My dear friend turned 40, and six of us celebrated last weekend with an amazing ladies retreat at the lake. My friends' parents recently built an amazing house and opened up their home to us. There's nothing like a massive house with all of the amenities of a luxurious B&B coupled with the comforts of home, and six amazing women to recharge the batteries. The 28-hour get-away seemed so much longer. Perhaps time away for massages, movies, football, fine wine, delicious food, fun tunes, pool, tons of laughs, late-night karaoke and fond memories was the perfect medicine. I am truly blessed to have amazing circles of friends in my life.
The last 6 weeks has been super hectic between work, school, birthday parties, sports, activities, exercise, all of our travels, and the other duties life of a working suburban mother of two, wife, daughter, sister, friend requires! Somehow in the midst of the chaos of life, I have made time to for 31 visits to the hospital for my daily dose of radiation. "Are you tired?" the little old lady in the elevator asked me. "I'm doing pretty well, actually. I don't really have time to be tired!"
I have become quite close with my Radiation Techs, and adore my Radiation Oncologist. I will not miss my daily dose, but I will miss the people I have met along the way. The ladies at the front reception are so kind and always greet me with a smile. My techs are three men in their thirties who I have bonded with, and trust whole-heartedly. At first I was shy about having men so up close and personal to my breast, but now it has become second nature, and it doesn't matter. I appreciate them all so much, and no matter what mood I'm in, we always manage to crack a joke or a smile.
The other day I had a few minutes to wait, and I started talking to a woman in the waiting room who was my age. Every day when I arrive she is sitting there doing work, waiting for her 78-year old mother. We started chatting and hearing the story about her mom made my situation seem not so bad. I will not get in to details, but she has a rare skin cancer in a place where the sun doesn't shine...in the most personal of nether regions that a woman has. Suddenly the pain and exposure of my perky, reconstructed scarred breast didn't seem so bad. I have also become friendly with the woman who is treated right after me. Each day we greet each other as we pass each other in our gowns. The other day we both were in the waiting room and started chatting. She is 39, and there are twenty or so women in her office building under 40 with breast cancer. I just don't get it. Why are so many of us, so young, with no family history connected by the pink ribbon? Bottom line, as the days have gone by, RW has become a place of healing, and no longer a place of fear.
My skin had been doing really well, until I felt some real burning sensations last Friday. I suppose after 28 treatments, my skin was bound to give in, especially since they were doing three different fields. Last night it was difficult for me to fall asleep because my skin was so burned. Imagine your worst sunburn x 10. I am reminded why I stopped sunbathing years ago! My doctor prescribed some burn cream and that is helping a little. But, little blisters have formed and around the edges it's red and raw. I had been warned of burns and blisters but had been doing so well I thought I'd be the lucky one to escape the discomfort. Fortunatly that area will get a reprieve, because I have now moved on to the electron boost. I only have 6 more treatments left, and these are targeted right in the area where the cancer was. The delusional part of me is glad to feel some pain and see the raw, blistered skin. Because you can't see or feel radiation, the symptoms I'm experiencing offer reassurance that these invisible rays are zapping any bad cells that may be left in my body, and I know it's working. Pain and discomfort suck, but it could be much worse. So after some brief venting to and pity from my friends and family, I feel better. I am strong...but am so ready to get this treatment over with and put cancer behind us once and for all. I'm ready to heal.
Yesterday my husband and I ventured over to CW and met with my Medical Oncologist to discuss my treatment plan. I'm too tired to go in to details now, but I will start 4 weeks from now most likely -- around the beginning of November. I will have 4 cycles -- 1 every 3 weeks. I am ready to get going on that and be done with the Big C once and for all. More on that later.
As for now, it's time to get some sleep. Our jet-setting travels are taking us to beautiful La Jolla, California tomorrow! My husband, mom and I are heading west for my cousin's wedding. It will be a weekend filled with family, beautiful weather, and a happy marriage celebration. It's not very often that our extended family gets together, and I feel so blessed to be able to attend the festivities. My extended family has walked with us every step of this journey, and it will be great to give them big hugs in person! At the end of the day, family, friends and happy memories are what it's all about. Thinking about the fun to come and reminiscing about the good times we've had offers motivation to stay strong and not let anything get in the way of life. Life is about living for the day, and not fearing the future. It's about giving thanks and appreciating the wonderful people in my life and happy times that matter most.
