Land of Brick and BBQ

We went to visit the grandkids for a few days last week in Texas.  Im feeling better and it was Gayle's spring break.  This was my first time visiting the Lonestar state.  My first impression of the Plano/Allen area of Dallas was Orange county about 30 years ago.  Newly developed and lots of open land.  Gas stations were huge and selling gas for about $2.30 per gallon.  there were the usual nationwide chains (including the SC palm tree emblazoned In and Out).  

I did not notice much of a southern accent among the natives, but it did remind me of my days in Vancouver Wash.  Asians are still a subtle but noticeable sighting.  According to the internet, asians (mostly Chinese) make up 14% of the population in those suburbs.

The weather can best be described as unpredictable.  We woke up to 80 degree weather with a breeze,  and went to sleep with thunder, lightning and rain.  Hail was reported in the adjacent communities.

The highlight of the trip next to seeing the grandkids was the visit to the Dallas Textbook Depository Museum (officially called The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza), the sight of the assassination of president Kennedy.  We both can distinctly recall when Kennedy was shot.  Gayle was at home and remembers telling her mom that president Kennedy was shot.  I was in class, 3rd grade, Miss Coen, when the school suddenly starting broadcasting over the PA the radio reports,  I also remember watching tv when Oswald was shot.  For any one visiting Dallas, we highly recommend this on your itinerary.  Gayle also recommends a visit to the George W. Bush presidential museum, there is an section dedicated to 9/11.  That will probably be my next trip.

The grandkids.  As always, a joy to see.  Grandma as usual had her bag of treats, her favorite books to read, stuffed animals, and of course clothes from her and auntie Judy.  The week before, we asked the oldest what he wanted us to bring and his response was shirts with buttons.  Not your usual request from a 3 year old.  The youngest reminded us of his uncle Jordan at that age.  Never sitting still and always ready to eat.

In short, we miss the boys, but Texas is still not calling us.  Only to visit.  There still is nothing like shorts year round, and the life we built here.  Southwest frequent flier miles and FaceTime will have to do.

The Forgotten and Blind Faith

It has been about a month since my last Chemo treatment but i have been feeling better only the last two weeks.  I was talking today to someone I have known since the college days about his bout with esophageal cancer.  There was a bond in shared experiences.  Surgery, Chemo, the affects during and the continuing reminders.  He is now 3 years cancer free.

It felt comforting to have the shared experiences.  It's one of those things that are hard to describe.  It is like being a grandparent.  Once you become one, you understand that look.  The look when you gaze upon the child in your arms.  It is different than when your child was born.  That next generation  that is a part of you.

The comfort in shared cancer experiences vary.  Gayle tried attending a cancer support group.  She found people where their personal situation was considerably more drastic.  But one common denominator was a lack of faith in God.  The suffering becomes self centered.  What I have been reading is that our faith in God diverts the suffering, the burden, to be given up, not just shared.  Of course I admit I have not gotten to that point yet.

The forgotten people are the support folks.  Especially family.  Gayle has been the rock, support and brunt of my emotional mood swings.  Pair that with her profession as a public school teacher, increases the pressures of life.  Which reinforces the concept that love is blind.