Another very important date...

On October 12th Rich's father will go in for major surgery. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer last spring and had surgery to remove the tumor over the summer. The report following the tumor removal called for complete removal of his bladder. Since that time he has been faced with the difficult decision of how to cope after the surgery. His options included an attempt at reconstructing a bladder using his intestines or to use a bag. After lots of thought he opted to go with the reconstruction. This means on the 12th the surgeon, who happens to be the father of two of my former students, will remove his bladder, prostate and lymph nodes and then reconstruct a new bladder. The surgery is estimated to last eight hours with a 6-8 week recovery.

In order to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading Bill has been undergoing chemotherapy once a week. For someone going through so much, he has kept a very positive attitude and we haven't heard a word of complaint even with the side effects of chemo. Rich has been able to go to his dad's house once a week to help out with big jobs around the house including mowing their enormous yard. I know he wishes he could spend more time with his dad, but the hour drive along with working and classes makes it difficult. Carol, Bill's wife, is also dealing with her own battle against Parkinson's Disease. Even with all of these obstacles in their way they both manage to continue to work full time jobs and work on projects around the house. We are amazed at their strength and determination during such a demanding time.

Please send them lots of prayers in the coming weeks!

I am grateful:

• That Rich has fall break on Oct. 12th/13th, which takes some of the stress of his dad's surgery away knowing that he can be there and not get behind in his classes.
  
• That I have a connection with Bill's surgeon and trust that he will do his very best to make sure the job is done with precision and care.
  
• For my husband, who is a wonderful son to his father, and would be there every day if he could be.