As promised, I’m adding an update to first let you know Maggie’s counts were solid – platelets were up – so we are infusing. We were admitted yesterday afternoon, about eclipse time. She is tolerating chemo extremely well with the main side effect this time being fatigue. Nausea has been easily controlled. Maggie has slept much of the time. I think she’s partly experiencing post-vacation hangover (more about that in a moment). Whatever the reason, the rest is good for her. The first 23-hour infusion is ending as I write with the next bag waiting to be hung. It feels like it has been a busy morning. I forced my exhausted self out early for a run around the campus (trying to resurrect my running program after it fell victim to our crazy spring). Next, on my way for coffee, I ran into my friend Carrie Stafford (with cutie-pie John Hudson) who was joining my newest friend Shannah Kittrell to make visits as part of their volunteer work with Joni and Friends ministry. They came by Maggie’s room a little later for a visit and prayer time. Then we had rounds with the doctor and care team. We had some good news after rounds. Maggie’s CEA (tumor marker) has dropped – from 12.4 three weeks ago to 11 yesterday. Any move in the right direction is positive progress, and we are grateful. Finally,  Janet Shearer (Laurel friend living in Ridgeland now) dropped by for our regular visit – the kind where all real world problems are discussed and solved to our mutual satisfaction.

With a little more quiet time now, I’ll share briefly about our trip. It was planned in an absolute moment of impulse and could not have come together or been executed any better had we planned for it a year. Dear friends, Dr. Lynn and Marty McMahan, graciously invited us to hitch a ride to California with them on their jet. How’s this for traveling in style and comfort? I told Phil, “Maggie looks like she was born for this.” (wink) We were served a meal – not peanuts and pretzels! We landed at John Wayne Airport near Anaheim and Disneyland after the smoothest (and fastest) flight I ever recall taking.

Many people ask, “What’s the difference between Disneyland and Disney World? Which is your favorite?” Disneyland has a more intimate and local vibe. Both parks, Downtown Disney, and the resort hotels are within easy walking distance of one another. No time is lost on transportation. Disney World has much more to offer with four parks, but Disneyland may be our favorite for the casual character interactions, “getting around” ease, and THE WEATHER. Lows in the 60s; highs in the low 80s – medicine to these South Mississippi folks. Maggie loves that the characters stroll around freely in the park instead of staying in designated meeting areas. We were  hanging out on a bench when this goofy guy plopped down right beside me. I turned to tell him we were saving the entire bench and realized the goofy guy was Goofy! He paused long enough for a quick photo or two then skipped on down the road to dance with a street performer.

My favorite part of the trip was one-on-one time with each of the people most precious to me. Phil and I had a coffee/breakfast date one morning (no photo). Molly and I shared some park time together, as did Maggie and I. We all made some priceless family memories together – sharing good food, fun rides, friendly competition (Toy Story Mania fans understand), and fantastic weather (have I mentioned that?).

These two photos may be my favorite from Disneyland 2017; one family shot and one of Maggie. They illustrate two keys to surviving a challenge as the last 3-1/2 years have presented us – family strength and a positive outlook. That “mountain” in the background? Nothing compared to those we’ve climbed together. That smile? Never far from a face looking up into infinity and beyond.  It all really comes down to how we view eternity. We choose hope in an Infinite God with all mountains and the entire universe in His hands.

Finally, this family trip was made possible by a daddy who wants to give his girl, his whole family, the world – in this case Disneyland – and by friends who gave the rest – a flight like no other! Thank you, Phil. And thank you, Lynn and Marty. It was an incredible week.