What a beautiful day.................Even when things are not going so well in life, a beautiful day chases the clouds away. Doesn't it?
This week is sooooooo much better than this time last week. He has had his pain meds adjusted and that has made a tremendous difference. He is able to sleep so much better and not be in so much pain. (The headaches were "train stoppers"!) He still does not have much of an appetite and continues to lose weight. Thus his energy level is quite low. This frustrates him, since he has always been a "mover and shaker".
Patience has never been one of his virtues and sickness has accelerated this. He knows what he wants to do, but can't muster the strength even for some of the menial tasks.
Beth leaves on another marketing trip to Arkansas and will be gone until Saturday. Prayers are needed for a safe trip/return for her.
We, too, are looking forward to a field trip as well. If he continues to feel well, we are going with some members of the Sunday School class to Temple Israel in Memphis on Friday. We are excited and praying that he will be able to go.
Enjoy this God sent day.
God's blessings,
Cathy
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Relay for Life Sunday
Today at FUM Church we had a fish fry to benefit Milan/Medina Relay for Life. We had a great crowd and great food. It was really good for the Gravenmiers to be able to be out and enjoy church and our great church family. One of us ate a lot more than (he) should. But, it was nice to see him eat so heartily. This entitled him to a lazy afternoon of watching tv with his eyes closed. I am proud to announce that his eyelids didn't have any holes. He checked them closely this afternoon.
We enjoyed our granddaughter and niece in the children's musical at church. They are the future of our church, and it is nice to get a glimpse into that future.
Beth returned home from a marketing trip that lasted from Wednesday morning to late this afternoon. Today, Trent and Josh spent the afternoon "piddling" while Kate caught up on some rest. They all converged on our house late this afternoon for food and fellowship together.
Even though this past week has been a challenge controlling the headaches and managing the pain, Mr. G. perseveres. This was a perfect ending for a week filled with potholes.
Enjoy your week.
God is good all the time. All the time, God is good!
Blessings,
Cathy
We enjoyed our granddaughter and niece in the children's musical at church. They are the future of our church, and it is nice to get a glimpse into that future.
Beth returned home from a marketing trip that lasted from Wednesday morning to late this afternoon. Today, Trent and Josh spent the afternoon "piddling" while Kate caught up on some rest. They all converged on our house late this afternoon for food and fellowship together.
Even though this past week has been a challenge controlling the headaches and managing the pain, Mr. G. perseveres. This was a perfect ending for a week filled with potholes.
Enjoy your week.
God is good all the time. All the time, God is good!
Blessings,
Cathy
Friday, April 23, 2010
It's Friday!
These are two words for the working man/woman that carry almost as much weight as"Pay Day"! However, when you are not at work, you often find yourself asking, "Is it Friday yet?"; or "let's quess to see who knows what day it is!"
We have had an up and down week. Maybe he had too eventful a week last week, and rest was needed to catch him up on life. He has had to have medicine adjustments/additions, and he is trying to find that right mix to help with the horrible headaches.
Mother Nature has not helped with the headaches either. She has sent the Pollen Fairies to dust the world with a minimum of 3 inches per surface. The Beatles song, "Yellow Submarine", comes to mind. We "all live in a yellow cloud of pollen". The only beings benefitting from this dusting are the bees. They have been quoted as saying, "Bring it on!"
As Brother Dan pointed out to him, he is an ex-athlete. As an athlete, you learn that if you get knocked down, you get right back up and try again. James G. may have been knocked down this week, but he is still trying to get back up.
The nice thing about being sedentary is the wonderful phone calls that we have been able to receive and the great visitors that have come by. Many wonderful, supportive folks have made this year more bearable. They have provided cards, food, visits, calls, love, kind deeds, support, and prayer.
Get out and enjoy one of God's fine, calm days before the storm.
May God make you "rich" with love and support.
Cathy
We have had an up and down week. Maybe he had too eventful a week last week, and rest was needed to catch him up on life. He has had to have medicine adjustments/additions, and he is trying to find that right mix to help with the horrible headaches.
Mother Nature has not helped with the headaches either. She has sent the Pollen Fairies to dust the world with a minimum of 3 inches per surface. The Beatles song, "Yellow Submarine", comes to mind. We "all live in a yellow cloud of pollen". The only beings benefitting from this dusting are the bees. They have been quoted as saying, "Bring it on!"
As Brother Dan pointed out to him, he is an ex-athlete. As an athlete, you learn that if you get knocked down, you get right back up and try again. James G. may have been knocked down this week, but he is still trying to get back up.
