Friday, September 8, 2017

Enjoy the Moment

Although I haven't posted in a while, I have been keeping busy.

I received the wonderful news that the chemo treatments did their job. I'm cancer free!! Surgery went well. My surgeon is the best! I'll start radiation in a few weeks. I'm dealing with some nerve damage to my fingers and feet and toes as a side effect of the chemo, but I'm told it will fade eventually.

So, I'm finding joy in the everyday moments I've been given.


Several family members joined us at our farm in Central Missouri to view the eclipse.

My sister Bridget (at left) brought sandwiches and other goodies.

Niece Ashley brought salad. Alexandra brought the beer for those who drink.

We provided bottled water and soft drinks. Everyone had a great time and nobody went hungry.

Just sharing this special event with family members made me appreciate how blessed I am to have a large and loving family.

Even Harley got in on the eclipse action. Here's a photo of Walt helping Harley put on his safety glasses.

I was able to get free eclipse glasses from our local library. Just another reason I love our library!

Walt and I also enjoyed spending Labor Day at the farm.

He drove me around in the side-by-side, which Harley refuses to get into, so he ran behind us all the way.

I stopped to give Harley a break from running fast on a hot day and to snap some shots of the wildflowers growing on our property.

How beautiful they are and proof of God's glory!


Harley got hot and worn out and decided to take a mud bath. Walt hosed him down later, so he was clean for the ride home.

Driving down the road as we left, Walt spotted a coyote. Lots of critters roam our property.


One of the many gifts I've received after my breast cancer diagnosis is the gift of wisdom. I've learned not to take anything for granted and enjoy every moment I am given.

20 comments:

  1. Wonderful news, Donna! Just excellent!

    And how fun is Harvey wearing those eclipse safety glasses. :)

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    1. Thanks, Madeline. I'm thrilled to be cancer free, and Harley is such a wonderful dog. We love him!

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  2. I'm so glad to hear that news! Every time I look down my blog list, I think of you and wonder how you're doing. Looks like Harley enjoys country livin'.

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    1. Thanks, Val. I've been having pain issues with fingers and toes, which make it hard to type--and walk--so I haven't been blogging much.

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  3. Hi Donna - I'm so pleased for you ... and those happy memories of recent days you shared with us ... show us how families are the best -cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks, Hilary. I'm enjoying each and every moment I've been given.

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  4. Donna--Blogger ate my two earlier comments. Hopefully the third try's a charm...

    The cancer-free news is beyond wonderful. The nerve pain... not so good. I do know that Google has a talk-to-type program which means (nudge nudge) you could work on your novel.

    It sounds like you and your family had the best spot to watch the eclipse. I was watching it with my 8th graders. I didn't think it would be as spectacular as it was. I'm so glad the sun and moon put on such a show for us St. Louis folks.

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    1. Nothing like the grandeur of God putting on a display of His wonder.

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  5. So thrilled to hear that you’re cancer free!! You are always such a sweet inspiration. And wise. Love you for it.

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    1. Clara, Thanks. I'm plugging away and staying positive. Love back at ya!

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  6. Donna, I'm so happy for you! That wonderful diagnosis is definitely a reason for a big celebration. You've been on a very crazy ride, haven't you?

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    1. Hi Pat,
      This has been a wild year; one I hope never to repeat. But life is good and God is great!

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  7. Hello Donna. Happy to hear the cancer-free announcement. That was wonderful news. Also happy to see you have a large and loving family. You are soooooo right. We cannot take an instant of our lives for granted. Sincerely, Susan

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    1. Thanks, Susan. My family and friends have been wonderful throughout my battle. Hope you are doing well.

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  8. What a blessing to learn you are cancer-free. Your farm outing reminds me of our camping days. I love the country, fresh air, wild flowers. NOT the chiggers. Harley with his glasses made me chuckle. Is it time for a fall outing, maybe a writer's get together at an outdoor patio on Main Street, such as Magpies?

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    1. Hi linda,
      There's something about being out in the open that is calming. A fall outing sounds good to me. I'm not able to drive yet, but I bet I can get someone around here to pick me up.

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  9. The eclipse was an amazing experience and I'm sure even better when celebrated with family at your farm. Love the pictures-especially Harley in his cardboard specs!

    Pat
    www.patwahler.com

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  10. I don't know why I'm just seeing this blog post today but I'm glad to see it! You know how thrilled and grateful we all are for your good health, how we continue to hope and pray against your residual pain, and uphold you through upcoming radiation. Having the beautiful eclipse just at this time was even more special in showing us God's glory. And thanking Him for family and nature and silly dogs.

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