3 to 6 months to live. We encouraged them to continue with their lives, and they did, although I know it took a toll on both of them. Of course, it helped that their stubborn father faked the doctors out and is still around 7 years later.

Without going into detail here, I was treated sucessfully for my cancer 4 years ago. Both kids were home for my surgery, which was only a couple of weeks after my father died. Somehow we made it through all of this.

Chuck had surgery for a second cancer, came through it sucessfully and then nearly sucombed to a post sergical infection, which had him back in the hospital 4 times. Laura ended up taking a year off from grad school because she was dealing with all this, but Ed managed to finish his architecture degree. We're not sure how.

I'm trying to work up the courage to tell our story over on Our Voices, but haven't quite gotten there yet.

Searcher,

Thanks for the kind words. Chuck and I will take as much credit for producing such terrific kids as anyone will give us. LOL

Wow, you've had some very serious trials. I admire you for being so strong in the face of all of it. You're an inspiration to me!

[ November 05, 2005, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: Dianne ]

Thanks, Dianne. I love it when people tell me that. I haven't always been so wonderful about things, though. This is why I think I need to write about the last few years somewhere. It will heal me, and maybe it can help others in some way.

NHJackie,

My sister's name is Jackie and her husband's name is Chuck. How 'bout that?

Searcher.

Interesting. Good combination, I think.

Jackie, thanks for sharing. Isn't it amazing when you look back and consider how you got through all that? By the grace of God and the fellowhip of other believers is how my family tends to manage during rough times. Bless you, and CELEBRATE!

We celebrate life every day.