A visit with Granny and Grandad

As I mentioned in my previous post, dad is battling cancer for the second time. Whilst physically he is doing as well as can be expected and appears stronger than the last time he was going through chemo, he and mum have been feeling pretty flat. Things with my younger brothers aren't good which of course worries my parents and that on top of dad's treatment and mum's commitment to work and having to support dad has been hard on them. I decided to visit them in Tassie and timed it to be there for Dad's birthday and mother's day. What better way of giving them a boost than bringing their precious grandson to see them. Dad describes Will as the 'sunshine in his life' which I think is pretty apt!

These photos of from an outing to the City Park with Granny and Grandad.

Stop and smell the roses

As many of you would be aware, my dear dad has been suffering with cancer. 

He was diagnosed a couple of years ago after struggling with his health for years. By the time the doctors finally figured out the problem the cancer was at an aggressive stage. However, we were all still optimistic about the future. 

He was diagnosed with Non-hodgkins lymphoma. Which the doctor told him "is one of the better cancers to have." Seems like a funny thing to say but what he meant is that the rate of remission is quite high and many people live for many years after diagnosis. Dad was lucky that he had veteran's status as his treatment progressed quickly and he was having chemotherapy within a couple of weeks of diagnosis. All through the treatment we had faith that he would be healed and I know with all my heart that the fasting and prayers of the beautiful members of the Launceston East Ward, and other family and friends, together with the incredible faith of my dad is what healed him. He went into full metabolic remission just over a year ago and we felt like that dad would have a well deserved rest. It wasn't to be though. 

Upon mum and dad's return from their amazing world trip, dad learned that the cancer was back and more aggressive than ever. Again we are all optimistic and through the power of priesthood blessings believe that this bout is just another trial to go through before dad will be healed again. Dad and mum's greatest desire is to serve missions. Not just one but 2 or more if they can. Dad is quite pragmatic about his health and will openly tell you (if you were to ask that is) that he thinks this cancer or a related health issue will be what eventually claims his life. He just desires to serve his Heavenly Father here on earth first AND desires to be the best grandad ever!! He wants to be an influence in his grand-children's lives and see them grow up. I can't think of a more righteous desire than that and it is my hope and prayer that his righteous desires will be granted. 

As anyone with a loved one with chronic health condition or disability will tell you, life is precious and relationships are the most important thing to cherish and nurture in the short time we have on earth. 


I have been really trying to take this on board. So much has happened in the last year that has made me take stock of what I have and to try and be grateful each and every day for the amazing blessings I have. I really am just trying to live one day at a time and not stress about what's happening next week, next month and not worrying about the nitty gritty details that I usually LOVE to over analyse. When Peter asks for a hug or for me to just come for a snuggle I'm trying to just drop what I'm doing and follow him. When he comes to give me a kiss when I'm at the computer I'm actually pausing and turning to return the kiss, not just turning my head slightly and continuing to look at the screen (terrible isn't it)!!

I'm trying to listen better to people. I had discovered recently that I wasn't as good at that as I thought (and as I'd fooled a lot of people to believe)....I'm trying not to get so easily distracted. I realised this week that I really am addicted to Facebook. It's not a healthy habit and I'm determined to set myself some boundaries with it. When I have time to myself I need to be more productive. Sure, I get the chores done but there are a number of projects I've been wanting to sink my teeth into but just haven't launched into them yet. This week, I'm going to start one - or maybe 2! 

When I sat down to write this post I had no idea all of this was going to spill out on the page but I'm so grateful it did. I'm so grateful for the example of strength from my parents and I'm particularly grateful today to welcome Peter home from his week away with work.