Saturday, June 12, 2010

Living didn't count

The title punctuates the need for punctuation! What I meant to say was:

Living. Didn't count.

Actually, what I meant to say was that I was so caught up in living this great day that I nearly forgot that it was the 12th! It took a while today before I realized that --wow-- I can count four and a half years (54 months!) of cancer survival behind me.

We started our day at a very special ballpark that gave my son's team a little taste of "big guy baseball." Each team in the league gets to play one game on this field, complete with announcers and a large lighted scoreboard and great seating for the fans. Technical difficulties prevented the playing of a recorded version of the national anthem, so I asked if they wanted a live version. They handed me a microphone, and now I can say that I sang the national anthem at a baseball game.

My son's team was missing several players and they faced a formidable team -- and they got slaughtered (11 to 1). But they played with all their hearts and managed to pull off some great plays and enjoy the experience despite the disappointing outcome. (It was a good life lesson for all of us.) Jacob had grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins to cheer him on, and after the game was over we all saw his coach award him the game ball.

After a celebration pizza lunch we went across town to watch my niece play the violin at a Music Fest recital. When we got home we were reminded that we had ordered some fajitas for a fundraising activity, and they were being delivered just in time for us to feed the new missionaries in our area. We had a great visit with them, and later reconvened as a family to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. While together we also phoned my youngest brother, who is celebrating his birthday today far away.

It was a busy day, but one filled with family and friends and new good memories. The best stuff of life!

3 comments:

Josh and Kristen said...

Congratulations! I was thinking about your phone call the other day and want to thank you again for acting as an instrument in the Lord's hands. It sounds like you had a great Saturday and so many things to enjoy and be thankful for!

Unknown said...

Dear Krista, A cousin was recently diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma. I googled it, and came upon your site. After reading your very uplifting message, I was overwhelmed by the complete faith that you placed in God. As I was praying for you and your precious family, I was incredibly saddened when I noticed the date of your blog--2005. I thought for sure that at this point-2010-that you were gone. As I was saying another prayer for your husband and beautiful children, I clicked on your picture, & saw the "What's on my mind" link. I was thrilled beyond words when it brought me to 2010, and you are still with us. Praise be to God in all ways! God Bless and Keep you always, Krista. I will pass your blog address on to my cousin. You are an inspiration to us all! Jacie in Naperville, IL

MD said...

Congratulations! I just came across your blog while doing a research on brain cancer survivor stories. I am the administrator of a brain tumor patient support group website in Turkey (yes about 10,000miles east of Texas) named beyintumoru.org.

I wish you all the best. We might publish your story in our online publication in Turkish for our support group. It will definitely be inspiration to many who think that their situation is desperate.

I wish you all the best.

Beyin Tumoru
Site Yoneticisi