and then life happens.....

When life happens, how we adapt is crucial. When end of March rolled around, I had a lot going on. I was in the middle of a research project and needed to write a five-page report for the class. I knew the month of April was going to be busy. I typically add a couple of truck loads of mulch to my garden and work on getting the landscape ready for spring. I had also planned a trip with my sister-in-law at the end of the month, so I needed to have a productive month. Then, life happens, and I was thrown a curve ball. Louis, told me on one Sunday night that he did not feel well. He had pains and thought it was his appendix. So, knowing that around three years ago I had a ruptured appendix, I said let’s go to the ER. He was diagnosed with appendicitis, and while running a CT scan, they discovered a large mass next to his right kidney. The ER doctor said he believed it was cancer and said we were extremely lucky to have found otherwise it might have kept growing and spreading. They removed the appendix that day and said we need to get into an appointment quickly with a urologist. After meeting with the urologist, he set up surgery and the mass was removed along with the kidney. There were three urologists who had looked at the CT scan and all three explained that they would take the kidney out as well. It appears that they have learned that it is best not to disturb the kidney or mass but simply remove. Had Louis not been in great health, they would have tried to save the kidney. The kidney and mass are removed. Now, we will need to meet with oncologists to find out the next steps. After a little research on google, it seems that we will be on a continuous lookout for any changes.

Back to the research project, I had now spent 7 days, in two different hospitals, with doctor visits in between and getting a little behind on my projects. Two different surgeries that were in two different hospitals. When life happens, it can really happen. I knew it would all work out. I had to focus on Louis and have faith that all would get done. We got home from the hospital late Saturday night and just had a quite dinner. I got up early Sunday morning and spent all day on my project and ended up finishing my five-page report as well. I was completely done with my last class, except for the final, by Monday at around 2pm. The research project was due by Tuesday at midnight. Funny, it was on Tax Day! I was exhausted but relieved.

So, I wanted to share that when life happens, it is just move with it. Don’t fight it. I used to be the person who would complain, play a little victim role, why does this happen kind of thing, and waste time complaining. Now, I am not saying I always handle things perfectly, but I have much improved than in the past. I take a few deep breaths and decide, at that moment, a plan of action for what is most important to me. And, of course, Louis’ health was much more important than a course project. I now will spend the rest of April making plans for Louis’ next phase of visiting with the oncologists, finishing placing mulch in the front yard, catching up on some coaching sessions, and then go on a short cruise with Louis’ sister. We are leaving the husbands at home so we can be silly, lay around the pool, drink exotics drinks, and eat whatever we want. Everyone always asks what does Louis thinks about you going on girls only trips? I can honestly say he enjoys it. He will stay up watching stupid movies, eat of few things that I would not approve of, and sleep in as late as he wants.