good times

Last night we went to Andy's parents for a hot dog roast. It was great. Denny Jo, her kids, Candace, and her kids all came. We were having such a good time the neighbors came over to eat as well. We live in a great community where impromptu outdoor meals can be shared with everyone around. I loved playing with little Max. He would toddle around growling, then when you growled back he would run away screaming. It was awesome. Andy has been doing really well. His pleurisy is better, as well as his pheumosis. (I doubt I spelled that right, but oh well) Someone ask us the other day how we could be so happy while Andy still has cancer. Our response was, No one knows when they are going to die. We all just need to learn to enjoy and appreciate the time we are given. Andy's cancer is unlikely to go away. We know what will take his life, however we have been given the miracle of a little more time. We are thankful for that. So why be depressed and always sad. I say use your time trying to be happy.(play, sing, laugh, go on adventures.) Life is full of disappointments, frustrations, unhappy people. Don't be one of them. Be optimistic, adventurous, loving, enduring, patient, and kind. It make a difference in the world. It makes a difference in those around us. That is what is important.

Heart melting music

Last night we were able to finally skype with Andy's little brother's wife Tayna and sweet Jonah. We didn't have much time, but the time we were able to see and talk with them was more than worth it. Little Jonah is growing and changing so much it's hard to believe. I should mention they live in Virgina. David is in the military, so they live where the navy tells them to. We miss seeing them and seeing the growth Jonah is making. I have to tell you something funny. Jonah loves music, so Shaeli and Andy played guitar and sang to him. He, however, gave us the concert of a life time. Jonah sang "I've been working on the railroad." He improvised when he got to the part that goes, "someone's in the kitchen with Dina". He sang, "someone's in the kitchen with Auntie Peggy". It was wonderful. I absolutly loved it. Hopefully they will be able to visit in July. Can't wait to hear the song in person. Maybe we will find the music for the guitar so he can sing it with Shaeli.

Gratitude abounds

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Through this last year and a half, we have been overwhelmed with the support we have been given. Our family has been a life line of support, which most people would just expect. However, it has been the little things, that have really been welcomed. It is through small things that great things happen. We have witnessed this in our life. Kindness is truly contagious. A smile can uplift and encourage a child, nice words to a teen can help with hope, and a warm hug from friends can stregthen a tired soul. We apprieciate those who volunteered, donated, and came to the fundraiser. The dinner was an overwhelming experience for me. I thought we would have a good turn out, I didn't expect the 300+ that came to show us how much we are loved. Andy has always been an easy person to like. He is energetic, kind, hard working (don't let him know I said that), sympathetic, and willing. He can make anyone feel safe and comfortable. He loves to talk to and entertain others. He is my complete opposite. He loves to meet new people and make lots of friends. I would rather curl up with a classic book and hot cocoa. During our marriage, Andy has helped me to stretch my openess to others, controll my all to sharp tongue, and act on prompting of the spirit without worry of what others may say. I have said before that I have been humbled not by the cancer, but the loving actions of those around me.
The fun run was great to have. Where the dinner was emotionally and overwhelming, the run was full of fun and energy. The location was great. The people were perfect. We were so happy that I doubt anything could have taken that feeling away. I hope that we will be able to have pictures from the events to share on the blog soon. There has been some technical difficulties. So, until next time. Have a lovely day!

Trying to recover from a "WILD" weekend

Late nights, early mornings, I have no idea how I did this in my teens. I had to take a nap just to make it to bedtime on Saturday.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!
The fundraiser went better than I ever dreamed. Thanks for everyone who showed up, helped, and in general provided support. If I didn't get to talk to you at the dinner, I am sorry, I was really busy that night. I will set up an official thank you page in alphabetical order on the website www.fightagainstmelanom.org
Here is what we saw from our vantage point:
Lots of happy people who were patient when we ran out of food at first. Generous people who bid on the auction items. Excited people who were breathing heavy, that participated in the 5k. Very charitable companies and individuals, and how about those volunteers!!!!!! give them a big hand. Without all of them I wouldn't have been able to make this happen.
By Saturday at 3 I was exhausted. Some of you who came to pick up your items may have even caught me in a state of rest laying on the floor.
I do have to say, with equal appreciation for all my volunteers, a special thanks from me and my family need to go to Wendy Stephens, and JaNeal Pollock and their families. They have been helping us out for a long time, and stepped it up to a level I didn't think possible. If you see them, give them a hug from me, or just a pat on the back.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy, Peggy, and all.

generosity of others

As the time approaches for the fundraiser, I have mixed feelings about it. I admit I am a proud and stubborn person (no comments from the cheap seats...mom). I constantly say to Andy, "We don't need to do this. We can find our way.", then we receive billing statements from Huntsman (University of Utah). Our latest one,that is not going away, is a whopping $62,500 due to some weird thing with billing and the insurance company. Now, let's put this in perspective. Last year, I received our first bill from Huntsman(UoU) for Andy's heart surgery (stint in the artery that goes across the heart), and it was around a do-able price of just under $40,000. With our insurance, we paid around $2,000-3,000. I can't remember exact amounts. Then came the first of several billing statements for the IL2 treatment. Don't pass out people, but it was over $150,000. That was just for the pharmacy (drugs, treatment)not the week stay in the ICU or doctor's. By the time the third billing statement came I was pretty much impervious to the price. With the help of family, friends, and health insurance (and our saving account) we paid around $10,000. Actually a little more but who's counting. So, when we first saw this bill from the radiation treatment we knew that we would be paying around another $10,000 this year with our health care max payout. Well, this alone we could probably suffer through again, but then our doc's reminded us that we would have on going and continued medical bills for the rest of Andy's life. So we face a $10,000 min. bill every year for Andy as long as we have good health care insurance. This also all depends on so many factors I can't list them all. Quite the dilemma huh. Did I mention, we already put out over $2,000 a year for our daughters medical bills for type 1 juvenile diabetes. So I have to say that it is through the love and care of others that I now find myself relying on. I will say that in a short amount of time I have been in the position to see the pure love of Christ and miracles of faith surround me on all sides. One of my favorite passages to read in the scriptures refer to the "tender mercies" the Lord has for us. So when I feel those tender mercies bestowed upon me through others, I am humbled and strengthened. All I can say is, Thank you for these tender mercies, though I know the words are simple the feeling is immense and powerful. I know the Lord will bless everyone who is willing to give so much, not just to us but to anyone in need.
Reminder: May is Melanoma awarness month. Don't forget your sunscreen!