The nice thing about being sedentary is the wonderful phone calls that we have been able to receive and the great visitors that have come by. Many wonderful, supportive folks have made this year more bearable. They have provided cards, food, visits, calls, love, kind deeds, support, and prayer.
Get out and enjoy one of God's fine, calm days before the storm.
May God make you "rich" with love and support.
Cathy
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Time is Flying!
It is hard to believe that this school year is almost over-only 20 days left.
It is hard to believe that we are over a year into this battle with cancer. I am afraid that my warrior has been over doing it. The Saturday before last, we went to Andy's t-ball game. Last week he went fishing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thursday, we went to Jackson and had lunch with Beth for her birthday. Thursday night, we took Clayton to the Diamond Jaxx game for his birthday. Saturday, we went to watch two of Kendall's softball games. Sunday, he was just out of gas and in terrible headache pain. Unfortunately, it continued well into Sunday night. Yesterday was much better, but still not up to much activity. (I, too, was under the weather yesterday, which only limits his activity, too. )
Beginning around 4:00 this morning, he began his day with hot showers, heating pad, and meds for "tumor headaches". Luckily this medicine makes him drowsy and sleep helps him to cope.
We have had some rather sad news lately. Our minister will be leaving for another assignment. This saddens us tremendously. We love Lane and Brother Dan. They have brought so much to our church, our church family, and to our (Gravenmier) family. However, God will provide for them and for us. This is one of the downsides to being Methodist. If the Bishop says "go", the preacher goes. If the Bishop says "stay", you are there until he says "go".
Please be in prayer for our church and new minister!
God's blessings for this glorious day!
Cathy
It is hard to believe that we are over a year into this battle with cancer. I am afraid that my warrior has been over doing it. The Saturday before last, we went to Andy's t-ball game. Last week he went fishing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thursday, we went to Jackson and had lunch with Beth for her birthday. Thursday night, we took Clayton to the Diamond Jaxx game for his birthday. Saturday, we went to watch two of Kendall's softball games. Sunday, he was just out of gas and in terrible headache pain. Unfortunately, it continued well into Sunday night. Yesterday was much better, but still not up to much activity. (I, too, was under the weather yesterday, which only limits his activity, too. )
Beginning around 4:00 this morning, he began his day with hot showers, heating pad, and meds for "tumor headaches". Luckily this medicine makes him drowsy and sleep helps him to cope.
We have had some rather sad news lately. Our minister will be leaving for another assignment. This saddens us tremendously. We love Lane and Brother Dan. They have brought so much to our church, our church family, and to our (Gravenmier) family. However, God will provide for them and for us. This is one of the downsides to being Methodist. If the Bishop says "go", the preacher goes. If the Bishop says "stay", you are there until he says "go".
Please be in prayer for our church and new minister!
God's blessings for this glorious day!
Cathy
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fabulous Friday
Thursday turned out to be the day of celebrations. We went to Jackson and ate lunch with "Beffie" since it was her 25th birthday. Last night we took Clayton to the Diamond Jaxx game for his 32nd birthday. (The children were with their grandmother in Martin and Amy was working.) Except for a headache (severe at times, tolerable at times, and gone some of the times), the "puny one" really enjoyed the outings. Too bad the Diamond Jaxx waited until the 7th inning (down 10-1) to make a comeback. We left at the top of the 8th and the Jaxx were down 10-4. They ended up losing 10-7. Apparently, we missed a lot of the excitement.
I heard him at 3:30 this morning taking a shower and getting dressed. No, he was not excited and getting ready to work!!!! He was going fishing-for the third time this week- with a retired UPS driver, such as himself. They weren't leaving until 5:00, but he didn't want to be late waking up the fish. He and Bobby will probably meet up with Jim. This should be a day filled with extravagant fish stories. I bet not many fish make it to the house, though.
Having finished most of the errands that can be finished today, I think I will just go plant something, or dig in the dirt. I am up for some serious yard work.
Enjoy the sun. The rain is coming.
God's grace,
Cathy
I heard him at 3:30 this morning taking a shower and getting dressed. No, he was not excited and getting ready to work!!!! He was going fishing-for the third time this week- with a retired UPS driver, such as himself. They weren't leaving until 5:00, but he didn't want to be late waking up the fish. He and Bobby will probably meet up with Jim. This should be a day filled with extravagant fish stories. I bet not many fish make it to the house, though.
Having finished most of the errands that can be finished today, I think I will just go plant something, or dig in the dirt. I am up for some serious yard work.
Enjoy the sun. The rain is coming.
God's grace,
Cathy
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Just Another Day in Paradise
This is going to be another of God's glorious, sunny days. We went straight from winter to summer, but who cares. Pollen, here we come!
