April 25th of last year was a big deal in the Postlethwait household. It was the 12th and final chemotherapy treatment for Ben that was administered over 6 suck-months. His big sis, Sara, had flown in the night before to suprise and accompany him to the last treatment. Even though the actual treatment session wasn't fun for Ben (by that time, he was experiencing strong "association" symptoms - all it took was for him to drive into the cancer center parking lot and he would immediately feel nauseated - the brain is a powerful organ), he was in good spirits and we had MUCH to celebrate. Seeing his sister get out of the car, and the realization that she traveled from Texas just to support him, brought him to tears. Sara brought a cake from Munchers (yum) to thank the amazing oncology staff that held our hands and supported us throughout the diagnosis, staging, surgery and chemo process.
Is it ok to take a moment and thank all our friends and family for supporting us and loving on us during this process? A few that stick out -
Jon & Alicia - for watching my kids during appointments and always offering "anything" (and we believed you!) to help
Karen & Jay - for bringing dinner over several times and "feeding our souls"
My mom & dad, Molly, Timmy & Rach - for watching the kids and comforting us during rough times with words of encouragement and prayer
Sandie & Gary - for blessing us with the amazing gift of rest, relaxation, pampering, physical restoration and soul-healing
My MOPS group - for bringing us dinner many, many times
Ben's mom and dad - for watching the girls during chemo treatments, showering us with love and encouragement, and hugs
Patrick & Teresa - for making an amazing memento of all ben's marathons and triathalons that we proudly hang on our wall
Laura-Bora - for the hilarious and totally stinking awesome Indiana Jones Hat
Nate & Heather - for surprising us and showing up on our doorstep (all the way from Colorado) not once but twice
Dave & Beth - for the picture that we hang in our house that reminds us that we don't struggle through life alone, we have Jesus by our side the whole way
Grandma Pat and the whole gang that sported their PostStrong shirts on this day a year ago
Nick & Mon - for surprising us by traveling from Colorado for Ben's "end of chemo" BBQ
Aunt Patti, Krystie, Jenn and the whole Pilens crew for wearing their PostStrong shirts and for the awesome PostStrong bag
My sister - for being my shoulder to cry on, my closest confidant...and to my brother-in-law for his prayers and encouragement
Keith - for letting us "escape" our lives for a few days
Ben's sister - for supporting and loving on her brother, and watching her nieces and sending me to the spa
Dr. Ross - Ben's primary physician, an amazing doctor, for not giving-up on finding the answer to Ben's "weird symptoms"
All our loved ones - for sending us encouraging words or comic relief (and who offered up prayers) via cards, phone calls, text messages, emails and Facebook messages.
Yesterday in the car, I was explaining to Linkan why April 25th is important to us and why we were going to celebrate it. I said, "Daddy beat cancer one year ago." Ben corrected me and said to her, "We ALL beat cancer, baby." Amen to that.
If you or a loved one has/had cancer, then you understand how important these "milestones" are. I thank God for allowing us to weather this storm and for giving Ben another year of life. Each day beyond April 25, 2012 is a bonus and a blessing. I pray that we allow God to use our story to encourage others that are fighting similar battles. Take heart, don't give up, hope always.
In honor of this occasion, I'm reposting a video (chronicling our journey) that I made at this time, last year. Love you Benny P.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
I'm just helping her...
Me: "Linkan, don't push Palmer."
Linkan: "What? I'm just helping her move out of my way."
Linkan: "What? I'm just helping her move out of my way."
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Rockin K Trail Marathon
Last Saturday, Ben ran the Rockin K Trail Marathon at Lake Kanopolis. It was his first marathon since the cancer drama. :) He had signed up for this race in 2012 but chemo sucked a bit more than we had hoped so he didn't run.
This year, he trained well and is in great shape. He was smiling when he crossed the finish line. He said it was more challenging than a regular marathon.
Our dear friend, Darrel drove down to cheer him on. It was so great to have him there! He blessed us by letting us stay at his cabin on the lake so we didn't have to drive 3 1/2 hours home after the race.
Our friends, Betsey, Dave and Johnny were also there. Johnny was running the 50 mile race (yowza!). They took some of these pics of Ben. Thanks guys!
It was a great weekend! I'm so proud of my man!
This year, he trained well and is in great shape. He was smiling when he crossed the finish line. He said it was more challenging than a regular marathon.
Our dear friend, Darrel drove down to cheer him on. It was so great to have him there! He blessed us by letting us stay at his cabin on the lake so we didn't have to drive 3 1/2 hours home after the race.
Our friends, Betsey, Dave and Johnny were also there. Johnny was running the 50 mile race (yowza!). They took some of these pics of Ben. Thanks guys!
It was a great weekend! I'm so proud of my man!
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