There is no doubt that this weekend will be filled with much needed rest, relaxation, fun, good times -- all around Great Days!
Work hard, give thanks, love deeply. Don't wait for tomorrow to do something that will make you happy today. Love life and life will love you back.
xoxo
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Magical...
The house was dark and quiet as I headed out at 6:45am to get an early morning daily dose of XRT at 7am. I had a big day ahead, and they were nice enough to give me the first slot of the day so I could get radiated and get out of there.
When I got home, the bags were packed and the taxi pulled up to our house right on time at 8am. Our two kids thought it was the third day of school, but suddenly became suspicious as they glanced at the two large suitcases and noticed the Red Top Cab minivan outside. "Let's go!" we said, and my son said, "I'm NOT getting in that stranger's car unless you come with me." I just smiled and said, "Trust us. Of course we're coming with you." It was a VonTrapp moment for sure.
As we headed to DCA, my son was growing anxious and trembled a bit, looking as though he was about to burst in to tears. I said to my husband, "O is freaking out, we have to tell them now." So as we smiled at our two kids, we said, "We are not going to school today, we're going to Florida!" There was an unforgettable look on his face as he buried his hands in his face and tried to hide his tears. He was relieved that we were not sending him off with strangers, and flashed a gleaming smile that his dream of going to Disney World was coming true.
The four of us had an amazing five day adventure in Florida, and were blessed to be able to experience Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Our kids were at the perfect age to beleive in the magic that the Disney theme parks offer. While the rides and shows and attractions were fantastic, the best part of the trip by far was catching the eye of my husband, sharing a smile, and watching the faces of our two kids savor every minute of this magical world for the first time. It's a kid's dream to visit Disney World, but as a parent, it's a dream come true to watch them experience it when they believe and appreciate all the magic. As we celebrated our 10 year anniversary with our two children, my heart was filled with joy.
One of my dear friends from Virginia Tech hosted us for an unforgettable day at Discovery Cove. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Disney, and is such a beautiful, serene place. We swam with the dolphins, floated down the lazy river, fed birds in the aviary, and waded in the water with stingrays. It was a bit rainy, so we headed over to SeaWorld to see Shamu and get a couple of their crazy roller coasters in. It was a great day for sure.
Our Carpe Diem vacation was perfect in so many ways. I did not think about work, chores, or the "Big C" at all. It just reminded me that sometimes you just have to toss worries and responsibilities aside and seize the day.
My daughter and I left early Monday morning so I could make it home in time to get another daily dose of XRT. I was disappointed to learn that the machine was down, and my appointment was cancelled after rushing home.
The rest of the week has been busy getting back in to school and work and life. Radiation is going fine and my skin is holding up well. I look like I've been laying out in a one-cup bikini top! My right breast looks a little tan/pink, and there are a few brown spots that look like new freckles. My doctor has assured me that those are just the hair follicles, and the brown spots and discoloration will subside after treatment. I've lost count of how many treatments I've had. I know that I'm over 20, and only have a couple of weeks left. It's kind of odd that I don't know the exact number, but as I take things day by day, it seems to make life a lot less stressful. (I'm sure my mother will smile to hear that).
As I left RW the other day, there was a beautiful little girl on a stretcher. Her bald head was covered by a fuzzy pink hat, and she was wearing a sparkly tiara. Her hospital gown had a pink boa-like vest over it, and balloons adorned her stretcher. "Is it your birthday today?" I asked. "Yes, I'm 10 today." I said, "You are a beautiful birthday princess...happy birthday!" She just smiled. As I walked away, tears streamed down my face and my heart broke. That night, I gave my kids extra kisses, and counted my blessings even more.
When I got home, the bags were packed and the taxi pulled up to our house right on time at 8am. Our two kids thought it was the third day of school, but suddenly became suspicious as they glanced at the two large suitcases and noticed the Red Top Cab minivan outside. "Let's go!" we said, and my son said, "I'm NOT getting in that stranger's car unless you come with me." I just smiled and said, "Trust us. Of course we're coming with you." It was a VonTrapp moment for sure.
As we headed to DCA, my son was growing anxious and trembled a bit, looking as though he was about to burst in to tears. I said to my husband, "O is freaking out, we have to tell them now." So as we smiled at our two kids, we said, "We are not going to school today, we're going to Florida!" There was an unforgettable look on his face as he buried his hands in his face and tried to hide his tears. He was relieved that we were not sending him off with strangers, and flashed a gleaming smile that his dream of going to Disney World was coming true.
