The Journal

We've been blessed, my dad is coming up on his eighth year of being in remission.  The first year we had a celebration, something we should do again - it's an achievement worth celebrating and remembering.

I can usually pretend that my dad wasn't that sick.  But, truth be told - he was and he documented most of his experiences in a journal.  It's from his journal I'm reminded that he:

• Was usually so tired and his legs so weak that he would stay in my 'old' bedroom (versus heading up another flight of stairs to my parents room).
• Was in the hospital or visiting the doctor more than I realized.
• Hated wearing his glasses because his scalp and head were so sensitive and severely itchy.
• Had 18 doctor visits with 8 different Dr's. or specialists to confirm "something" was wrong between May 16 and August 30th.  It wasn't until his favorite doctor contacted a colleague at Mayo that we learned what my dad had - T-Cell Lymphoma.
• Had prepared documents regarding his last wishes.  (Something I'm still not comfortable thinking about).
• Has lost feeling in his fingers and toes.  

Even though he's in remission, both him and my mom are on constant guard that a recurrence will occur.  A simple ache to me or you, could be a sign that his lymphoma is back.   And, if does come back ... he's ready to fight it. 







In fact, if you ask him if he could do treatment again - he'll say something along the lines of ... "Sure, I beat it once, I can do it again."  That's my dad.

Family Vacation

We're back from our first family vacation - camping in Texas.  We spent the week learning how to windsurf, meeting new people and developing lasting friendships.  Gabe was champ and was loved by all (of course!).

Now it's time to get back to reality and get items checked off my ever growing "to do" list - which includes getting online donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and getting RSVPs to my upcoming Wine Event.  Are you coming?

Have you RSVP’d for the Wine Event or Sent Your Donation?

Hi! Amanda here, filling in for Laura.

She is crazy busy, swamped contacting friends and family, planning the April 9 wine event and securing silent and live auction items for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s big gala event in May. Plus you know, working, walking Gabe and all those other everyday life kinds of things.

So, I’m popping by to give a little update and hopefully rustle up some RSVPs and donations. ‘Cause its hard to plan an event if you don’t know how many people are coming, right?

April 9 Wine Event

Hip, hip, hooray. Des Moines’ gross 6.7 inches of snow on March 19 is keeping the rising waters of central Iowa’s rivers at bay. So things are looking good for the Birdland Shelter.

Food Laura’s Aunt Roseann has been working on the menu. Have you had her cooking? Delicious. She also owns the biggest cooler I have ever seen. I swear it is bigger than she is.

Drink Laura and Barry’s friend Chris donated all kinds of wines for your drinking pleasure. A few weeks ago I tried a really tasty Malbec he brought to a party. So tasty I think we went through four bottles. I don’t know, I’m not one to drink and tell.

The event is coming up soon, just two weeks from this Friday! Make sure to RSVP so there’s plenty of wine and food.

Can’t make it on the 9th? You can still donate to help Laura raise $5,000 by May 1. Tax deductible and easy to do when you click on over here.

Season Tickets

I married a Hawkeye, so now I've become a Hawkeye.  Going to home games in Iowa City and tailgating has always been a passion of Barry's.  We've slowly made progress and now I consider our family pretty seasoned fans and tailgaters:

• 2001  to 2006 - No season tickets, but attended most home games
• 2007 - Took the plunge and purchased season tickets with the Carrolls (an awesome decision, we got great seats!)
• 2008 - Season tickets  with the Carrolls and a much more organized tailgating season (this was also the year of the cheesy potato)
• 2009 - Season tickets (again with the Carrolls), we added a tailgating tent (thanks to an awesome Christmas gift) and we had a heat source
• 2010 - Will likely be purchasing season tickets with the Carrolls and due to another awesome Christmas gift, we've upgraded our table and chair situation

While it can be difficult to juggle our fall schedule, going to the games have proved to be a wonderful way to meet new friends, create memories and experiment with "tailgate" appropriate food!  Now, if only they allowed dogs in the stadium -  I would be  a truly happy camper.

