Attitude

"Attitude is a little thing, that makes a big difference."  Winston Churchill

In the early fall I shared with you the news my Dad had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  The tumor had invaded the wall of the lower part of his throat.  Under the best of circumstances the prognoses is usually not good; when you factor in his age the future looked pretty bleak. 

Daddy chose to fight.  He took chemotherapy one day a week and had radiation sessions five days a week for about eight weeks.  I frequently chatted with him on the phone.  Whenever I ask how he was doing he always said well I guess I'm okay.  It wasn't until the last half of the radiation I could tell it was taking its toll.   

Throughout his treatment he not once complained.  He had a good day if he was able to get outside and do something.  He put out his tomato plants and complained about not getting enough rain.  He never complained about feeling bad.  He never questioned his illness.  Many times when we talked he would tell me, " Susie, you have to walk the path put in front of you." 

I am not for sure what he thought the outcome would be.  He once said to me if the doctors learn something about treating this cancer it was worth it.

This journey began last October.  Earlier in the week my Dad called to tell me the Doctors didn't find anything in his throat at his last examination.  He will have to go in for scanning every three months.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring; today, I offer up thanksgiving and breath a little easier.
 
My Dad's attitude continues to amaze and inspire me.

Thank you to everyone who held him in your thoughts and prayers.