The four of us had an amazing five day adventure in Florida, and were blessed to be able to experience Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Our kids were at the perfect age to beleive in the magic that the Disney theme parks offer. While the rides and shows and attractions were fantastic, the best part of the trip by far was catching the eye of my husband, sharing a smile, and watching the faces of our two kids savor every minute of this magical world for the first time. It's a kid's dream to visit Disney World, but as a parent, it's a dream come true to watch them experience it when they believe and appreciate all the magic. As we celebrated our 10 year anniversary with our two children, my heart was filled with joy.
One of my dear friends from Virginia Tech hosted us for an unforgettable day at Discovery Cove. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Disney, and is such a beautiful, serene place. We swam with the dolphins, floated down the lazy river, fed birds in the aviary, and waded in the water with stingrays. It was a bit rainy, so we headed over to SeaWorld to see Shamu and get a couple of their crazy roller coasters in. It was a great day for sure.
Our Carpe Diem vacation was perfect in so many ways. I did not think about work, chores, or the "Big C" at all. It just reminded me that sometimes you just have to toss worries and responsibilities aside and seize the day.
My daughter and I left early Monday morning so I could make it home in time to get another daily dose of XRT. I was disappointed to learn that the machine was down, and my appointment was cancelled after rushing home.
The rest of the week has been busy getting back in to school and work and life. Radiation is going fine and my skin is holding up well. I look like I've been laying out in a one-cup bikini top! My right breast looks a little tan/pink, and there are a few brown spots that look like new freckles. My doctor has assured me that those are just the hair follicles, and the brown spots and discoloration will subside after treatment. I've lost count of how many treatments I've had. I know that I'm over 20, and only have a couple of weeks left. It's kind of odd that I don't know the exact number, but as I take things day by day, it seems to make life a lot less stressful. (I'm sure my mother will smile to hear that).
As I left RW the other day, there was a beautiful little girl on a stretcher. Her bald head was covered by a fuzzy pink hat, and she was wearing a sparkly tiara. Her hospital gown had a pink boa-like vest over it, and balloons adorned her stretcher. "Is it your birthday today?" I asked. "Yes, I'm 10 today." I said, "You are a beautiful birthday princess...happy birthday!" She just smiled. As I walked away, tears streamed down my face and my heart broke. That night, I gave my kids extra kisses, and counted my blessings even more.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
09-09-09...
Anyone who knows me well can attest to the fact that I have never missed a birthday, and have a freaky appreciation for a good calendar date. And babies who are born with a birth date like 09-09-09 are pretty lucky!
Ten years ago today, 09-09-99, was an amazing day. My fiance and I had just moved in to our new home, and were throwing a pre-wedding open house party for 60+ friends and family. In hindsight, it was pretty ambitious, given the fact that our house was small, and it was two days before our wedding! But we were young, carefree, and all about fun with our family and friends. And, we were madly in love and so excited about our wedding weekend...the beginning of our life together.
One year ago today, 09-09-08, was another day I'll never forget. My scalp was tingling with a freaky, painful sensation that was like nothing I had ever felt, and my long, thick brune
tte locks that I loved so much were starting the early stages of shedding due to the chemo I had begun just two weeks earlier. Together, with the best friends a girl could ask for, and with the help of many cocktails, we cut off 8 12 inch braids and donated my hair to Locks of Love. It was one of the most difficult days of my life by far. And I still think about it all the time. While I've come to appreciate that I am more than the hair on my head, I miss it every single day.
Tonight, 09-09-09, we cleaned our house and packed our bags in preparation for surprising our two kids with an amazing trip to Orlando tomorrow. Last year, we had planned to take our two kids to Disney in November. The whole cancer/chemo episode last fall put an end to that plan. So, this summer, we decided that we were going to dust off those plans and take the kids to Disney this November. Well, the whole local recurrence of cancer and pending chemo put an end to that plan. One morning at work, I called my husband and said, "Hear me out...I have a crazy idea." And that evening we started planning our trip to Orlando for September during our 10th Anniversary weekend. Since this is the first week of school, we wanted them to be focused on school, their new classes, and all the fun that goes with it. The kids have NO idea that we have planned this trip. They are sound asleep and think tomorrow will be another day at school. We can't wait to see the look on their faces when they hear all about the big trip we have planned!
