Stem cell infusion, two years, blog in the 4th quarter.

Yesterday, the 9th would have been two years removed from the stem cell infusion.  I will never forget the day when that bag of pinkish 'life' material, I think it was over 6 million stem cells, came through that hospital door, placed on a tower and positioned so those little soldiers could march or stream into Becky....That's what Becky called them, little marching soldiers..and indeed this is what it looked like.  We could see the streaming of cells..some more pink than others, some appearing almost white, just make their way to this new home, this foreign system that they would have to adjust to...and they did.  It took some arduous work, but they did..yes, there were days of great trial after the stem cell infusion..when the fighting of the new and what remained of the old was quite dynamic and pronounced.  But the infusion was considered a success,  Becky became 99.9% of the donor.  We remember the day when the Doctor told us this.  It was a great moment.. Becky even marked on the calendar in her own writing 'me, 2 years'. And even though she is not here to celebrate this anniversary.  I still want to recall this day with great excitement..I want to smile at receiving this incredible gift from someone we never met..Thank you..Thank you..You are an earthly angel.

BLOG cessation?:  I know have mentioned it quite a few times before...the possible cessation of the blog perhaps coming soon.  I continue posting sporadic blogs, well, just because it still has therapeutic value, and these posts allow me to reflect upon our path.  Our walk..our journey.  I know I will experience sadness, or a loss when I decide to discontinue the tapping out on my keyboard of what has been and still continues to be a story that I sometimes still shake my head at...and think..'really?", but yes, really it happened.. it is life..and many of you, many others have had and are currently having some 'really?'..moments.  Like "is this really happening?" Well, yes it really is, it really was happening..and we have to adjust, maneuver, cope the best we can.  My faith at times was supremely tested, and almost wanting to question what I believed.  Yet, YET,  I still hung on to a thread of belief, of faith.  KNOWING that God, The Lord was in this uncertain journey, in the tornado, in the calm sunset on the drive home from the hospital, in the ICU room when every sinew of my body was strained and drained..  He was there. I had to truly become childlike..cast all intellect, sometimes all human wisdom to the wind..
I chose it then and still choose now to believe HE was undergirding the journey.  I know Becky is now with the Lord Jesus..I rest in this promise...I have to..I just do...
I am certainly no saintly man, no way..I know many spouses would have 'stayed the course' and made sure all was well, or as good as it could be for your loved one..And that is what we must do.  The vow, the commitment can become a dim memory as the calendar days, months and years are checked off..these marriage elements can almost feel like a weight..a burden..but when the storms come, when a tent of weariness engulfs you or great uncertainty surrounds your family..then I can only say,  You have to remain true to this commitment..You have to finish well.  You just do.  If it is a life or death issue, you will indeed want the scene to change..you will want the Almighty director to yell.."cut!", but this will not be so.. this is really happening.  One must remain steadfast...depend on others for physical and emotional assistance..whisper many prayers and when you have a moment, treat yourself good..just do it. 
Indeed, the cessation of this blog is soon to be..but hopefully not before I encourage, and/or release just a few of  'life's little instruction'..statements. My experience arrows..

Briefly, I have just returned from visiting my father, who is a lion in the deep, deep grip of winter.  He is mostly bedridden..and though brief and stacatto-like, he can communicate with sometimes amazing clarity..He does continue to amaze those that surround him.  He is ready to go..he has expressed this.  It does appear his days are numbered, but then again, that has been said countless times. He has run a good race..a fulfilling race.. 

To close, as the blog began and as Becky exclaimed in the first few weeks: 'tell them to Celebrate Life"..I end this post..with this specific instruction..

Celebrate the goodness of life here on earth.  Work is so very important, but never, ever forget how have a little fun, take time to get away, wrap your hands around a good latte or cup of tea..sit on a bench and let the world pass by..it is simple stuff, but it can sure satisfy...

Love,

Bill and Abbey