Ordinary moments

In early February, my brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  On February 10, he had successful surgery to remove the tumor.  He is now in week five of radiation and chemo, which will continue on weekdays until April 21.  That will be followed by a two-week "vacation" and then an undetermined number of months of additional chemo.  Vaccine therapy will also be part of the treatment.

My brother modeling the new sun hat recommended by his radiologist.

Last night we gathered at my niece's new home for dinner - my brother, his wife, my sister, my husband, my niece and her family.   It was a beautiful Spring evening and we sat outside on the porch overlooking a small lake.  It could have been any quiet family dinner, but there was an unspoken difference.  A cancer diagnosis does that.  It makes every ordinary moment precious.
My brother is doing well.  He is buoyed by countless prayers and words of love and support, fueled by a diet carefully researched and prepared by his wife, blessed with the care of a skilled medical team, and committed to being well.
There have been countless blessings in the past two months, too many to number.  Our hope grows.  Our gratitude for the ordinary moments together cannot be measured.  We treasure each one.
At the end of this month our extended family will gather in Durham as a team to participate in the Angels Among Us fundraiser for the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.    We're even having t-shirts made with this logo.

If you live in the area, visit the website and join us for the family fun walk through Duke gardens.  Or join us in spirit by giving thanks for each ordinary moment in your day.