I am going to head to RW first thing tomorrow to get my daily dose of XRT before we head to the airport. Tomorrow will be treatment 17! It's been an easy, non-eventful week at RW, and my skin and energy are cooperating big time. Thank you, God. I am truly blessed.
I had an axillary dissection during my latest surgery, and my surgeon removed all of my axillary lymph nodes under my right arm. This puts me at risk for lymphedema. The therapist said my arm shows no sign of swelling and looks good, but took measurements of my right arm as a baseline.
In preparation for the flight, I met with a Lymphedema Therapist, and she wrote me an order for a compression sleeve and glove. There is something about the cabin pressure of the airplane that can be a risk factor to cause lymphedema, so I have to wear sleeve and glove compression garments (or as I call it, the arm girdle). My kids tried it on, so they will not be freaked out when I put this on tomorrow on the plane.
I made the mistake of Googling "Lymphadema, arm, breast cancer" and checking out the Images. I don't recommend that! But, Dr. Google did offer some information about lymphedema. Click here for the scoop from breastcancer.org
"Lymphedema is a side effect that can begin during or after breast cancer treatment. It isn't life threatening, but it can last over a long period of time. This condition involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm or hand. The swelling may be accompanied by numbness, discomfort, and sometimes infection.
Ten years ago today, 09-09-99, was an amazing day. My fiance and I had just moved in to our new home, and were throwing a pre-wedding open house party for 60+ friends and family. In hindsight, it was pretty ambitious, given the fact that our house was small, and it was two days before our wedding! But we were young, carefree, and all about fun with our family and friends. And, we were madly in love and so excited about our wedding weekend...the beginning of our life together.
One year ago today, 09-09-08, was another day I'll never forget. My scalp was tingling with a freaky, painful sensation that was like nothing I had ever felt, and my long, thick brune
tte locks that I loved so much were starting the early stages of shedding due to the chemo I had begun just two weeks earlier. Together, with the best friends a girl could ask for, and with the help of many cocktails, we cut off 8 12 inch braids and donated my hair to Locks of Love. It was one of the most difficult days of my life by far. And I still think about it all the time. While I've come to appreciate that I am more than the hair on my head, I miss it every single day.Tonight, 09-09-09, we cleaned our house and packed our bags in preparation for surprising our two kids with an amazing trip to Orlando tomorrow. Last year, we had planned to take our two kids to Disney in November. The whole cancer/chemo episode last fall put an end to that plan. So, this summer, we decided that we were going to dust off those plans and take the kids to Disney this November. Well, the whole local recurrence of cancer and pending chemo put an end to that plan. One morning at work, I called my husband and said, "Hear me out...I have a crazy idea." And that evening we started planning our trip to Orlando for September during our 10th Anniversary weekend. Since this is the first week of school, we wanted them to be focused on school, their new classes, and all the fun that goes with it. The kids have NO idea that we have planned this trip. They are sound asleep and think tomorrow will be another day at school. We can't wait to see the look on their faces when they hear all about the big trip we have planned!
I am going to head to RW first thing tomorrow to get my daily dose of XRT before we head to the airport. Tomorrow will be treatment 17! It's been an easy, non-eventful week at RW, and my skin and energy are cooperating big time. Thank you, God. I am truly blessed.
I had an axillary dissection during my latest surgery, and my surgeon removed all of my axillary lymph nodes under my right arm. This puts me at risk for lymphedema. The therapist said my arm shows no sign of swelling and looks good, but took measurements of my right arm as a baseline.
In preparation for the flight, I met with a Lymphedema Therapist, and she wrote me an order for a compression sleeve and glove. There is something about the cabin pressure of the airplane that can be a risk factor to cause lymphedema, so I have to wear sleeve and glove compression garments (or as I call it, the arm girdle). My kids tried it on, so they will not be freaked out when I put this on tomorrow on the plane.
I made the mistake of Googling "Lymphadema, arm, breast cancer" and checking out the Images. I don't recommend that! But, Dr. Google did offer some information about lymphedema. Click here for the scoop from breastcancer.org
"Lymphedema is a side effect that can begin during or after breast cancer treatment. It isn't life threatening, but it can last over a long period of time. This condition involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm or hand. The swelling may be accompanied by numbness, discomfort, and sometimes infection.
