Aboard The Magic Carpet

Where the magic carpet goes.......no one really knows. In my land of cancer it has taken me to places I never expected to see and allowed for milestones I never thought that I would reach. A fabulous two week break from chemo left me wishing that the days could stretch just a little bit longer. In those days without treatment the girls competed in the USEDC drill competition, Curtis Salgado and Dave Fleschner gave an incredible performance "at the surface of the sun," I got to meet Jackie and her husband after her SIR-spheres procedure, have lunch with Pam and meet her hubby, Jerry, and friend Robin, and then have a wonderful dinner and see Curtis and his band one more time in Tyler! Karlie and Morgan came with us to dinner and one of the special memories will be them listening to the band from behind the bars of the restaurant. (They were too young to be on the patio.) Scott, the band manager, made it happen and won some huge brownie points with two teenagers in the process!! We spent a relaxing 4th of July weekend reading books, splashing in the pool, lounging around, and then watching fireworks at Lone Star Park. Monday was Karlie's birthday and I can't begin to describe the feeling of seeing her blow out ALL those candles, knowing that I shouldn't have been here to witness the day - but ever so thankful that I was - and that in a few more days I will embrace the feeling of turning 42!

As I walked rather reluctantly into chemo on Tuesday, I told Ronnie that I wanted to enjoy a a little more time on the magic carpet ride. In his ever positive style he reminded me that this was very much a part of the trek - the miracle portion that will bring future chemo breaks. I sat in my all familiar chair with visions of shrinking tumors, listening to "Clean Getaway" for inspiration, and wondering how medicine could drip at such a slow pace. I questioned when these chemo happy hours will become a part of the past; when a simple treatment will be on hand and the world will look back and ask why it took so long to discover the cure. Exiting the room, I knew that much had been accomplished in those well spent hours. Time passed that will buy extra days, weeks, and months to experience the marvel of what a break without treatment means, more normal moments to cherish, and more opportunities to enjoy this mysterious journey.

This magnificent ride opens our mind to the intertwining threads of our presence, providing a view that can take us many directions - along vital and unexplored territory. The woven tapestry gives insight to each of us that is our very own... a personal vision, goal, boundary, and even reality. Within this perspective our hopes and dreams are realized. Through them we claim our own piece of magic carpet. So climb aboard and enjoy - it is the magical, mystical ride of your life!