Yesterday was another fishing trip at Kentucky Lake, starring James G. and daughter, Kate. Once again the fish were in no danger - only 3 for the day. However, it was a glorious day to be in God's nature with father and daughter spending quality time together.
With all of this fishing and outdoor activities, Mr. G. is becoming quite tan. To look at him, all tan, makes you forget that he is ill. We sure are enjoying these quality days with family and friends, doing what he enjoys doing.
We helped celebrate the "Little Man's" birthday yesterday. He was five - complete with presents, cards (which he "kant read"), and ooey, gooey chocolate cake...Yummm!
Today, Beth is 25 and Clayton is 33. April is a busy birthday month for us.
We will probably stroll to Jackson and eat lunch with our "baby" and may go to the Diamond Jaxx game tonight. (He loves baseball, too!) Birthday celebrations may have to wait until the weekend-softball and tball take precedence this time of year.
Enjoy all of God's blessings,
Cathy
Yesterday was another fishing trip at Kentucky Lake, starring James G. and daughter, Kate. Once again the fish were in no danger - only 3 for the day. However, it was a glorious day to be in God's nature with father and daughter spending quality time together.
With all of this fishing and outdoor activities, Mr. G. is becoming quite tan. To look at him, all tan, makes you forget that he is ill. We sure are enjoying these quality days with family and friends, doing what he enjoys doing.
We helped celebrate the "Little Man's" birthday yesterday. He was five - complete with presents, cards (which he "kant read"), and ooey, gooey chocolate cake...Yummm!
Today, Beth is 25 and Clayton is 33. April is a busy birthday month for us.
We will probably stroll to Jackson and eat lunch with our "baby" and may go to the Diamond Jaxx game tonight. (He loves baseball, too!) Birthday celebrations may have to wait until the weekend-softball and tball take precedence this time of year.
Enjoy all of God's blessings,
Cathy
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Don't you just love Spring?!
Hopefully gone are the cold, dreary days. Welcome to the invigorating spring days with lots of sunshine, daylight, and lots, and lots of pollen. AAAAACHHHHH!
James and I, both, are suffering with sinus/hayfever in all of its glory--sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, etc. However, it has not stopped us from being outside as much as possible.
Yesterday, we went to Kentucky Lake. I lounged around the cabin, read a book for school and for Bible study, and wandered around discovering all of nature's springtime secrets. He went fishing with Jim Hardin. They only caught 15, but apparently had to work pretty hard to catch those. However, he really enjoyed being outside doing what he normally would be doing in the spring -crappie fishing.
He crashed out at 6:00p.m until 4:30 this morning. He is suffering with a terrible headache today. We are not sure if it is the sinus type or the tumor type. We are currently treating for both. Of course if he gets better we won't know which one helped. Oh well, we will just be thankful that something worked.
We are enjoying a lazy morning, but have business to attend to this afternoon.
Enjoy Terrific Tuesday!
Hugs and kisses.
Cathy
James and I, both, are suffering with sinus/hayfever in all of its glory--sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, etc. However, it has not stopped us from being outside as much as possible.
Yesterday, we went to Kentucky Lake. I lounged around the cabin, read a book for school and for Bible study, and wandered around discovering all of nature's springtime secrets. He went fishing with Jim Hardin. They only caught 15, but apparently had to work pretty hard to catch those. However, he really enjoyed being outside doing what he normally would be doing in the spring -crappie fishing.
He crashed out at 6:00p.m until 4:30 this morning. He is suffering with a terrible headache today. We are not sure if it is the sinus type or the tumor type. We are currently treating for both. Of course if he gets better we won't know which one helped. Oh well, we will just be thankful that something worked.
We are enjoying a lazy morning, but have business to attend to this afternoon.
Enjoy Terrific Tuesday!
Hugs and kisses.
Cathy
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
"Hump Day"
Well, another work week is approaching the end. Isn't it odd that when you are working you know exactly what day it is, but when you are not working, you sometimes have to guess at the day of the week. I just came from Women's Bible Study with my favorite "sistas", so that would make it Wednesday, "Hump Day".
I have just today figured out something about Mr. Gravenmier. Someone asked me today how he was doing. "Considering all that is going on with him these days, he is okay! He is one "tough, old bird"!
Some days are more of a challenge than others, but some are rather pleasant. On the pleasant days, I have to remind myself that he is still sick. Thank you, Lord.
God has richly blessed us through this ordeal. He has provided support from family and friends. I cannot begin to fathom how much love and how many prayers have surrounded us through this. Human compassion has been overwhelming and humbling.
