More pics of our Pop Pop

 
 
 
 

I couldn't help putting a few more pics of our Pop Pop.

Our beloved Pop Pop

 
 
 
 

Our beloved Pop Pop made his way to heaven on February 11, 2011 (02-11-2011) after a long, hard-ought battle with brain cancer. This has been a long, long 8 months for him, Cheryl, and all his family and friends. Skip was able to be at his side as he passed from this life and on to the next, and for that we are grateful. It was an incredibly sad week, to say the least. We hurt for Cheryl not having her life-long companion and best friend at her side any longer. We hurt for 3 children losing their father so early in their lives. We hurt for the 6 grandchildren who won't be able to hear Pop Pop put his finger inside his mouth, pull it out, and make his famous Pop Pop sound any longer. We hurt for his friends that will no longer have a hunting buddy, or someone to joke around with.

The week after his passing was spent together, with family. We were able to have all 6 grandchildren (all under the age of 6) together, keeping the house filled with life. It is difficult to look at them and not recognize that life does continue, and that memories are so dear. Our newest family member made his first appearance in Kansas, sweet baby Eli Walter, our 8 week old nephew. He was such a joy to have around showing us the real circle of life. Eli looks so very much like the pictures we were going through of Walt as a child. The kids played outside (thankful we had nice weather in Feb.) and kept the house cluttered with toys. I think Cheryl was appreciative for all of her family being able to stay together with her at such a difficult time.

We were all able to share so many stories and memories that week. We repeated key phrases that Walt would always say to us, especially when we were about to leave the house or head to our homes. We went through his fishing items knowing that they would be passed on to younger hands to throw into the water--sad that Pop Pop wouldn't be able to point out the perfect spots to us anymore. The songs we heard reminded us of his whistles, singing, and happy smiles. There was a slide show created by a friend that was amazing. I am thankful that my kids will be able to watch this DVD and keep Pop Pop's memory alive. There were so many kind, sweet, generous people who came to the house to share memories of Walt, offer meals, kind words, condolences, assistance in whatever way they could. It really reminded me of just how much Walt & Cheryl have done for their community, and for the friends and family that loved them so much. We were blessed by having family members travel from several states away, in the middle of their crazy lives, during winter time, to be with us. We were blessed by so many people.

For Skip & I we were trying to be strong for Cheryl. I was probably a nag reminding her to take her meds and keeping her off the phone. We were trying to cope with this loss personally. We were also trying our hardest to help hold our children's hands as they dealt with the loss of their grandfather. It was an incredibly tough couple of weeks, filled with difficult discussions with curious little minds trying their hardest to fully embrace what was happening around them.

Walt meant the world to us all. He will be missed so very much. His offers to help anyone in need, his worry as we would get on the road, his offers to help a little one with a meal, tie their shoes, hold a bottle, reading stories to his grandchildren, his gentle nature, his hard working ethic, his sense to allow his children to be who they wanted to be, his excuses to avoid diaper changes, his faith, his determination, and his kind, sweet heart are just a few things that made him into the strong husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend that he was. He touched so many lives. He is a great example of someone to emulate. Pop Pop we love you. We will think of you each time we see the geese flying overhead, a pond that looks perfect for fishing, every time we hear a Beach Boys song on the radio, or every single time we see kindness in this world. Thank you for being our teacher, our father, our friend.

This is a link to Walt's obituary, for those interested.

Computer issues

This was an old photo I stole from a previous blog. Calvin got into Emerald's 4th bday cupcakes while I was upstairs. Silly me for leaving them in a locked container, at the back of the counter, stacked with something heavy on top. Where there are cupcakes, there's a way! 2 years has flown by!!


Wasn't my new year's resolution to keep up with the blog? Yeah, just when I was going good, we have issues with our computer. For some reason, it feels wrong for me to do the blog w/o a picture or 2. Skip has been working hard at resolving the issue (he is so much wiser than me in the computer world). So, hopefully all will be better soon.

We have been trying to stay warm. This morning we baked cupcakes for Calvin's birthday (which is Friday). It was so sweet to hear my kids giggling, see their smudged noses covered in batter after licking the spoon, sharing sweet comments like "thanks for having a birthday Calv", and the little voice of Z saying "more bite, more bite". Calvin looked at me and said, "you're the best, mom". All that for cupcakes. Those are the moments mommies live for.

It is supposed to dump more snow on us today, so we shall see if we have school tomorrow. Calvin has been to school twice in 32 days. Emerald has only been 7 times in that time span. The winter blah's are setting in. We received a great gift in the mail this week, a Wii game for Dance for Kids. It has great kid music (age appropriate), and asks the kids to do dance moves to the screen, and they compete! Let's see, there's music, dancing, competition, laughing, and using up some of our energy--what could be better?! I love it! Thanks Kelly, great gift.

