Each day looks better than the last. Slowly, but ever slowly, I'm gaining stamina. No more weight, mind you, but stamina. Eating about half of normal at each "setting", just try to "set" more often each day. Doc sent me to rehab a coupla months ago and that is still going very well. My "trainer" try's to kill me every Tueday and Thursday but you know what they say, "If it doesn't kill you, it will make you well." (Well, maybe that's not it.) Still learning on the eating thing. Have it down to not eat late. Also have done well, (well, let me make that better), with a bigger pillow. I wake up about 3 with my neck hurting, change to my regular pillow and sleep like a baby for the rest of the night. Still have my feeding tube. Am cutting down on how much I intake each day and it I maintain my weight without it, then out it comes. Time will tell on that. Have had the opportunity to share the fact that a rubber plug, from a hardware store, is much more comfortable to "wear around" each day than the valve that's furnished with a feeding tube. Lynda is as happy as I've seen her in 9 months and obviously that makes me happier than I've been in that stretch of time, also. I still am in awe of the power of prayer and what God has chosen for me at this time. (Notice, I'm not assuming any more "time on earth" but am enjoying what I have each day from a different viewpoint.) He has a plan for me so I'm "keeping my eyes peeled" for that task or tasks. God is good.

Well, it's been a day or two since I've shared my life with you all. I had the privilidge to "share" my caregiver, Lynda, with Angie, my # 2 daughter. (Now, # 2 does not mean I love her second best over either of my other daughters, it just means that she was born second.) Angie had some surgery and the proper place for a Mom to be is where she is needed.
I will have to admit, I did pretty good taking care of myself while she was gone. Don't think, however, that I didn't miss her because I did!
My "condition" is getting better by the day. (How many times have I written that?) Today was a red letter day. I weighed in at 140. It's been a slow struggle from 130 and, who knows, the next 10 pounds my come easier. I sure hope so. Sleeping at night is still "iffy." Lynda did make a great suggestion that helped. A "fatter" pillow. Keeps my head higher than my Food Processing Unit (formally know as my stomach, when all of it was there.) I try to eat early, before six, and bland stuff, but you can only do that so long. I am not waking up as many times with (what was called acid reflux) a bitter taste in my mouth, and coughing. And, that cough thing. I don't even realize I'm about to experience "bitter taste" until all of a sudden I start coughing. Strange! Never did that before.
First of February I lost a life long friend of mine, Ronnie Leatherman, who was from Levelland. His wife and children called and asked that I and one of our other buddies, Dock, put out the word that they were going to have a Remembrance Gathering at his home in Lubbock. Ronnie, by buddy who died, had called me at least every week since I found out that I had cancer. He and his family lived in Denton one year while he was doing some "education" at The University North Texas and we had reconnected. The Gathering was to take place on Feb. 6, 11 AM to 1 PM. I set my plans, to Lubbock at 9 AM on that date and back at 3 PM. (Had a prior commitment for that night.) 9 AM, Southwest and I left Love Field (beautiful clear day) but we begin to encounter clouds coming into Lubbock. Fogged in! Lubbock? You've got to be kidding! Took a coupla shots getting in but to no avail so we went to Midland/Odessa. Hung out there for a bit, were finally cleared to go to Lubbock and we dropped back in at 1:15. Just in time for me to get something to eat and wait for my flight home. Had a call from Ron's son, Gary, to tell me how well it all went and to thank Dock and I, again. (Dock, who drove, was there with a good group of our friends.) Gary also told me that he was on his way to the airport so his sister, Kelly, could fly back to Houston. Will wonders never cease? She was on the same flight I was, so we had a great visit from Lubbock to Dallas. Also, while I was at the airport, Pat, Ron's wife, called to say thanks and how much she enjoyed the Gathering. I arrived back in Dallas with my day complete (except I didn't get to see a bunch of my friends, but there will be another day for that).
My caregiver is back and I'm complete once again --- as long as I have all of you! Thanks for your prayers and concern. Lynda, I, all my girls, my grandchildren and son in laws can never begin to tell you enough. Love you all, and in closing, today, remember ---
The only thing the Lord has promised you is the breath you just took. Enjoy the next one and thank the Lord.

Have we discussed, lately, the importance of caregivers? Indispensable is the first and only word that comes to mind. Mine is there at every turn, good or bad. Always offering a word of encouragement when things are not going quite right. Keeping up with all the instructions that all the docs give and helping set up a routine (that you can live with) and reminding (kindly) when you stray. Sometimes you can "lean on" then just a little heavily. Not taking the responsibly for you own self that you should and you can "wear them thin." You will pay, and rightfully so. Just because you are the patient doesn't mean that they have to "be patient" all the time. If you, as the patient has any gumption at all you have to reverse roles on occasion in order for your caregiver to "refresh" and feel appreciated. I love my primary caregiver and all the "auxiliary" caregivers that I have, and I couldn't make it without them. They, their prayers and the prayers of all my friends and family around the world is why I'm here today and doing well. Love you all.