Dear TSJ Peeps,
I love the idea of going camping or camping out. Recently, I have had to teach “the boys” about what it means to go camping. They are learning a lot during this rocky time at our TSJ Headquarters (basically our home and office) and they hang together just like we do.
I think of camping as bonding times, campfires, adventure, renewal, and most definitely of family and friends sharing stories.
I know each one of us has a different definition of “camping” – I used to think of “real camping” as having little more than mere basics….tents, sleeping bag on the ground, minimal cooking utensils and campfires.
As I have aged and become less hardy perhaps, camping only has appeal if I have more “creature comforts.” Either way, as with most things, how we view it is a mindset.
The other thing about camping that makes it both exciting and terrifying (at times) is the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Peaceful nights can quickly awaken you and turn into down right scary nights. Calm days can become turbulent, requiring self-preservation or survival more than self-care or renewal. I am sure you know what I mean.
Although this was never my plan for TSJ blogs, lately each week the boys and I have logged a bit of Tom’s cancer journey in an effort to stay relevant and real with you about what it means to truly “share the journey” of life in God’s green (and not so green) pastures and find our way through the fertile (but scary) valleys.
You may remember, last week we told you how we turned a sad night into a cozy “sleepover” in the family room. That has become downright camping out now! And, kind of like camping, Tom does not have to be alone. Also, like peeps do around campfires, we have shared sacred moments filled with stories about the life we have enjoyed – a life filled with laughter, kids, family, and numerous amazing memories.
Tom’s stories and humor continue to be like roasting marshmallows and savoring the sweetness of the moment. At the same time we are absorbing the “campfire” smoke which leaves traces of sweet memories long after the fire itself has died.
There were several days this last week in which Tom’s violent coughing (caused by tumors) was scary ..especially in the late evening and nights … scary like suddenly hearing a rattle snake threatening to enter your tent..a sound you don’t want to hear!
But we could not be more thankful for the gift of hospice care (home hospice). It is simply amazing and reminds us of the goodness all around us in compassionate people. A hospice doctor came to see Tom two days ago. She tried another kind of medication for the cough.
So yesterday we started to experience an upswing in managing that cough! Also,the new medication is increasing his appetite and mental stamina. He slept all night, as did I … and we feel renewed for a spell.
Conversations, tears, laughter, and stories are flowing around here as though it is a constant campfire burning. We simply keep adding logs of love onto the fire to keep it burning and to give back to Tom what he has given and continues to give us.
Two morning tales you may enjoy imagining as we play in today’s pastures….
First, my office is only around the corner from his bed but usually he cannot make it into here now. But with the new meds and freedom from severe cough and pain…he snuck around the corner to put the boys in their position on my desk. I came in and they were so happy.
Second, when Tom was preparing to shower and knew I was coming in to help, he wrapped a large dark shirt around his waist to make it look like he was at a spa…and gave me a look that he knows makes me laugh…and I laughed loudly!
So, would you join us in turning troubles into small triumphs knowing full well that sometimes things are scary or turbulent in life, but there is always a chance to draw on the Love of the Shepherd and all of his understudies (us peep-shepherds).
We draw strength from your kind spirits that come in emails, cards, notes, etc. But most of all… know that we feel the divine energy that comes from your prayers and compassionate thoughts.
Tom is now sleeping. The boys are ready to say so long for this Wednesday. And Solomon wants you to stay content in the moment knowing you are loved by us and by the divine Shepherd who knows the terrain.
Still playing in the pastures!
Margie
