Columbus and the Valley

Christmas Update

My last blog post was April 13. I have tried every day since to gracefully accept the measure of health I can wrestle from a disease process that is for now being held at bay…by a pill a day. Those pills cost my insurance company over $500 a day. The math nearly brings me to my knees.
Thankfully, all my systems are within acceptable limits and the tumor in my spine is being kept stable by a daily 60mg dose of Cabometyx. When I run into friends I haven’t seen in a while, there’s a time warp to connect the sixty-five-old me to a fat profile that, when I last sported it, I was walking the halls of Hardaway High School. If you think that’s weird for you, you should feel it from this side.
Know this, Jill and I appreciate the constant love we feel from every channel of our lives. I never dreamed we’d still be at it ten years after my diagnosis. We are grateful for the gifts we’ve been given and for the legions of family and friends with whom we’ve shared our lives.
We had a perfect Christmas this year. The annual Christmas hayride happened for the first time in three years and I hope we made a few memories. Saturday, on the day of our hayride, a crisp, bluebird day was a perfect backdrop for our ride.
We got some good face time with all the boys and their significant others, our parents, siblings, some nieces and nephews and friends during the Christmas holiday. I think Jill and I had a personal best in the holiday decoration category. Unpacked it, put it up, took it down, packed it up. Back in the barn. Bam!
For the past couple of years, we got a unique perspective of the courtship of our son, Christopher, and his main squeeze, Kathryn Anderson, of the California Andersons. Some few months after they met, Kathryn joined our team at “Columbus and the Valley” and got to witness firsthand, a rare glimpse into what makes her tick that most “parents of the partner” would never get the chance to see.
We are thrilled that Kathryn and Christopher are engaged! Here’s what I’m more excited about: I’ve watched our son blossom with Kathryn at his side. She makes him happy and that makes me happy. She is compassionate about her causes, really smart, protective of her pack, competitive and so much fun to be around.
Having the great pleasure of working with Kathryn and getting to know her organically and we enter our new roles in each others’ lives. I could not be more excited about having Kathryn join our family.
That’s all I’ve got for now. That, and this big ol’ smile.

Comments

  3. Are you tired of being called a “walking miracle”?
    Too bad! You’re an honest to goodness
    walking miracle!!! Reading about your wonderful
    Christmas makes me so happy! You’ve been to
    hell and back, and deserve every single second
    of happiness you experience. Kathryn is a lucky
    girl to be joining your family. Happy New Year
    to all of you! Love to you and Jill.

    Reply

  6. Your post makes my heart smile. Feeling your joy, gratefulness and unabashed love for family, friends, and life is a beautiful gift for the new year.

    Reply

  8. The lyrics of ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ are streaming through my mind as I read this.
    I am so thankful for this wonderful season you
    and yours are enjoying.

    Reply

  11. Glad to read your update. I am now on a drug called Opdivo. Not sure how it’s working but it’s great not to be sick. Just itch some. Isn’t the new facility wonderful? We are so blessed to have such a place here close to home. Hope you continue to have good reports. Always makes me feel better when I read about someone I know having a good day! Glad y’all had a great Christmas!

    Reply

  12. Congratulations to you and Jill. What a thrill to see a grown child find “the one.” I know. And I wish you and no one else ever had to worry about the cost of health. You are both a light to so many of us. Who needs Christmas lights? With you and Jill in our lives, everyday shines brighter. Hugs.

    Reply

  13. THANK THE LORD for the measure of health you can wrestle from a disease process that is for now being held at bay…by a pill a day. I’m so very proud of you and your amazing Jill. I love you both!

    Reply

  14. I hope you and Jill have many many more years of CHRISTMAS MAGIC! Cindy and I love you both very much!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

  15. So wonderful hearing from our friend again. Glad to hear you are kicking along. We have always admired your fighting spirit and HOPE. God Bless and hope we get to run into your smiling face soon. Love, Barbara and Andy

    Reply

  16. Mike and Jill,
    I am so glad you posted. It is a lovely read. I am glad you wrote in your magazine. I have missed your articles. Wishing you both a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

    Reply

  17. Thank you for the update. …..now we know how to be more specific with our prayers for you…. You two look really fine

    Happy New Year!

    Reply

  18. Mike, thank you for the update! So thankful God is holding you and Jill in the palm of His hand. Grateful for a wonderful Christmas and Congratulations to Christopher and Kathryn! She is marrying into a great family!

    Reply

  19. What a heartwarming report! Mike I am so proud of you for fighting for your life. The precious life our God gave to you. And Jill you are such an inspiration. You are Mikes best cheerleader! I love you both. Have a fabulous New Year!

    Reply

  20. It is a gift to receive your blog updates, no matter the length or topic. All the next to you and Jill for a great 2019.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *