Time in a Bottle

When I started up this blog, I wasn't certain of the outcome. I honestly didn't know the stage of the cancer. I didn't know the prognosis. I really didn't understand why some cells not dying off and mutating was such a life threatening thing. I think most people realize how bad it is to be diagnosed with cancer, but understanding it and living with it are the things that people don't grasp (myself included).

I'm very happy with how things have gone. Marion was first diagnosed about 6 months ago right around Thanksgiving. In those six months, she was given a very, very aggressive mix of chemo and radiation therapy (both internal and external). While there were some pretty rough days for her (strangely more so after the treatments ended), she responded remarkably well. The tumor itself has shrunk to where the doctors can not see it with the naked eye. For the time being, we're in the clear.

She'll have regular checkups with the doctors in the coming months. I know it's a three month, then hopefully six month affair. I'm proud of her and the way she has handled the fight. She's truly an inspiration.

Speaking of inspirations, my cousin Ron is on my mind. I saw him on Monday, and I just don't have the right words to express my sadness. I'll try because this is a blog, and while I try to think of the right way to express myself, blank pages just don't work on blogs.

Ron was part of my youth, and a huge influence on me growing up. I've said before that I love him, but it's more than that I think. Ron is part of me from humor to music taste to Millville football games...I've already spoken of my fond memories of listening to the Beatles with Ron on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings. But, there's one other story I want to relay.

Thanksgiving 2009 Ron and I attended the Millville/Vineland football game at Wheaton Field (or whatever it's called now). It was an overcast, cold, somewhat miserable day. I vividly recall when I asked him to go...he had just preached at the old Broad Street Methodist church (the new name now escapes me). I talked my Dad into going. Despite the loud music section of the service (which included screeching and such), I enjoyed the service and especially Ron's message of making Thanksgiving Thanks-Living. It was based on Psalm 100...maybe? I looked it up, and it was. Anyway, after the service, the church had a dinner with the best collard greens I've ever had the pleasure to taste. Those collard greens...wait, where was I? That's right. After the service, I asked Ron if we could go to the game.

The game was won by Millville in spectacular fashion that year. It was a come from behind victory and I think there was some type of special team play that made it really exciting. I can't be sure. What I remember most was sitting there with Ron and talking Millville football, some limited NFL (as I haven't watched an Eagles or NFL game since 2005), and some MLB. I'd like to save that moment as if it were sand in a bottle. Kind of like holding onto it just to remember the good time of fellowship with someone I really enjoy being in the company of.

Ron's a special person to me...like a second father almost. I'm thinking I'll be going to the hospital to see him again today. I found the bus route that goes right to Virtua. I doubt I can do much, but at least I can be there. Sometimes, that's all we can do, I suppose.