Life is Life!

Wow! Since my last post life has been so crazy! Two weeks ago yesterday, Ralph began having agonizing pain in his legs. Nothing relieved it. We finally called 911 as he couldn't walk. We found out after an MRI that his cancer has spread to his spine causing 5 vertibrae to collaspe. We have been so blessed to know the best spine surgeon here in the valley and he offered to put together a team and operate on Ralph to take the pain away. So a week and half ago they operated on him to remove the biggest tumor causing the crushing of the vertibrae and also fusing the vertibrae and securing them. It was extremely risky. Ralph was already weak and not breathing well and was also a high risk for blood clots etc...etc...etc...Dr. Bacon( the spine doc. that is our good friend), was very honest with us and said there were alot of factors that made the surgery dangerous for him, but if he didn't have the surgery he would live the rest of his life in the hospital under large doses of medication. We all agreed that was not a way to live.

Miraculously...he made it through and is now home. He stayed in ICU for 3 days and then another 4 days in a regular room and was doing so well he was booted out. Of course he has a nurse come 2-3 times a week now and a physical therapist as well, but he is walking and breathing on his own as well.

This week he is preparing for radiation for the next month and then a series of new chemo. It is a hard road and even though he feels so grateful for not having the horrific pain, he is tired and wondering if he can do it.

Dr. Bacon said he had the distinct impression while operating on Ralph that it was not his time to go yet. I am sure that Our Father in Heaven is giving him the opportunity to see his baby girl, Kristy, married in two weeks at least. Such a blessing. In fact...there have been so many miraculous blessings during this past month we have been here.

Being able to be here at this perfect time when Dr. Bacon was here to help is incredible. If we had been in Washington that opportunity would not have been available.

Being here with our children to help and support us. Miraculous!

Being able to actually move here and get settled abit before all of this happened. Miraculous!

The day of Ralph's surgery our fourth grand baby was born. I was there to see it. Absolutely Miraculous. Ralph was able to see Olivia before he went into surgery. She is beautiful with brown eyes, brown hair and a little browner skin than the rest. So our daughter Anne and Ralph were in the same hospital at the same time so we could be a part of all of this. Miraculous!

We have felt so blessed and amazed at how involved our Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

We have felt the prayers of so many and have been given peace beyond our understanding. No matter what comes along we know that our Savior is with us and will guide us through.

I know that Ralph and I will be together forever in the eternities and how grateful we are to our Savior for providing the way. My cup runneth over......



So now onward and upward to get ready for a wedding on the 23rd. Life certainly is Life!