Mom and Charlie are sporting the same look these days.

Dad decided to get in on it, too.

This was not planned in any way.

I gave Mom a call tonight. Her and dad are still up north and will be heading home tomorrow. She said that she still has coughing spells, but they are easing up. Her feet still feel numb. On Monday she goes to see Dr. Ritche and she will discuss these symptoms with him. He would like to do an endoscopy when her esophagus has healed. But, it looks like that might be a while, yet. That is okay though. I want Mom to take all the time she needs to heal. I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow or Friday. Not only do I miss her, but I am curious to see how her hair has grown. It doesn't take much to amuse me. That is what happens when you quit watching television.

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and Mom and Dad are heading back up north for a week. This time it will only be my parents, up until the last day. Then Craig and his family will move into the cabin for the next few weeks. Of course, Mom and Dad would have loved to spend more time with them, but Mom has to be back on Friday for a social gathering. The next week she will be heading back up to Froedert to meet with her oncologist.

Today Mom told me that she has a new concern to share with her doctors. Her feet feel numb. She knows that can be a side effect of the treatments. But, it seems odd that this would be occurring now. Other than that Mom is feeling better slowly but surely. She still needs her rest and the coughing fits are still with her. Her esophagus is also still healing and therefore painful at times. But, everyday she shows a slight increased interest in food. Today she was inquring about Subway. I think a meatball sub is in the near future.

The best thing that happened this week is that Mom invited me to go to Door County with her on October 6th. While the trip will certainly be fun, the very best thing about it is that she made plans for three months from now. A month ago Mom wouldn't have made plans for a week in the future, let alone three months.

Every day I am thankful that I have another day with my Mom. When anything goes wrong, or I am just having a bad day, I think of the gift that we have been given. Nothing in this world compares.