Clever College Friends

There are several friends from college that I don't talk to often, but think about them always.  I'm often reminded of our college days through items I've kept.  Two of which I ran across today:

•  A V-Day Gift - a simple box, painted purple (my favorite color) with various words from a magazine glued on: Friends, Let's Go Play!, Peace, House Party, Party, Superstar, Star and Perfect. It was a simple, thoughtful gesture/gift and I will always hold on to it.
• A Birthday Gift - a nice box with notes of "Why I Like Laura" inside: "You like Counting Crows, You like 311, You dance, You are organized, You smile big :), I am lucky to have classes with you, I always walk away happier after talking to you, You are never in the room when I call, but you always call me back, You can kick a**, You are a morning person, You have one coat but you wear it a different way every day, You llisten, You put my futon to use, Chicken Caesar Pitas, Hey girl in blue, he likes you, Purple!, You understand hair trauma, You sing out loud, I get knocked down but I get up again."  Does it get any better?

I hold these very clever, very thoughtful gifts close to my heart.  Ladies, you know who you are - thank you for blessing my life with wonderful moments.  We need to catch up soon!

How I Learned to Blog

I'm what I consider a "late adopter" when it comes to gadgets, gizmos and the world of social media.

However, one my goals for 2010 was to become one with the world of technology, including social media.

And, I think I'm making progress.  I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Shelfari.  I've also become a huge fan of many Google products, including igoogle, Blogger and Reader (so I can manage all the blogs I've now subscribed to!).

So, how did I make this much progress in such a short amout of time?  My friend Amanda.  She is what I would call an "early adapter."  And, thankfully for me, she doesn't mind sharing her knowledge.  Isn't she great?!!?

She's also helping me organize and prepare for my fundraising efforts.  Isn't she SUPER GREAT?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I love that on this holiday everyone is dedicated to the color green.  My top three favorite green things: 

• Green Hostess Sno Balls.  My mom used to buy them for me every year to celebrate the holiday.  What a lady!
• Celebrations that include turning everything green, including the waterways and everything you you eat and drink  ... green.  I myself will be taking green treats to work today - we're having a bakeoff competition!
• Leprechauns and wanting to believe that a pot of gold is at the end of every rainbow.

Don't get pinched today - wear green.

My Aunt Roseann

In my initial blog post I referred to “additional” reasons why I raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. One of those additional reasons is my Aunt Roseann (otherwise know as Ellen to the general, non-family public).

• Her husband Harry (my uncle) died because of ALL – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
• She then was the only sibling not to receive news in the same year that they were diagnosed with a blood-related cancer. She helped both through various procedures and treatment cycles. My Aunt Irene died one day after her 60th birthday. My dad is in remission.

She says this about her experiences:

• Be proactive in your healthcare. If you have testing, make sure you get the report in a timely manner. If not, follow up and get the results. Burying your head in the sand could shorten your life.
• Be positive and don’t complain. If you haven’t experienced the challenges associated with a deadly disease – we have no room to complain about anything. It’s time to be positive! It's a trait she admires that both my aunt and my dad carried during their fights with cancer – despite the pain and side effects of treatment. Both had been given an ultimate challenge and both showed courage most could only hope to have given a similar situation. 
• Don’t live with regrets. Would’ve, could’ve or should’ve are unproductive and wasted energy. We make choices and if it doesn’t work out we need to accept the outcome and move on. If the outcome is not good, profit by the learning experience and don’t repeat.
• Put your stuff in a box. Meaning get your life in order or “mis en place” for the cooks. As much as no one wants to discuss the possibility of death it happens. Get the details out of the way - wills and even funeral wishes.

Please help me reach my fundraising goal to honor Roseann and donate online.  She’s a tremendous support system for me, my dad/mom and my grandparents.

If you’re at the “Drink Wine Beat Cancer” Wine Event – you’ll be able to meet her. She’ll be the one with all the good eats.

Summer is coming, right?

