A Wonderful Way to Spend a Chemo Day

May I tell you about a wonderful first day of chemo?

So far, there have been no significant side effects, and I got the Starbucks coffee on the way home that I did not have time to get on the way to the appointment. Little things count.

The early evening centered around some significant time with Danny and Matt. It started with me acting crazy at dinner. I think I was on a steroid high. We had a great time laughing while I explained that mommies are different from boys. Mommies usually don't like the loud craziness at the dinner table. Kelli is such a good sport.

The boys are becoming such wonderful young men, but this evening they were guilty of some very typical boyish horseplay. The punishment was going to bed 20 minutes early. I spoke to them calmly and told them the consequences. There were no tantrums and only a few tears. While Danny was brushing his teeth, I just stared at him. He said, "Whhhaaaatttt!?" I said, "I love you."

I asked him if he remembered all the screaming at bed time that used to happen. Then I repeated my number one question to him: "Is it better to be mad or happy?" He sweetly said, "Happy." Then I reminded him about how he used to give the same answer, but yell it. He smiled. I also asked if he remembered when I would put him to bed and tell him I loved him, and he would answer, "Me, no." He nodded. I said, "I would tell you, 'That's okay. I love you enough for both of us!' "

Then I said, "Isn't God the most awesome loving God! He brought us together and made us a happy family full of love for one another.

Later, when he was in bed, and I was kneeling next to him, I said, "I love you." He said with a grin, "Me, no." I said, "That's okay. I love you enough for both of us!" Then I said, "Go to sleep... I love you. He said, "I love you, too."

I had a similar time with Matt. We talked about how much God had changed us, and how He brought so much happiness into our lives. Matt is easy to laugh. He also has the ability to hear the truth and agree with it even when it might mean he will lose his video game for a while. We also laughed so much that Danny wanted me to talk to him about the same things.

After my time with boys was over, I sat down to check my messages. I have received the most amazing emails and Facebook postings on the "Pray for Mr. Moore" site. They were from so many wonderful people. Some were students I taught 35 years ago while others were from current students and friends. A major story on the front page of The Roanoke Times can be a big boost in many ways.

Do you think that God has a sense of humor? How ironic is it that a major story about my cancer would hit the front page on the day of my first chemo treatment. It is more poignant to us after what seems to us like a long journey to our first treatment.

About an hour into chemo, I was writing on my computer and listening to itunes with headphones. Kelli "mouthed" to me that the people "down there" were talking about me. I pulled out the ear buds, and Kelli told me that another patient, pulling her IV pole with her to the bathroom, had asked the patient at the far end of the room if he were the teacher at Salem High School on the front page of the paper this morning. She then told them what an inspiring story it was. I felt like I was with the angel of Christmas present who allowed me to see the impact of Neil Harvey's writing.

By the way, I need to declare to the world how wonderful the people at Westhampton Christian Church have been! We have received many visits, cards, advice, and emails from them. Barbara Moore and Michael Jeremiah have been our "surrogate doctors" when we could not reach doctors during the Christmas holidays. More than that, they have been great friends. Of course anyone who knows them knows the love that comes with the help. They are truly among the most graceful people we know. Gaye Blevins called to share information about chemo. Jim Crockett visited during the first surgery as did Ken Nienke from FCC.

I love you guys. God Bless, you. Everyone!

Now, I am wondering when that sleep will come.