Birthday Celebration

Well, it's dad's birthday tomorrow! We are going to have a small get-together in celebration. Dad has another blood infection and so will probably be out of it. He had a blood transfusion the other day and today again. He is also on pain killers again for his back (they are injecting something into his back to bring all his levels up). So we're hoping he will at least be coherent for some of the time. We're just about half-way through this whole chemo ordeal, praise God for the strength He has given us to make it this far!

I've been busy the last couple of days looking for a job, despite not really wanting to start looking yet--but the urge to pay off debt has kicked in. I have a good prospect job in the works so I will let you all know what happens with it.

The Bandwagon

Being home presents various opportunities. I have easy access to a TV now. And so, I have jumped on the "Hockey Watcher's" bandwagon. I'm not missing a single Calgary Flames game from here on out. That is only if CBC has coverage. Since half their games are played at the same time as one or two other teams', I am lacking confidence that their games will even be broadcast by CBC.

Since arriving home I have been able to visit dad everyday, which is what I have been waiting for for the last few months. I suppose you could say that I have jumped on the "Lyle's Visitors" bandwagon. Many of you have stopped in to say, "hi" and to bless dad, he appreciates all of you. I have taken him down to the conveniently located monopolizing coffee house, I mean StarBucks, several times. Dad enjoys that. Right now he is struggling through another infection and the side effects. It shouldn't be too much longer until we are done Round 2 and then he has a week off before Round 3.

School's Out

These last few days flew by! I went to my Friend Jon's place for Easter. It was a good time hanging out with the boys. I wrote my only final exam on Tuesday (yesterday) and arrived in North Battleford tonight. Tomorrow my day will include looking after the necessary things that haven't been done around the house in a while. Then the plan is to go visit dad (I haven't seen him in almost 2 months).

The last I heard from mom was apparently he completes two rounds of chemo as of this week. We thought he was still on the first round and 2nd phase, I guess not. And the break will not be 4 weeks but only 1 week. It changes so often we can hardly keep up! He is doing relatively well. His legs are still swollen so the chemo hasn't been as intense.

I praise God for safety in travel and a great car that He has blessed me with (1990 Pontiac Sunbird!). She hasn't failed me yet! We praise God for taking care of all of our needs.

Rest and Plans

Dad is at home resting and recovering his strength. On Tuesday him and mom go into RUH for a day-check up. I forget what mom said it was for. Dad went for a walk the other day, to the church and back (8 blocks). Nothing else new to report.

School is done for me in a week and a half. I'm going to Edmonton to relax at a friend's house for Easter--looking forward to it. Also looking forward to heading home around the 20th. I'm looking forward to the plans that God has for me in the future. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Even though I don't know what I'm going to be doing, God knows. The future is so wide open--I can do anything! I have a couple of ideas--start an Ebay business with a friend and mentor youth.

Right after school I'm planning on going back to Battleford/Saskatoon and rest. I want to spend some time with the family and think and pray about the future. There is also the option of coming back to Alberta to work for a few months and pay off my student loan. The minimum you can make here is $15/hour for a labour job. Anyways....

Better

They let dad go home last week but it didn't last long. He had a 3-pint blood transfusion the day or the day after he went back to the hospital. And he struggled with another infection and a few irritations. But he is now doing much better and the doctors want to give him a week-long break from the hospital. So he should be released very soon.