And the journey continues…
Written 2/24/15 @ 3:00pm
Christmas Selfie 2014!
Hopefully you all had a very Merry Christmas, a wonderful New Year’s and a Valentine’s Day full of love.
It’s been awhile since I wrote about Crystal’s Story. I have been hearing from a few of you recently and thought I would write to give you a little update.
Our Christmas and New Year’s went smooth. We were blessed to all be together. This year Crystal, Courtney and Cassidy bought gifts for everyone in our small family. It was cute to see the gift ideas the girls came up with for each family member. They put lots of thought into their gifts, it made everyone smile. Oh how they are getting older…
As for New Year’s, Crystal and I danced our heart out, at the Riverside Casino. What a fun night! What a night of memories, a great way to ring in 2015. To some of you that missed it…there is always the Spirit Show in June:)
CR Spirits NYE
After the holidays it got a little crazy at our house and honestly it still is a little crazy.
On January 7th, Rod broke his ankle. During that time Courtney came down with strep throat. A week later, actually the day of Rod’s surgery for his ankle, Cassidy became very ill. Oh and we can’t forget Courtney had a little car accident in there too…No worries Courtney is okay but the car needed some work. Needless to say it’s February 25th and we are hoping Cassidy will get better soon. I received a call today that she will need to do a few more tests. Courtney is doing great and Rod is wanting to get back to normal but it takes time…And our deductible for our health insurance has already been met this year…lol.
Crystal giving Dad support before Surgery…
I sound like I am all smiles but in reality, I am exhausted and some days frustrated, bitter would also be a good word to use on a few days. Cassidy sure has had some struggles with sickness the last couple of years and as a parent it is tiring. You just want everyone healthy, happy and positive.
With Rod’s ankle it sure makes you think of others that can’t walk or will never walk. What we take for granted. Just to drive, to take a shower, it’s amazing and it makes your heart hurt when you see other’s that are handicap and then you don’t see them complaining. My eyes sure have been open the last couple of years…Oh the journey we are all on as individuals and what do we learn from it? Do we create something good and help others when we are going through it? I hope so because thinking that way brings peace to mind.
Christmas Time…
Now onto Crystal…For the holidays, her boyfriend Gage got her a kitten. Her name is Storm, she is a cutie but seriously has an attitude. Storm has brought many smiles to Crystal and Gage. She is spoiled, she is loved and I am thrilled that my daughter has something that makes her happy. That she has a new addition to her family that loves her unconditionally, well on Storm’s terms of course.
Gage, Crystal & Storm!
Crystal has been doing good except for the last couple of weeks. Like I have said before it is emotional ride and when you are sick there are other things you worry about. Abdominal pain can be scary when you are not sure what causes it and it lasts more than a week. Then a history of Pancreatic Cancer, such ride of emotions and tears. This week she is battling a terrible cold but she is drinking her tea and resting as much as possible, well as much as she will let herself.
She has been a helpful caretaker to her dad, sisters and even her mother. She probably doesn’t realize how much her positive attitude helps me through my day. And when she thinks something is not right, or someone is not being treated right she will speak her mind. I am so proud of the woman she is today. It is a privilege to be her mother.
We received our phone call today, Crystal’s next appointment is April 16th. Yes, prayers would be so very welcomed. Thank You in advance. When we get closer to her day…I will be keeping more in touch.
On another little note, the CR Spirits were asked to perform for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon in Iowa City. It raised $2,001,856.21 for Childhood Cancer Research. They wanted me to share Crystal’s Story. You bet I would share it…anything to make people aware, to bring attention to Cancer. I must admit, it was a very hard speech. To see college kids crying while I spoke brought many tears to myself, my daughters and my team. Telling the story out loud like I have told many times you would think would get easier but really you find yourself almost more emotional because you can’t believe you lived it or that you are still living it. I believe I need to be putting on a Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser…a silent killer, we need more research. Hmmm I am thinking this summer. I think we could do some good there.
Raising money for a good cause…
I hope Crystal’s Story has helped you or someone you love the past couple of years. I know sharing her story with you all has helped me. Thank You.
Thanks for the update. Your lives are far from boring! The stories you’ll be telling, down the road, will have everyone sitting on the edges of their seats! Continued prayers and good wishes!
I just love you guys so much! You have gone through many hard moments in the last few years and yet you’re still out there helping others and bringing joy to others. Amazing. We sure do think about you a lot. And I know Ava misses you so very much. Praying for you each and every day!!!
Thank you so much for the update. It’s so hard to keep up individually when you have so many people who care so much about you and your family. I thank God often for letting Crystal be here with us, and truly believe that she is a walking angel that was meant to share her journey and reach people. Love you all, & hope the calm comes soon!