You can think of lymphedema as a plumbing problem: Veins and lymphatic channels are like pipes and drains that can handle the normal load of lymphatic fluid. If lymph nodes and channels are removed, there might not be enough pipes and drains to handle all the fluid."
Everyone is sound asleep now except for me! With that, I'm off to get a good night's sleep and dream about all of the fun we'll have this weekend. I am truly blessed to share our 10th Anniversary with the love of my life, and our two most precious gifts!
Life is good...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Fight On, Again...
Life is going along well, and we have enjoyed a fun, busy summer with the kids, our family, and friends. To be honest, I have not been thinking too much about the Big C. I will have plenty of time to think about that when chemo starts sometime in October. Call it denial, but for now I choose happiness over worry. I choose to live for the moment and not fear the future. It's a lot more fun!
Now, here's the real question...are you ready for some football?!
Today is one of my husband's most favorite days of the year. Yes, college football season is officially underway. The new USC Trojans flag is hanging
outside our home, my husband and kids are decked out in their jerseys, and even I have my Trojans flair on. Last year on this big weekend, I had just completed my first chemo, and my husband was in Charlottesville at the big game with his fellow BFFs that share in his love for Trojan football. That seems like forever ago -- so much has happened in the last year.
Once again, it's time to Fight On.
I am nearing halftime with my XRT treatments. I have completed 14 radiation treatments out of 33-37 total I will have had when it's all said and done. So far, it's going fine. My skin is holding up well...I don't really notice any burning or significant changes. Two to three times a day I slab Weleda Baby Calendula lotion (that I picked up at Whole Foods) all over my chest, and that seems to be working well so far. Aside from skin changes, the biggest side effect from XRT is fatigue. At the beginning, my doctor said that any exercise I can do will help alleviate the fatigue. So, each day I do my best to work out. Some days it's as little as a 30 minute walk, and others it's a full blown 1.5 hour workout at the gym. But I do something every day. With that, the fatigue is minimal so far. All in all, so far, the radiation is going well.
When I first started my daily jaunts to RW for daily doses of XRT, I was anxious and, to be honest, a little bitchy. As the days pass, I have softened, and my beaming smile seems to emerge. Every day I am in the same room, and I have 2 of the same 3 male techs treat me. In the beginning, I joked with my guys, "I'm only going to be here for six weeks, so I don't want to get attached to you." Now, I feel very comfortable with them, and every day they don't know which "me" they will get. Why can't I just be a quiet in-and-out patient? Every day I arrive at RW in a different mood. Sometimes they laugh, sometimes they blush, sometimes they roll their eyes, and every day they are very compassionate.
It's not often that I have 15 minutes where I have to lay down and be still. From the moment I lay down on that table, I close my eyes. They have music that plays in the room and my mind tends to drift to wherever the song takes me. One day, as I closed my eyes and listened to the Reggae music, I dreamed of my husband and I resting on a hammock under a pallapa in the Caribbean, watching our two kids play on a white sand beach with the turquoise ocean as the backdrop. Another day, I was listening to old Michael Jackson songs, and was remembering the good old days of the 80s, and laughed at the fact that I am still friends with those same ladies 25 years later! And then, on Thursday, I heard a song that was very special to me during my treatments last year. As I laid there with my eyes closed, tears started streaming down my face in a furious river, and my heart started to race. It was quite uncontrollable and one of those moments where you just can't make it stop. I had to lay there, still. I could not wipe the tears. I could not grab a tissue. I could not excuse myself or take a break. I just kept my eyes closed and appreciated it as a moment of release. It was during those moments that I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my guys said, "Sweetie, you are going to be OK." In that moment, I think it became evident that that while I can be bitchy, quiet, strong, sweet, funny, impatient, nice, sarcastic, etc., when it comes right down to it, I'm a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, woman who is fighting for the life that she loves more than anything with all that she has. And yes, I'm going to be more than OK. I'm going to be great.
On Friday morning, I made a quick stop at the bakery and picked up a dozen freshly baked donuts to bring to my RW guys. "Good morning, fellas. Here are some donuts for you, now can you pretend I didn't lose it yesterday?" They just smiled. And then one informed me that he was fasting during Ramadan. "Oh no! How are you going to stare at this chocolate donut with sprinkles all day long?" He said, "It's all in your mind, and if you have a strong mind, you can do anything." Hmmm, he's on to something. Then he smiled and said, "I'll take that home with me and eat it at sundown." I smiled.
