FOOD!!!!!

Now that was a unique and pleasant experience!

The Vicodin and another drug called Carafate, allowed me to eat an 18.8 ounce can of Campbell's Chunky Grilled Chicken and Sausage Gumbo! Not entirely pain free, but pretty darn close.

I know that for you chunky soup is not a big deal. But I couldn't eat it, before. Tomorrow morning it's McDonald's Breakfast Burritos! Anyone want to join me?

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Because I've lost so much weight, and because my blood pressure was 98/60 at the doctor's office today, and because the chemotherapy will probably lower my bp even more, my regular doctor called this evening and discontinued one of the three bp meds I had been taking. See, there is a bright side....

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I want to go on record to say that I'm proud of my kids. Always have been, and I see no reason to stop now.

My daughter, Amy, has been a cool, calm, rational voice that I look for whenever there's a problem, like the one I'm going through right now. Now, I don't always agree with her but I still love her just the same.

And she's always thinking.

For example, she sent me a care package of Spanish language books and a couple of magazines that featured a favorite actress of mine with a note indicating that I needed some "light reading" while undergoing treatment. Actually it sounded more like homework to me. But, I had been thinking about spending some time while in treatment still trying to learn Spanish. See how much we can think alike?

And, she sent me a link to the Moffitt Cancer Treatment Center at the University of South Florida, one of the ten best in the nation, to offer an alternative to the folks I'm seeing now. I wish I could take her up on the opportunity to be treated there.

And Ben! What can I say?

Today, he got up in the middle of his night--he works second shift--to take me to the doctor. He sat through my discussions with the doctor, and offered insights about the discussion on the way home. And, he'll probably have to do it again on Tuesday when they implant the port in my chest.

Then, he stuck around for a while, before going off to work, and he sat in the sun in my rope chair swing that Amy brought back from South America for me, and I in my hammock, and talked about many, many, things. It was just what I needed, today.

Ben has always been kind of quiet and reserved. So when he suggested that he move in with me, I was startled. Pleased, but a little surprised. And with all the help he's given me already, I'm blown away by his desire to help his old man.

I don't know what this surly old curmudgeon did to deserve such great kids, but I'm very happy, and very proud, that they're mine. I don't want anyone to ever forget just how much I love them.

So, if you ever do forget, just ask me; I'll refresh your memory.