Susan's Monday Morning Report

Yesterday Dan's sister Kate drove him to the cancer center for his daily blood workup and neupogen shot so that I could have a little break and remind myself that Sunday mornings were meant for a good cup of coffee and a voluminous newspaper. Unfortunately for Kate, Dan needed an IV of potassium and magnesium and the short visit turned into a 3 hour stay at the clinic. I, of course, worried to no end as I waited for them to return. She will be driving Dan to the clinic this morning to give me another break. Dan's numbers continue to move slowly upward, although he constantly exclaims how totally exhausted he is. Patience I tell myself, patience.

Sunday was not to remain just numbers, doctors and worry however. Our friends, the Neenans arranged a most precious visit. A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Medjugorje, Yugoslavia is now in our family room and she will be with us for several days. This is one of 10 replicas of the statue that permanently resides in Medjugorje, although this is the only one that travels. There is so much to be said but words cannot do justice to the experience. She is 8 feet tall, has the most wonderous face and seems so filled with devotion, intention and prayer that to be in the same space with her is extraordinary.

Carl, who is responsible for the Vactican making and delivering her to Colorado, sees transporting her to wherever she is needed as his ministry. He asks only that a rosary be said daily. Catherine, Julia, Kate, Nancy and Jim Neenan, Dan and I said the rosary yesterday and felt overwhelmed by the peace and grace of the moment.

To me this is such a gift. Since Dan became ill 7 months ago, the only solace I have found has been in the rosary and the hundreds of Hail Marys I've said to calm myself down when things felt so bleak. I look at her now in my family room and believe in the power of prayer. She will leave on Tuesday or Wednesday morning, if you would like to see her, please call, as we would love to share her. Love, Susan