The beast has no chance. I will "Fight On." And I'm a Hokie, and like all those who love Virginia Tech, I will prevail, and be stronger than ever.
Off I go to enjoy a family day of football!
Go Trojans! Go Hokies!
Now, here's the real question...are you ready for some football?!
Today is one of my husband's most favorite days of the year. Yes, college football season is officially underway. The new USC Trojans flag is hanging
outside our home, my husband and kids are decked out in their jerseys, and even I have my Trojans flair on. Last year on this big weekend, I had just completed my first chemo, and my husband was in Charlottesville at the big game with his fellow BFFs that share in his love for Trojan football. That seems like forever ago -- so much has happened in the last year.Once again, it's time to Fight On.
I am nearing halftime with my XRT treatments. I have completed 14 radiation treatments out of 33-37 total I will have had when it's all said and done. So far, it's going fine. My skin is holding up well...I don't really notice any burning or significant changes. Two to three times a day I slab Weleda Baby Calendula lotion (that I picked up at Whole Foods) all over my chest, and that seems to be working well so far. Aside from skin changes, the biggest side effect from XRT is fatigue. At the beginning, my doctor said that any exercise I can do will help alleviate the fatigue. So, each day I do my best to work out. Some days it's as little as a 30 minute walk, and others it's a full blown 1.5 hour workout at the gym. But I do something every day. With that, the fatigue is minimal so far. All in all, so far, the radiation is going well.
When I first started my daily jaunts to RW for daily doses of XRT, I was anxious and, to be honest, a little bitchy. As the days pass, I have softened, and my beaming smile seems to emerge. Every day I am in the same room, and I have 2 of the same 3 male techs treat me. In the beginning, I joked with my guys, "I'm only going to be here for six weeks, so I don't want to get attached to you." Now, I feel very comfortable with them, and every day they don't know which "me" they will get. Why can't I just be a quiet in-and-out patient? Every day I arrive at RW in a different mood. Sometimes they laugh, sometimes they blush, sometimes they roll their eyes, and every day they are very compassionate.
It's not often that I have 15 minutes where I have to lay down and be still. From the moment I lay down on that table, I close my eyes. They have music that plays in the room and my mind tends to drift to wherever the song takes me. One day, as I closed my eyes and listened to the Reggae music, I dreamed of my husband and I resting on a hammock under a pallapa in the Caribbean, watching our two kids play on a white sand beach with the turquoise ocean as the backdrop. Another day, I was listening to old Michael Jackson songs, and was remembering the good old days of the 80s, and laughed at the fact that I am still friends with those same ladies 25 years later! And then, on Thursday, I heard a song that was very special to me during my treatments last year. As I laid there with my eyes closed, tears started streaming down my face in a furious river, and my heart started to race. It was quite uncontrollable and one of those moments where you just can't make it stop. I had to lay there, still. I could not wipe the tears. I could not grab a tissue. I could not excuse myself or take a break. I just kept my eyes closed and appreciated it as a moment of release. It was during those moments that I felt a hand on my shoulder, and my guys said, "Sweetie, you are going to be OK." In that moment, I think it became evident that that while I can be bitchy, quiet, strong, sweet, funny, impatient, nice, sarcastic, etc., when it comes right down to it, I'm a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, woman who is fighting for the life that she loves more than anything with all that she has. And yes, I'm going to be more than OK. I'm going to be great.
On Friday morning, I made a quick stop at the bakery and picked up a dozen freshly baked donuts to bring to my RW guys. "Good morning, fellas. Here are some donuts for you, now can you pretend I didn't lose it yesterday?" They just smiled. And then one informed me that he was fasting during Ramadan. "Oh no! How are you going to stare at this chocolate donut with sprinkles all day long?" He said, "It's all in your mind, and if you have a strong mind, you can do anything." Hmmm, he's on to something. Then he smiled and said, "I'll take that home with me and eat it at sundown." I smiled.
The beast has no chance. I will "Fight On." And I'm a Hokie, and like all those who love Virginia Tech, I will prevail, and be stronger than ever.
Off I go to enjoy a family day of football!
Go Trojans! Go Hokies!
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