For You, No Big Deal – For Me? Huge!
It may not be a big deal for you all but for me – given the past few months, today, and this week in general, are pretty special events for me.
First – Moving Home
Today I moved my son back home after his first year of college. When we moved him in back in August I was a happy go-lucky, middle-aged man who was just pleased to be jettisoning another offspring from the house. I had no idea what the next few months were going be like and didn’t have a clue that something was rotten in Denmark (or some “private” real estate a little south of Denmark.) I hadn’t been diagnosed with bladder cancer. I hadn’t thought about anything that could potentially limit my lifestyle other than just general old age.
Unfortunately – as you all know – I got a wake up call that old-age wasn’t guaranteed for me.
Fortunately – I had some great doctors and live in a time where I could rebound.
As I said. Today we moved my son out of the “dorm” (more like an apartment I could never had afforded at his age) and back home for the summer. The big news is…
I did the moving!
Yup… couches, chairs, dressers, small refrigerators. I lifted that barge and toted that bail. While my wife and kids were a bit concerned (as was I, if foreced to admit it) it all went well. Nothing popped, broke or exploded. Got through it with out a single problem. For me – this is somewhat of a milestone in that it cements in my mind that I’m back. Maybe not better than I was, but man, just being back in the general vicinity of where I was is huge for me.
Second – Moving Up
This Saturday my daughter graduates from college. She did it in 4 years – an accomplishment by itself in these times (I know VERY few people who are getting their degrees in 4 years anymore.) But… in addition to getting though college in the “normal” time frame – she is graduating Magnum Cum Laude!
I know… knock me over with a feather! While I’ve always known she was a remarkable child (aren’t all of them) this is a pretty big accomplishment. She is rightfully proud of the work she had to put in to get that level of recognition – and her mother and I are peacock proud as well!
But the somber side of me also realizes that if not for the medical care I got I may have missed this event. It reminds me that we (me – and you) need to make sure we do the things that increase the odds of being able to experience things like this and not take for granted what we have. I am so happy I’m going to be there on Saturday – scars and all. I am also very aware that it could have gone a much worse way.
So… take care of yourself – check out things that don’t seem right (I’m looking at you, the men!) I know we don’t like the whole doctor thing but trust me – you’d much rather take care of the problem and be there to see your children, nieces, nephews and friends walk across a stage and get a diploma than not.
I’m happy this week for those two things and so many more. Enjoy your summer and I’ll be back in a few with updates as they come up.
BTW – if you know of anyone who needs to chat about bladder cancer or anything associated with it – let me know and I’ll be more than happy to give them my 2 cents.
In honor of my Dad (who’s birthday was May 1 and who died of lung cancer in 2008)…