I'm looking forward to the lazy days of summer.  Who's with me?!?

Scuba Adventures

One of the best things Barry and I have done as a couple is learning how to scuba dive.  It is something I've always wanted to do and when the opportunity arose to dive with friends in Puerto Rico (as well as celebrate a marriage!), we were in.

We took our instruction from Matt Leyden, owner of Leydens and Associates, Inc.  He has been diving since 1942 and is full of great stories and insight.  He's also living proof that you can dive without being eaten by a shark (a small fear of mine that I'm mostly over - mostly).

Scuba has allowed us to build upon several skills that are good for us above and below water, such as communication, trust and logic.  It was also wonderful just spending time with Barry and learning something new. 

We're now both officially hooked and can't wait for our new scuba adventures.

Drink Wine, Beat Cancer

Barry and I are hosting a Wine Event to help me raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Please RSVP and let me know you're coming!

Details

• Friday, April 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Birdland (Enclosed) Park Shelter - 2100 Saylor Road, Des Moines, Iowa
• Wine and food are being provided (much of it has been donated -- woot, woot!)

Cost Information

• $20/per person minimum donation ahead of time
• $25/per person minimum donation the night of the event

If you can't make it, please consider donating online or contact me about other items/skills you can donate to the cause.

Also, please let your friends and family know about the event.  It will be great fun and we'll create some good memories. And, for those of you that haven't met him, my dad should be in attendance!!

Are you cozy today?

Because Gabe is ....

Childhood "Not So Great" Moments

So, I may have mentioned in a previous post that my "childhood ROCKED."  And, it did. But, to be fair ... I also had my fare share of 'not great' moments.  To present a fair and balanced picture of my life, here are my top ten (in no particular order):

1. Birthday party issues (see previous post) - I really am sorry!
2. Getting the news that my dad had cancer. 
3. Having to wear blue orthopedic shoes most of my early years.  My parents must have spent a fortune on these shoes (I apparently needed arch support), but they seriously lacked style. Have you ever tried pairing everything you own with blue leather shoes.  It wasn't pretty.
4. Making the mistake to get bangs, cut my hair short and get it permed -- all at the same time.  Did I mention I also had braces?
5. Losing my first family dog, Lad. He was awesome.
6. Unsuccessful auditions for choir groups, cheerleading (who was I kidding?!?) and various plays.  Don't worry, I did eventually get into the choir groups I wanted, so it wasn't all bad.
7. Losing loved ones over the years - great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and brother-in-laws.
8. Not passing my driving test (for the record, it was the fault of the road - nothing I did) ... and then having to go to my birthday party.  See, I really am not a birthday person.
9. Countless fights with friends and boyfriends.  Oh, the drama.
10. Not being allowed to pierce my ears until the 8th grade.  Which, looking back wasn't a bad thing, since I put on quite the show when I did finally did get them pierced. 

But still, over all ... I've had a wonderful life.  Full of ups and downs, but memories nonetheless.

The Man Behind The Bucket Story

My Grandpa

"Inventor of the Many Ways to Use a Bucket"

He turned 92 yesterday.  And, we're blessed everyday by his presence. 

This man knows things about things and raised three wonderful children with my grandma.

Online Donations - It's Easy

As you're aware, I'm trying to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. More specifically, I'm trying to raise over $5,000 in just a few short weeks.

Here are five ideas on how you can support me:

1. Donate online. Then share my story with your friends and family and ask them to donate online.
2. Take your recycling in and then donate your "earnings" online.
3. Take your change jar to bank and donate your "earnings" online.
4. Don't order takeout for dinner, instead eat your leftovers and then dontate your "takeout money" online.
5. At work and home, drink tap water instead of purchasing beverages (soda/pop, bottled water, tea, etc.) for the next two months. Then donate your "beverage money" online. You'll thank me for it later - you'll create a healthy habit and I'll be saving you money for years! :)

Thank you for being wonderful friends and supporters. Did I mention I also take donations by mail and online? 