Since God is putting on a "light show" for us right now, I need to get off the computer- less I be included in that light show.
May God watch over each of you as you prepare your bodies and minds for tomorrow!
Cathy
I have just today figured out something about Mr. Gravenmier. Someone asked me today how he was doing. "Considering all that is going on with him these days, he is okay! He is one "tough, old bird"!
Some days are more of a challenge than others, but some are rather pleasant. On the pleasant days, I have to remind myself that he is still sick. Thank you, Lord.
God has richly blessed us through this ordeal. He has provided support from family and friends. I cannot begin to fathom how much love and how many prayers have surrounded us through this. Human compassion has been overwhelming and humbling.
Since God is putting on a "light show" for us right now, I need to get off the computer- less I be included in that light show.
May God watch over each of you as you prepare your bodies and minds for tomorrow!
Cathy
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter
This weekend began with my sweet nephew and his wife driving home to see us (and his mom and dad, maybe). Then there was a trip to Henderson to have a barbque with his UPS brother of many years. We were in the road and visiting all day yesterday. Needless to say he (we) slept extremely well last night.
Happy Easter! He is risen! It is finished!
We had a great Easter. My day began with the Sunrise Service at Vineyard. Jeff (FUMC youth minister) and the Praise and Worship group at Vineyard did an awesome job getting the day started right. (The Mister was awake just not stirring that early.)
Then on to FUMC where we had a great Easter Sunday worship service complete with breakfast, a combined worship service, a brass ensemble, choir, hand bells (adult and Rainbow Ringers), Communion, a couple and single joining the church, and an outstanding sermon. Mr. G. even felt like being an Easter person today. (Praise the Lord!) Then it was on to Diane's for a family luncheon (36 in attendance) complete with the Egg Hunt afterwards. What a glorious day to be outside! What a glorious day to be alive!
This weekend has been filled with loved ones (family and friends), good food, great weather, and great fellowship.
When you say your prayers remember to thank God for all of our blessings, especially the most precious of all, His son, Jesus Christ.
Keep Easter in your heart throughout the year!
Love,
Cathy
Happy Easter! He is risen! It is finished!
We had a great Easter. My day began with the Sunrise Service at Vineyard. Jeff (FUMC youth minister) and the Praise and Worship group at Vineyard did an awesome job getting the day started right. (The Mister was awake just not stirring that early.)
Then on to FUMC where we had a great Easter Sunday worship service complete with breakfast, a combined worship service, a brass ensemble, choir, hand bells (adult and Rainbow Ringers), Communion, a couple and single joining the church, and an outstanding sermon. Mr. G. even felt like being an Easter person today. (Praise the Lord!) Then it was on to Diane's for a family luncheon (36 in attendance) complete with the Egg Hunt afterwards. What a glorious day to be outside! What a glorious day to be alive!
This weekend has been filled with loved ones (family and friends), good food, great weather, and great fellowship.
When you say your prayers remember to thank God for all of our blessings, especially the most precious of all, His son, Jesus Christ.
Keep Easter in your heart throughout the year!
Love,
Cathy
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday!
I hope that today is all that the past two days have been. We have been outside for most of them.
This time last week we were at JMCG Hospital getting the bad news that we had dreaded since the beginning. James' cancer has metatasized to his brain. All the signs were there-vision problems, dizziness, balance issues, etc. It is one thing to suspect it and quite another to know it for sure. However, now we know the "big picture". God has given us quality time and we plan on making the most of this time.
I have chosen to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the year (28 days). I am curious to see how this will feel. I have been involved in the end of school closing for 24 years. It might be a bit weird.
So far this week we have had some wonderful visitors, good food, and awesome fellowship and prayer times. Just think, I would have missed all of this if I had been in school.
If you will let him, God will provide and guide your way.
Enjoy this wonderful weekend-compliments of our Lord and Savior.
Have a good, Good Friday.
Cathy
This time last week we were at JMCG Hospital getting the bad news that we had dreaded since the beginning. James' cancer has metatasized to his brain. All the signs were there-vision problems, dizziness, balance issues, etc. It is one thing to suspect it and quite another to know it for sure. However, now we know the "big picture". God has given us quality time and we plan on making the most of this time.
I have chosen to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the year (28 days). I am curious to see how this will feel. I have been involved in the end of school closing for 24 years. It might be a bit weird.
So far this week we have had some wonderful visitors, good food, and awesome fellowship and prayer times. Just think, I would have missed all of this if I had been in school.
If you will let him, God will provide and guide your way.
Enjoy this wonderful weekend-compliments of our Lord and Savior.
Have a good, Good Friday.
Cathy
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