Visit the Redwoods of Calavaras County and you will notice one thing...they are big. I mean really big. Drop your jaw, stand in amazement, almost too large to believe kinda big. Stand at the base of these trees and look up. They go on forever. And your neck will hurt.
When you visit these giants of nature you will also surely notice how close they grow together. They have to. Their root systems are so shallow they need each other to withstand the elements. They use the protection of their nearby friends to guard against the chaos around them. Liz knows how they feel.
The chaos around her is evident. Harrowing diagnosis, numerous doctor appointments, chemotherapy, more medication than she has ever taken in her life, and a familiarity with Kaiser Permanente that is second only to those whose paycheck depends on that place. But she's withstanding it. She's withstanding it because of all those fellow Redwoods surrounding her. And she feels rather blessed because of all of you.
Round two of Chemotherapy started this week. She feels really great. Her bronchitis is nearly a memory and her uncertainty of round one has been replaced by a comforting knowledge of what she can expect. Her good friend, Theresa Jacobson, has come to visit and is playing Chemo-Buddy, (and Cooking-Buddy and Movie-Buddy and Shopping-Buddy) for these two weeks of poison. She has had no nausea and has not yet lost any more hair (though her doctors say that is more likely after round III). She's found a good regimen of meds that stave off other typical side-effects and she has more energy than even she expected.
She's strong. I mean really strong. Drop your jaw, stand in amazement, almost more than you can believe kinda strong. But we knew that. She's got a little bit of Redwoods in her.
Liz and one of her Redwoods in front of some others, February 2010.
Liz, we are so glad to hear that Teresa is there to help and keep you company. You are amazing .....stay strong dear friend. Love and prayers....Claude and Rhonda
ReplyDeleteGlad things are going along better than expected. You have such an amazingly strong outlook. I need to stop by for a visit, but it sounds like you're very busy with lots of friends and family. looking forward to a visit soon.
ReplyDeleteSo GLAD everything is going actually better than expected:)! If anyone can handle this, it's you Liz...keep on keeping on:)!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Jan
PS - You and your family are still in my prayers very often!
Okay, this post made me cry. Liz is strong and so is that Redwood in the picture with her. Glad to hear things are going so well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, and Liz looks amazing,we love you so much and have you in our prayers constantly. How great to have such a great friend there with you to help ease the pain just a little..
ReplyDeleteLiz I just found out about the blog. How great it is to keep up with you. Although we have ALL always tried to keep up with you! :-) That's why they invented vitamins right? Just so the rest of us could try to keep up with you!
ReplyDeleteSorry, but in my mind, the redwoods pale in comparison to you. I'll be seeing you soon kiddo.
The Chicago Temple knows your name...
Love you,
Karen
Great post. I used to live near that grove and visited it several times. It is beautiful and amazing to see those large trees that have overcome so much.
ReplyDeleteLots of positive thoughts from Natalie M!