On Being Normal

A Normal Fall Saturday with the T Clarks

Webster defines the word “normal” using the words, "regular pattern" or "usual, typical, or routine.” How often do we NOT want to be called normal, as if there is somewhat of a negative connotation to it as in "Her? Oh, she's just a normal girl!" Deep down, I think we all want to live better than regular or typical lives, but when your life has been turned upside down, and your regular pattern or routine is interrupted, feeling normal is incredible!

Through David’s cancer diagnosis, chemo treatments, and subsequent hospitalizations, we’ve felt anything BUT normal! There is nothing normal about being told you're in a fight you didn't initiate! While we are insanely happy that his cancer is in remission, we didn’t expect to be dealing with the complicated surgery and recovery he’s now experiencing which will ultimately cause him to have more surgery early next year. Some have asked if his complications are from the cancer, and to be completely honest, the answer is no. His immune system, however, was so weakened from the chemo treatments, he was unable to fight the infection which invaded his system. Because of the chemotherapy, his appetite was practically non-existent, and he lost an incredible amount of weight (over 70 pounds since February) in a very short period of time. Getting him to drink half of a Boost (similar to Ensure) was cause for celebration! It was BAD, folks, I mean really bad!

In the past couple of weeks, however, he has turned a major corner! His appetite is returning, his strength is improving, and his desire to get out is pretty much like the old DC. In other words, things are starting to feel normal again! For example, over the past few months, our outings were primarily to doctors or health facilities, and after his first hospitalization in mid-July, he completely stopped driving. I don't mind "Driving Mr. Dave," but I know he misses being behind the wheel and feeling dependent on me. Since Friday, he's been like a different person! Friday morning, he asked if I would take him to Cabela's to shop for fly-fishing stuff - he hasn't fly-fished in YEARS. We then went to lunch and did a little Aldi shopping. Was he tired? Oh yes, but such a good tired! Yesterday, we went to our oldest grandson's football game at 9 in the morning and then caught our other grandson's game at 2:30. Was that tiring? You bet it was, but oh so worth it! You'd think after all that activity in two days, he'd want to chill at home today, but you'd be wrong!  

Today, we went to see "Lifemark," the new Kendrick Brothers movie AND had an early dinner at Longhorn. Talk about turning a corner! He took that corner on two wheels! Of course, at the moment, he's softly snoring in his recliner, but hey, he earned that nap! If being normal means a nap to rejuvenate after a busy day, I'll accept "normal" any time!