Pics of the new patio and Dad's garden

Hi kids

Dad had his last chemo treatment Friday, June 17. We are praising God for His healing touch, and that only six treatments were needed, instead of the eight the doctors first anticipated. Monday he met with the oncologist to set up a schedule for radiation. Each day for two weeks, treatments on his right hip will begin July 18, after we come back from Benjamin’s baptism. The doctor does not think there will be severe side affects. Good thing since Dad already lost most of his hair, and its just beginning to grow back on his head like a fuzz ball. Tomorrow he will have his CT scan to see how affective the chemo has been. We pray that Dad is totally healed and will not need any more. After each treatment, it takes that much longer for him to bounce back. We can count on the first ten days, that his energy level steadily declines.

The house renovations for this year are nearly complete. The roof was reshingled last month; the fascia, soffit and eaves were replaced two weeks ago; and now the back porch is nearly done. The old one was torn down, the fence pushed out, new patio stones laid. All that needs to be done is having shingles and fascia added. We are already enjoying our after work cup of tea and dinners on the patio, and look forward to entertaining our friends as soon as Dad has the energy to do so.

We thank our friends, Hennie Slikker & Gerry Wyenberg for providing transportation to and from the Cancer Clinic on Dad’s chemo days, allowing me the peace of mind to be at work. We also thank those who sent cards of encouragement, prayers of healing and food when we were both too tired to even think of eating. God is good.

Love, Mom & Dad

Hi kids

We had a good weekend, praise the Lord!

May 27, Dad fell asleep during the majority of his chemo treatment, right through lunch. Good thing he brought a sandwich along to snack on later. That evening, he could already feel the affects with an upset stomach. Saturday he wasn’t up to doing much, and continued loosing energy or the desire to do participate in any thing. Sunday after church, we went straight home and even cancelled out on Small Group that evening. During the week, he would go into work and come home shortly after 1 pm for his “nap”, and then be back in bed again before 9 pm. Friday was the change around day with him slowly getting his energy and appetite back again. When he wanted an angus burger for supper, (his favourite), I told him to stay home, while I went through the drive through at MacDonald’s. Saturday he lent his support at the Spence Neighbourhood street festival. After a short nap, he still had energy to work in the garden and dig out dandelions. Sunday, Dad surprised me by asking if friends could come for lunch after church, a rarity. I made a pot of lentil soup Friday, which went perfectly with home made bread and sundaes for dessert. That afternoon, we went to Assiniboine Park which held the Annual Dutch Tulip Festival the day before. We were pleasantly surprised at how many different colours that were still blooming. There must have been thousands and thousands, but we only saw those in the English Garden, and the new duck pond. Very nice that there are many benches in shaded areas giving Don a chance to sit before we carried on.  It was a beautiful sunny day.

We are also happy to announce the birth of our eleven grandchild; Leah Estee was born Sunday, May 29. We are truly blessed! We are so thankful for Skype, as we were introduced to both Benjamin whom we will see in July and Leah in August at their baptisms. What darlings.

Love, Mom & Dad