We finally took down our Christmas stuff this week, kind of late, but we were enjoying it. Now it has been replaced by miles of train track, and wooden blocks (we stole those from Nana, Daddy used to play with them as a kid), horses, and forts. Our house looks like a constant playground, but that's ok with me.

I'll add more pictures as I figure out the new system.

More catch up

 
 
 
 

I absolutely love this picture of mom with Zachary. It truly captures life for me. The one of Emers is how I found her in bed one night--always clutching Mango, and holding her wand with such a smile. I also adore this pic of Calvin--he is growing up so fast. Zachary & Josiah love spending time together and smile so big when they see each other, while calling "Hi Iah, Hi Ack".

Update on Walt:
Walt had a pretty serious seizure about 3 weeks ago. Luckily, nothing was really wrong, just one of the side effects of his condition, in other words actually fairly normal (whoever ddetermines normal anyway). After this the doctors highly recommended Walt go back into a care facility. this is something Cheryl had been considering anyway. Walt began living in a wonderful care facility in Mac the next day. It really is a great place, and the nurses really seem to care about the patients. Walt has continued some of his chemo and this, along with the seizure, and the move, have made him really tired. We are continuing to pray that 2011 brings healing for our family.

Playing catch up

 
 
 
 

I think, perhaps, that my New Year's Resolution shall be to do a better job at keeping up with the blog. I apologize, but I truly have had a lot added to my plate recently. Here are a few pics from most recently. I love the one where Bullseye was helping watch over the stable in our Little People Nativity set. Emerald & I went to a Beauty & the Beast play and had a great girl's night out.

I have a lot to update, including news about Walt, Zachary turning 2, and all the other happenings around here. Stay tuned for more :)

H...O...M...E!!!!!!!!!!

 
 
 
 

Walt is finally home! He's been home for about 2 weeks now, and they are settling into a routine. The first week was busy getting things figured out, setting up visits with therapists for evaluations, and adjusting to being out of the house for nearly 5 months! We are so happy for them. Cheryl is the primary caregiver, and that has been challenging. Luckily, many people have offered their help with transfers, meals, cleaning, offering help with rides, etc. If you'd be willing to help, feel free to call Cheryl at home and offer your help.

Walt had a doctor visit yesterday and got his next round of chemo straightened out. He is finished with radiation, and his first round of chemo. He got a small break, and will begin again. This round will also be a pill-based chemo, so Cheryl should be able to give it at home with no extra trips to the doctor.

We want to continue to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and offers of help. I know that many of you have wanted to do something for the last several months. I know Cheryl is constantly creating her "honey-do" lists, and is needing some help with transfers and possibly meal companions. Even if you can offer to help sit for an hour so she can get a break, I know she'd appreciate it! Thanks so much!!

Fun fishing day

This is an email from Cheryl:

Hello all,

Just thought I'd let you all know about the absolutely wonderful day we had yesterday.

Saturday actually began several weeks ago when I found a flyer at Wesley Rehab promoting a fishing event for the disabled put on by an organization called "Fishing Has No Boundaries". I stored the information on my cell phone "To Do List", never dreaming we would still be in Wichita come September 25th. About ten days ago the notification sounded to remind me of the long since forgotten event. With Walt's recent decline and his upcoming radiation and chemo treatments, I really wasn't sure if this should even be a consideration, but I mentioned it to one of Walt's wonderful friends (a true fishing buddy). Brad called to say his Saturday was clear and he would be happy to take us to the event held at El Dorado Lake (with the loan of a van from another truly dear friend--Dave). Still unsure of how Walt would tolerate his first week of treatments, I called the number from the flyer to explain our situation. They were so wonderful and invited us to come for whatever amount of time Walt could tolerate. Midweek, I began asking about the possibility of us taking Walt out of ManorCare to attend this event (red tape, paperwork, and learning to give his noon insulin shot).

Saturday, the Lord's creative hand painted the most beautiful fall morning with perfect conditions for our excursion, and after breakfast we set out for El Dorado Lake. The Fishing Has No Boundaries organization provided all the equipment (rods, reels, bobbers, bait, boats, and volunteers) necessary for a most pleasant fishing experience. Although I didn't witness the catch, Walt landed a "monster" measuring in at a whopping 5 (the kid measuring had to really stretch the tail to make the 5� hash mark) and was probably in the running for smallest catch from the bank (although we weren't able to stay around for the closing events on Sunday).

Around 11:45, Walt really began to tire and didn't even want to stay for lunch, but the lure of pizza changed his mind. A couple of slices of pizza and a salad which he enjoyed immensely (not having had either in over 3 months) perked up his spirits and we were able to make it back to ManorCare with only minor complaints of "Tired Butt" during the last 10 minutes of the drive.

