Glimpses of happiness

The last few weeks have been a constant stream of medical information, doctor visits, learning about cancer and watching my wife get poked and prodded by all manner of physician. It has been a long journey but we are getting close to finalizing the answers we need and starting Steph's treatment (1st chemo is scheduled for next Wednesday). We know now that it is definitely a Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular sclerosing type. Staging is still pending, but the doctors are sure it's treatable and nobody has broken a sweat talking to us or acted like this is anything other than routine (ya know, for cancer), which is encouraging. So on to a couple bright spots in the last few weeks...

Family and friends are great. I've thanked many people many times, but I'm still amazed at the support and help we've received. People are great, and we have good supports around us. It makes a big difference.

The other day K2 wanted to go ride her bike early in the morning, so we went out with Arlo to take a walk. It was a beautiful fall morning, K2 chugging along on her Dora the Explorer bike, me jogging with Arlo barrelling along behind her, and it was just what I needed. Contrary to the feelings of some, I really don't need to escape Steph and the kids...I just need the occasional reminder that things haven't always been and won't always be sad and sick and painful.

Another spectacular moment in step-daddyhood...K2 was on the toilet pooping, like she does, and she started rehearsing her moves for the Christmas program they're putting together at the daycare. I was in the kitchen making lunches and turned around to see a blond little 3 year old with her footie PJs around her ankles standing on the stepstool butt naked gyrating her butt off and belting out "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" at the top of her lungs. Luckily Steph was close enough to also enjoy the show. It was pretty damn cute :-) These moments help keep me in the game. "This too shall pass"!