Des Moines, We Have Issues

I'm going to blame the rough winter for the current state of our city, but it's just a really convenient excuse.  Can anyone provide me with a logical reason for why the city streets are lined with trash??? Some of it's even "valuable" and can be redeemed for money (and then donated online), but most of it's just trash.

Seriously people, we need take care of what we have and start doing some spring cleaning -- outside.

So ... Des Moines residents, please take it upon yourself to pick up what's in front of your house or business.  I know it's probably not yours, but be a good neighbor and pick it up.

I'm personally planning on filling one grocery bag of trash every time I take Gabe on a walk.  It has to eventually make an impact, right?

And, shame on you if you are the one leaving stuff outside for others to pick up.  Don't you realize you're responsible for yourself?

Birthdays - Are they really for me?

As my grade school friends can vouch for - birthdays really are not my thing.  Despite the good intentions of friends, family and co-workers, I often feel let down when "my big day" rolls around.  For my most recent birthday, Barry did a wonderful job of creating memories for me - he pulled out all the stops.  It was a birthday filled weekend and my birthday wasn't until Monday:

• Friday - Awesome dinner and socializing at Sakari Sushi Lounge. 
• Saturday -
• Visited with the family on the farm and celebrated our March birthdays - my cousin Ben (3/4), me (3/8) and my grandpa (3/9).  As always, a feast was prepared and enjoyed. My favorite part was my grandma's homemade Angel Food Cake.  It's the best you'll ever have and I swear she can whip one up and have it in the oven within six minutes.
• We also had our good friends the Carrolls (and their dog Micky) over for dinner.  Barry created an amazing salmon dish and had purchased a delightful chocolate dessert from Gateway Market.  We had great fun watching Gabe and Micky play, as well as catching up with each other and brainstorming ways to reach my fundraising goal by May 1, 2010. 
• Sunday - We relaxed at home, watched Notting Hill and Barry took me to the mall to go shopping!  We also attended our last Alpha Class at Lutheran Church of Hope. 
• Monday (my actual birthday) - Barry surprised me with flowers at work and he later took me to  Court Avenue Brewery where we dined with my birthday buddy and her husband. 

Whew, it was quite a celebration - no?  Then why have I been cranky these past few days? I blame my childhood birthday parties, which I'm forever ashamed of.  Why? Because I always threw a tantrum when I lost at a game (the most popular culprit was Red Rover, Red Rover). So I've decided to really enjoy my birthdays again, I need to publically apologize to my parents, my friends and their parents for my unlady like conduct.  Here it goes ...

I'm sorry for being a sore loser and expecting to be let through to "the other side" and win Red Rover, Red Rover.  Just because I was the birthday girl, didn't mean you had to let me win (it would have been nice, but what life lessons would it have taught me?). 

THANK YOU for all of the birthday wishes!!  I really did have a great one.  And, as Barry pointed out -- the alternative of not growing older is much worse.

Cancer is so limited

Here's a poem I found recently ...

Cancer is so limited!

It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot erode faith,
It cannot take away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendships,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot reduce eternal life.
             .....Anonymous

Please consider helping me raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Turns out my childhood ROCKED

Thinking about "life's moments" had me thinking about my childhood.  And, I've come to the conclusion that it ROCKED.   My parents were amazing and I had no idea the sacrifices they made for me and my siblings.  Even now they still manage to surprise me with their deep dedication to us and our families.

So here are my top 10 childhood memories (in no particular order):

1. Baking "Mr. Williams" oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
2. Getting our first family dog, Lad (we convinced grandma ... and later my dad that it was a good idea to get mom a birthday present).
3. Getting rides on the Model T at the farm.
4. Spending summers at our grandparents farms.
5. Picking fights with my brother ... and getting him in trouble for it!
6. "Patiently" waiting for the birth of my little sister (I'm pretty sure I called the hospital every 3 minutes to get an update)!
7. Bike rides with my dad to ice cream destinations only.
8. Annual summer vacations and kicking the back of my mom's seat every mile of the way.
9. Coming up with the family moto at a very young age ... "We paid our money and we're going to the top!"
10. Hot chocolate in the Nestle Quick bunny mug (with a side of peanut butter toast) -- YUMMY.