No sooner had Walt been tucked in for a well deserved nap, than the skies darkened and the rain came down. I only hope the storm didn't dampen the spirits of those who remained for the rest of the day and those that camped overnight (hope they brought their long-johns as it got quite chilly overnight) and continued to fish on Sunday.

At supper, Walt reveled in telling his tall fish tale (with a little assistance in recounting the event) and was very grateful for the friends that helped him to enjoy the experience. To check the organization that prompted our fishing outing go to
www.wheatlandfishinghasnoboundaries.com

By the way, Walt seemed to tolerate the first week of radiation and chemo successfully with only minor body soreness.

All our love,
Walt and Cheryl

Some long overdue pics

 
 
 
 

I thought I'd finally get around to posting some pictures of the kids with Pop Pop!

Path results are in from Mayo

Today is the start of a new chapter. Walt & Cheryl met with the oncologist, Dr. Moore, and received the results from his biopsy (performed 2 weeks ago) that had been sent off to Mayo Clinic. Walt has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma. This tumor is located in his brain, and there is not a plan to have any future surgeries on the tumor due to its location. Walt has received a treatment plan from his oncologist which will include a mix of a daily chemo pill and daily radiation treatments. This particular form of chemo is said to be "well tolerated". His radiation will be done at Wesley as an outpatient service. There is a plan to continue with radiation and chemo 5 days a week for the next 3-6 weeks. Both Walt & Cheryl are very positive about finally having a diagnosis and knowing what lies ahead of them. They are ready to work hard toward this path to recovery. Walt has a great attitude ready to attack this thing. For now the plan is to remain at the rehab facility and take his daily trips to the hospital from the rehab facility. We aren't sure exactly how much therapy he will be able to tolerate during this time.

Many people have called or emailed asking us how they can help. Knowing that Walt & Cheryl will remain in Wichita for awhile longer, we have a few suggestions. If you would like to help, we would love to gather some gift cards for Cheryl. She has had to eat out for several meals, unable to spend time cooking meals. She loves Panera Bread, Sonic, McDonalds, and Starbucks, and could possibly use some gas cards to places like QuickTrip or Dillons (there is a gas location located near my parents house, where Cheryl is currently staying). We aren't saying that you have to do this at all, but for those who have asked, this would be extremely helpful. If you are interested, please call me, or email me at spjunk@embarqmail.com and I will give you an address to mail the cards to her as she really isn't getting her mail from McPherson all that frequently.

Our family continues to ask that you pray for Walt during this time of healing. We ask that you pray for the doctors who are working toward his recovery. We pray that Walt continues to stay positive and keep up his spirits as he is undergoing his treatment plan. We also ask for prayers for Cheryl as she continues to support her loving husband. We ask that prayers for her peace of mind, her well-being, and her ability to stay strong throughout this trial. We ask that your prayers show your continued love and support of her as she fights this battle with Walt. We ask for prayers for Walt's children who are trying to understand this diagnosis and continue to show their support for their father.

More waiting

Cheryl spoke with Dr. Morgan today. The path results are back, but are not really making Dr. Morgan satisfied. In order to clarify the results, he is sending it on to Mayo again to evaluate there. While this is somewhat frustrating, it is also reassuring in that we will have definitive results in the end. I am going hold off on any slight details of today's results until we get confirmed results from Mayo. In the meantime, Cheryl has been speaking with Dr. Moore's office (a wonderful oncologist referred by Dr. Morgan). He will hopefully be meeting with Cheryl and Walt this week.

Keep praying for patience. The move and transition was especially hard on Walt this time around. He has seemed nervous in his new surroundings. Today he got back into therapy sessions, which we all feel will help him. He is also able to use a loner wheelchair again, and this will hopefully make him feel better to get up and out of bed. Hoping for a speedy trip to Mayo............

Yet another new address

Walt has been moved from the ICU to a place called Manor Care. This is a place in which he can receive therapy, but less than at his previous rehab facility. We are still being patient and waiting on the path results from Tuesday's biopsy. Dr. Morgan has been fabulous at answering all our questions and will continue to stay on top of this, even promising to come in and speak with us this weekend (while he has scheduled time off) when he gets the results. Walt was in some pain after the surgery, on Wednesday, and was able to get some relief. He had another procedure done on Wednesday as well. I think he kind of feels like he's been put thru the ringer. He is still struggling with speech, but the pain seems better now than was on Wednesday. We are hoping that the new facility will be able to fit him for a wheelchair today so that he is able to get out and enjoy some of this fabulous weather! Cheryl has been staying strong thru it all, but we can tell she is tired (not that she is ever complaining).

This process has been a lot of "hurry up and wait", and has been teaching us all just a little more about being patient. Hoping and praying for some positive results soon........