Also, the surgeon said I do not need to see her for three weeks. That is quite remarkable since we have been making weekly visits to Stanford. The wound still needs dressing changes 2 to 3 times a day, but I am coming quite adept at it. She believes this will take several months to heal due to the radiation that I had before.

Of course, we had the continuing saga of our hotel stay. This last time I accidentally laid my car keys on the counter when we were checking in. Since they couldn’t check us in right away, DARYL and I got our computers out and sat by the pool and did our work for several hours. When we went to check in, I could not find my keys. We looked high and low. We asked at the desk and they could not find them. We looked at the coffee area and they were not there. We looked in trash cans. They were not there. We ended up calling AAA so he could unlock the car so we could check if we had locked them in there. Unbelievably, Aaa came within 15 minutes. He promptly got the door open and our keys were nowhere to be found. We went back into the hotel distraught trying to figure out what to do. I kept going to the desk saying I’m sure I left them here. I went back out to the car to try to more time. DARYL went to the front desk.  All of a sudden, one of the staff people said here they are. She pulled them out of a pencil case that was right on the other side of the desk. That’s where we put lost and found things she said. Apparently no one asked the girl who put them in there. Needless to say, I was stressed out.  Told them I wasn’t very happy that they had the keys all along. Fortunately, we had not called Toyota to have new keys made. They felt terrible about it and offered us breakfast vouchers. I have to say the breakfast was awesome the next morning. 

It’s laughable now, but it was not at the time. Also, DARYL and I rarely ever only travel with one set of keys, but when I got to the church to pick him up to go to Stanford, we decided to switch vehicles and did not have a key with us. Of course, this would be the time when I lose my keys.  It makes for a good story now and both of us spent time praying about it when we were in the midst of it, asking God to stir our brains to help us find them. I have to say my husband did not blame me one minute at all. He was patient and kind and understanding. What a gift that is when we make mistakes, to be loved. 

Enough of that saga, I have a meeting with my oncologist this week to discuss the cancer drugs that I am to be on. The one I am on now makes me sick in the morning, but I have to take it. I will see if she makes any changes to it.

It is fabulous to be back in the parish and full-time ministry. This lovely congregation has done powerful and loving ministry on their own, and I am so grateful for each one of them. They are true disciples of Jesus and live what they say they believe. Thank you so much my dear ones for your continued faithfulness and your support of Daryl and me in this tough time.

I am finding that I am more tired than I am used to being. So I’m trying to catch a few catnaps now and then.

Another great joy that I get to sing with the Columbia college community chorus on the 27th and 28th of this month. I had practiced as best I could while I was recovering and I’m so glad I’m able to do this.

As I write with joy in my heart, I am aware that there are many who are still suffering deeply from cancer. Reverend Marty, Reverend Lloyd, Tami, and even others, I don’t know. I pray for you often and ask God’s healing mercies to surround you.

I pray that you find much comfort from the love of friends as I have. The support of others has been my stronghold during this tough time. This second time with cancer really knocked my socks off. I was angry about it, and the surgery was tough. The diagnosis with such an aggressive cancer was scary.

Daily, I am a reminded that with God all things are possible. This has surely been the case as God has sustained me, loved me and healing me! All I can say is, I am so grateful.

DARYL and I are surely ready for spring and the gray days of illness to be gone. Let us dance among the poppies and have joy in the journey! 

Thank you everyone, far and near, who blessed me in this journey. You are a treasure to be sure! I love you, Pastor Bonnie