The list could go on and on ... did I mention, my childhood ROCKED?  But most of all ... I remember parents that supported and challenged me every day of my life.  They also managed to feed, clothe and provide me with luxuries I am just now appreciating.

If you haven't done so recently, tell those you love that you love them.  They probably know, but hearing it makes a difference.

Mom and Dad - I LOVE YOU!

Pancakes

One of the best things about owning a dog is the dedication to the morning walk. Every day, Gabe and I take to the streets of Des Moines – he gets to sniff about and I get to think. It’s been great. This morning my thoughts turned to food (I was hungry) and I determined I wanted a pancake.

The only hitch is that I wanted “the pancake.” And, “the pancake” is served only on Sunday mornings and in a house about 2 hours from Des Moines. I am talking about the pancakes my dad religiously makes every Sunday morning. These pancakes are the best around – after all, he’s had over 30 years to perfect his technique.

I do believe a trip home is my future.

THE BUCKET

This story was written by my dad, Martin A. Richards during his first few months of chemo in 2001. He dedicated the piece to his dad, Vern M. Richards.  I think you'll agree, life is full of wonderful moments.  I'm so grateful that my Dad wrote this story and my Aunt Roseann saved it and recently shared it with me.

Before you read his story, a little background information.  This story includes a:
• Love of hunting and the Richards family farm
• 83 year old father (Vern Richards – he’s now 92)
• Sixth grade daughter (Else Richards – she’s now a sophomore at Creighton University)
• Bucket
____________________
The Bucket

Several years ago (probably in the late 1990s) while walking to my favorite deer stand with my gun ready for the big buck. I observed my father walking across the ridge of our farm carrying a white 5-gallon bucket. I could not think why my father was carrying such a stupid thing. At least it wasn’t me carrying that! I had better things to do, seeing the big buck. Then I caught a glimpse of my father a few hundred yards away. He was sitting down on the bucket and I was standing. Then I thought that old man isn’t so stupid.

A few years later I tried that approach to turkey hunting. I got a five-gallon bucket and painted it blotchy green camouflage. I still didn’t get a turkey but I looked like I should.

I learned it makes a good minnow pail and a fish holding area when you go fishing.

This August (2001) I was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer. All chemotherapy information I read said be ready for serious side effects. One side effect they warned about was vomiting. I gathered up all of our plastic pans and strategically located them at every place I might get sick. This included all bathrooms, my work, and of course my car.

Chemo went well for me, no nausea but oh my legs would give out on me. I could not stand on my legs. During the school year mornings I wait on the corner of my daughter’s (Else Richards) bus stop. I did not want to miss out on the time with my daughter so I got a bright yellow six-gallon bucket and blotched on the same green camouflaged paint. Now the people driving past the bus stop just shake their heads. Maybe they were not lucky enough to have a father teach them about buckets.

My six-gallon bucket takes up a place of honor on my car’s backseat and it reminds me of my father and the importance of a seemingly insignificant item. (Side note by Laura: He still has a bucket in his car!)

My dad is tough

I don’t remember much about my life during my dad’s battle with cancer. I guess it’s true that the brain protects you from remembering the details of unpleasant events. But, I wonder if I would remember more if my dad wouldn’t have been so darn tough.

You see, he was raised on a farm and is no stranger to hard work. He approached his cancer battle as he has with everything in his life – hard work, dedication, faith and a commitment to family.

Throughout my life my parents have shown time and time again that hard work and perseverance pays off. My dad’s approach to his cancer battle may not be what his doctors or my mom would have recommended (he wasn’t exactly an ideal patient – germs are a very bad thing when you have no immune system), but it worked for him. He showed everyone that not even cancer should stop you from enjoying life and continuing to create good, memorable moments.

He’s truly an inspiration– and not to mention one tough cookie.