Wednesday, October 12th…   “Hi Debbie, this is Amanda.  I have some stuff in my car for the care packages.  I’ll bring it with me when I get Caleb.” ‘Ok.  Thank you.’ “Thanks for keeping an eye on my mom.  I am worried about her.  She didn’t talk much while we were on our trip.” ‘She is okay.  We had a long talk last night.  I’m sure it’s just all these changes coming up.  She will be okay.’ “Ok.  I’m just worried about her.  I am having a hard time with these changes too.  The closer it gets, the more emotional I get about it.” ‘I know.  I asked her…

October 1st, 2016.  9:01 P.M…   ‘Hi Laura, how was your day?’ “It was good.  How about you?” ‘It was very productive.  I cleaned the house, vacuumed all the rooms, and put out my Halloween decorations.  Now, I’m beat.  I spent all evening taking a nap.’ “That’s good.  I left you alone today, for you.  It always feels good when things are cleaned.” ‘I wondered why I haven’t heard from you.  Yeah, it does.  I can’t get over this tired feeling.  Last night, I was a little worried about how tired I was.  I felt better when I woke up this morning, but tonight, I am beat again.’ “I know…

  “I sent mom’s story to ‘The Ellen Show’.  I had to pair it down by half because it could only have 1500 characters.  Which was like a paragraph.” ‘It will be great!  Good job!’ Rachel… “Awesome.  Hopefully, it will work (Insert smiley face).  She would love it.”   That conversation was at 7:30 this morning.  Wouldn’t it be great if Ellen chose Laura to come to the show?  I know this would be a dream come true.  Not only for her, but for her girls, as well. 12:30 P.M. text from Amanda…   “Mom is sleeping.  She is making lots of noises (Insert smiley face).  She must be having…

10:30 P.M text to Amanda…   ‘Hey, the nurse is in here asking a series of questions.  What did they call her heart thing?  Your mom can’t remember.’ “Sinus tachycardia.  It’s means fast heart rate.” ‘That’s it!  I remember now.  Thanks.’   The nurse took Laura’s vitals, asked her questions, and made her notes.  She asked if I needed a blanket as she showed me how to turn the chair into a bed.  I told her I was fine.  I didn’t need anything.  I brought a small pillow and blanket from home.  She made sure we were comfortable and apologized for the long delay.  “If you change your mind on…

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016.  Chemo day…   ‘Last night I looked up what I wrote you for a chemo day message a year ago.  I did this before you ever asked me about an ending for our care bags.  Well, almost a year to the date, the ending I shared with you for our care packages, was very similar to what I wrote a year ago.  Maybe this IS a God thing.  I started thinking back to a conversation we had almost 2 years ago… What are we supposed to be learning from this?  You have had so many setbacks, so many bumps, yet you still return to the person…

  Clint and I had to go out of town for a funeral.  We left early Sunday morning.  Laura sent me a text later that afternoon, expressing her frustrations.  She had chemo on Wednesday, so we know what that means.  It means the weekends are never good.   “This just sucks!  Two days are now gone.  I did get my room dusted though.  I can’t do anymore right now.  It is so frustrating.” ‘It’s a normal Sunday for you.  You were able to get one room done, so good.  Be happy with that.  Now you’re going to have a whole week off.’ “I still have the kitchen to do.  I…

  “Hey, we are going to Vegas for the wedding.  Leaving Saturday and coming home on Tuesday.  $200 a person for airfare.” ‘What airline?  Who is going?’ “Southwest.  Amanda and I.” ‘How did you find that price?’ “Amanda found it.  Southwest was having a sale.  It ended yesterday.  Check Frontier, they’re having a sale too.” ‘Okay, I’ll have to look.’ “Look into flying to Denver then to Vegas.  It’s cheaper.” ‘I don’t have anyone to cover my room, so I’ve been looking at flights to come home on Sunday.’ “See how much it would be to come home Saturday night.” ‘Won’t work.’ “What is your total if you came home…

  ‘Happy Wedding Day, Momma!  Hope you feel wonderful.  Take it all in, every moment.  You did a lot of praying for the happiness that this day is bringing.  We both did, for our girls.  I know what you are feeling today.  I felt it with Brandi.  It’s your ‘big day’ too!  Enjoy!’ “Thank you.  It will be beautiful.”   Wedding day was finally here.  Brandi and I went to the venue to help set up, while Clint, Dave and Chase took care of the beer.  The venue was beautiful just like Laura imagined.  Every napkin was in place and every table decorated, food was ready, and refrigerators were full. …

  “They were in my car.  I was taking out my heated seat cushions and there they were.  Do you know how many people looked in my car?  Omg.” ‘What was in your car?’ “My keys.” ‘Seriously??  In the driver’s seat?  You didn’t feel them under your butt??  Haha.’ “Yes, in my seat.  No, I couldn’t feel them.  Other people drove my car too and didn’t feel them.  Crazy.” ‘That’s nuts.’ “I know.  Right?” ‘So, you finally thought you didn’t need your heated seat cushions anymore, since it’s going to be 110 degrees out.  Huh?’ “Lol.  I was cleaning and vacuuming out my car.” ‘Just think, you blamed the babies.…

Sunday, July 3rd, 2016… ‘My vacation is over.  We are home.’ “So is mine.  On our way home.” ‘Be careful and have a happy Fourth.’ “Thanks, you too.”   Our two-week vacation was over, and Brandi and the pup had left for home.  It was so nice to have this time together and just have fun.  From all the pictures and messages, it looks like Laura and the girls needed their together time too.  Getting away was good for everyone.  I checked in early Tuesday afternoon…       ‘Did you all make it home yet?’ “Yes, we got home last night.” ‘Did you have a good time on your trip?’…