Thursday, September 20, 2012

Turning 60 is Good


My sister, Jean, turned 60 on August 31.  While we were still on vacation, we decided to pop in to see her.  I had talked to Elizabeth about a week earlier that we would like to come for a visit and she had agreed that Jean would like to see us.  Her doctor had instructed her to rest for a month and then she would take up another round of chemotherapy.  This time her chemo would be by mouth rather than through her veins.

We arrived there on Thursday afternoon and surprised her with our visit. Her family had decorated the apartment with all things relating to 60.  She was upbeat and happy to see us.  They already had a cake so we brought ice cream.  We sang to her and gave her a present – a $60 gift card to Dress Barn.  She loved it!  Many friends had sent cards and small gifts.  Her best gift was that all of them were going back home to Chattanooga for a few days.

So the next day we visited Jean and Edd while Elizabeth was at her cooking school lesson.  After she got back from school, they left.  Elizabeth had received a matching cap to the pants they have to wear.  It was a black plaid outfit which looked very nice, kind of in the “Chopped” look.  (Side note:  Walter and I really enjoy that show on the Food Network.)  She shared with us the knife set she has that has her name engraved on the blades.  Since they are chef quality, they should last her a life time.  So soon after she arrived, we said our goodbyes and good wishes and left for our own adventures.

It was good to see Jean and the family.  She showed me her scar and the redness that the radiation had left.  I could tell it was painful for her to wear her undergarments against that reddened skin.  But she is here, alive and travelling and 60!  This is praise to me.  She is witnessing to a man who believes he has done too many wrong things in his life for God to ever forgive him.  Jean is trying to help him see that God can and will forgive anything.

God is good!  The cream she was given has helped with the skin over the surgery scar.  She has no open places on her skin today. Jean will see her doctor tomorrow and she thinks he may start her on the pills then if all proves ready.  She is to take them for 5 years.  The Dolly Parton Foundation covers some of her medical care expenses which is fabulous.  God bless them.


Delicious Chocolate and Vanilla Cake

Sixty? Who Cares?

Edd, Jean, Elizabeth & Walter

Me, Sister & Niece

Delay Feature on Camera Allowed Us All in the Picture

Enjoying Being Together
I will post more later on what else we did in Gatlinburg.

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