Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Possibilities

This week has been one of extreme highs and lows to say the least. The lowest low is what has happened and continues to happen in Japan. Watching the news and seeing the faces of suffering is more than my brain can comprehend at times. I cannot begin to imagine living through what the Japanese are now dealing with. Every time I turn the news on and see those beautiful, stoic faces, I think of the multiple Japanese exchange students who lived with my parents and with Bob and I through the years. I cannot help but wonder where Noriko, Yoshi and all the rest are today. My heart aches for the entire country as I know many other hearts do as well. I especially find myself sad when I see the elderly, so confused and alone, having lost everything. How I wish we could go rescue them and make it all ok again.

So what to do? Having gone through our own loss in the May 3rd tornado of 1999, I remember all too well the incredible kindness of so many. One group stands out in my mind and that is the American Red Cross. They were there from day one providing for all our immediate needs and continued to be there for months after. Looking back, I really don't know what we would have done without all their help and the help of so many others. I bring this up in the hopes that you might consider giving to the Red Cross as a way to help those in Japan. Please consider it. We can all make a difference together.


Now for the highs of this last week. Kelly spent the entire week here in Oklahoma with my family. It was wonderful. She was wonderful. I didn't want her to leave. Ever. She did leave however, yesterday. Her husband, David, flew in late Sunday night and they both flew to Houston early Monday afternoon. Then late this afternoon, Kelly went through her clinical trial radiation procedure. My stomach was in a knot all day and I had a bit of trouble thinking about anything else. Anyway, finally this evening, I was able to get David on the phone and immediately asked how Kelly was.

"She's great!"

"Really? Great?"

"Yeah, we just got back to the room and everythings good."

I told David I would call Kelly tomorrow and hung up the phone feeling relief flood every pore of my body. This was a high well worth waiting for. 

MDAnderson is the only hospital worldwide running this particular trial at this time. Kelly is only the fourth person to undergo this procedure. The risks were explained to us as definately there but the possible positive outcome is where our focus remains. Where it will always remain.

Anyway, this last week with Kelly provided for some very entertaining moments. Who knows, I just may tell you a few of them in the days ahead.

Goodnight.


11 comments:

Ms. A said...

The tragedy in Japan is so overwhelming, I can barely watch.

Thoughts and prayers for "Kelly" AND "You and the family". Wishing all the best.

J.J. in L.A. said...

I read about the rescuers finding a 4 month old baby girl and that her parents had survived too. I love reading that kind of story.

And "Yay!" for Kelly! Saying a prayer that it all goes as well as David said.

Nancy C said...

Hi Friend,

Sending love to Kelly and Family.

And Japan.

It's so hard to watch, but caring is what makes us human.

Brian Miller said...

yay for kelly that is awesome and great to hear some good news in light of everything honestly...

yeah japan is heavy on my heart...

Glen said...

tragedy and hope.

If only we could have the one without the other!

That's great news about Kelly.

Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR said...

I know what you mean, Marla. Every time I see the coverage on television, it pulls at my heartstrings and just seeing the footage is and how much damage there is, is just almost incomprehensible to me.

On another note, I'm really glad the first run went well for Kelly. You and Kelly and all the rest of your family are always in my thoughts. You all are such great people!

Parsley said...

Reading this post just reminds me how much I want to meet you.

Silver Strands said...

So glad things went well with Kelly. How fortunate to be a part of this trial - I will keep her in my prayers. The people of Japan as well. When a disaster like this strikes, we realize how very small the world is. I know people in Japan, and I don't know anyone who is not connected in some way - a cousin of a friend or something like that. When disaster strikes, the world is affected.

Can't wait to hear details of your time with Kelly!

Not So Simply Single said...

Saint Marla, prayers to the Japanese people will help I am sure.

I can't even watch the news, it makes me so sad.

Love you,
Lisa

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, sending only good thoughts for Kelly! As for Japan, I cannot begin to imagine the terror the mothers must be feeling throughout this ordeal. So very sad.

Teresa said...

the tragedy there is so, so terrible. our SIL's family lost two family members of that tornado after it crossed the state line into Kansas (Haysville, KS was terribly affected but didn't get much coverage because OK was in so much worse shape.)

so glad that kelly is doing well with this treatment. continued prayers for you all.