June 21, 2020 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
It is said that the most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother well. I must say, that in my boys’ case, they are set. Marsh loves me so well, even despite the fact that I have become very high maintenance the past few years 😉 This was not the case with the girl he married! He told me the other day that I came home from the hospital too soon and he didn’t have time to finish all the surprises he had for me. He is the hardest working, most selfless, loyal human I have ever met – a wonderful example of humility and work ethic for his boys. He is patient and teaches them well. He has kept this house running smoothly, probably better than me, twice now while I have been gone for these extended times receiving treatment. He doesn’t seem to miss a beat, puts the big boys to work, has the toddler in tow, and runs our business like a well-oiled machine – he actually does keep the machines oiled well too as a matter of fact. He is a good caretaker too. There are certain things that always seem to make me “woozy” after I’ve been in the hospital – my own wound care is one of them. Now, give me a kid who busted something and I’ll be happy to glue him back together with no problemo, but don’t make me change my own bandage after a hospital stay! Those things used to bother him, but he has become quite proficient in his nursing skills. He stays on top of me to stay hydrated, take my meds on time, and rest – when I came home and was trying to figure out what I needed to be doing he told me that my job was to rest and get better – he would handle food, the house, and everything else. He is a servant. He serves us daily. He serves our community as a firefighter. He serves others when there is an opportunity. Marsh is a wonderful father to our boys. We couldn’t ask for better and I am so proud to call him mine. It only seems fitting that on Father’s Day I should give him his due!
Now that I’ve gushed and gushed about my honey, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what all I’ve been doing this week since Tuesday:
- got my hospital things all unpacked and put away
- got laundry all caught up
- purged some of my clothes
- got some much-needed lamps – you know, like an adult
- “cooked” one night (this only required sticking something in the oven but still, I get credit!)
- did a little office work
- did some general decluttering/straightening up
- purged big time in the schoolroom – 2 boxes of give away, 1 box to sell, 1 box for the library
- organized all the schoolroom bookshelves
- organized the boys’ room bookshelves
- (I still have my room and the hallway bookshelves to go – I have a LOT of books, it’s kinda my thing)
- got out all of this coming school year’s books and separated them out by kid and got them organized
And now today I can hardly move. I *may* have overdone it a bit. That shoulder/back pain I was having in the hospital – it’s back. I’ve been taking it easy today, I promise. But I did have a good bit of energy the rest of the week so I took advantage. I am still shaky, but getting used to it. I still get dizzy a lot, so I take lots of breaks, but I can get some normal stuff done and that makes me feel not useless. Now, here are the best things that happened to me this week – probably even better than the good lab work:
- we hired someone to clean the house – I sat in a chair, read a book, and watched the magic happen – it was wonderful and my house smells so good
- I read books with Gus – one of my favorite things that I don’t take for granted these days
- Gus discovered lightning bugs – he ran in the house to me the other night and said “mamma! we are catching lightning bugs. They are REAL!!!” That one had me all up in my feelings as the kids say these days. It was precious.
- COSTCO HAD KIRKLAND TOILET PAPER IN STOCK – seriously, I have a (probably not healthy) obsession/loyalty to this toilet paper. It is wider, not too thick, not too thin, doesn’t tear at the wrong time for you. I love my Kirkland TP. I have missed my Kirkland TP for too long now. This may have been the highlight of my week. Yes, I am serious and not ashamed.
One thing about both of those lists is that they are pretty mundane, common, anti-climactic events. I am extremely thankful that I got to experience them. On paper, I should have still been in the hospital this week. On paper, I would likely be healing slower than this. But God has seen fit to speed this process up for me – maybe He is being gracious to my impatient side. I am thankful that I got to celebrate my husband today. I pray that my boys follow closely in these footsteps. I can’t help but believe that these cancer experiences are going to help shape them into the best husbands and fathers as well. I can trust and hope in that – and I do, because God is so good and faithful. Blessings everyone. I am going to go take my Stouffer’s out of the oven now 🙂
Comments from CaringBridge
Mindy Stirling — 6/22/20
Blessings sweet sister! Recount them, praising the Lord every moment! Praying for speedy healing!
Laura Lee Sims — 6/22/20
And I am all up in my feelings now, Lesley, because you are such a good writer. Will you consider writing a book about these experiences? You can use all your old journal entries. They are so vivid. You bring us along; you make us live it. Maybe have Marsh write a chapter, and your boys each add a chapter (even Gus). I am not suggesting RIGHT NOW, of course, but as the Lord leads you. Your story needs to be told and felt and absorbed by others. And most certainly include this Father’s Day tribute to your dear husband–it all needs to be in there.
Gale Roberts — 6/22/20
You have an amazing family, that love you as much as you love them! You are blessed as they are. God put Marsh in your life because
He knew you would need him at this time. He gave you two wonderful boys that pretty much understand what you are going through and are there to help in any way they can. They are there for Marsh and Gus while you are away. They are there for you
when you are home. You are so blessed my friend. God prepared you for this journey long before it got here. I love you and I am so
glad you have your family to care for you. Mama Gale
Emily Johnson — 6/21/20
Keepin is all laughing with your antics and descriptions 🤣😘
alan motter — 6/21/20
Love ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ to the best family
Happy father’s day Marsh 😊
Kirklands🤔 😂😂
Carey McCaslin-Murns — 6/21/20
This is the most beautiful post. And Marsh sounds like the very neat of husbands. God knew who you would need in your life and sent you your perfect man. And those boys will become just like him. And they will know how to treat the women that they love. And your list is not mundane. It is everything that we should take joy in. Especially the little things. And TP is not a little thing! 😂
Theresa Morgan — 6/21/20
So glad you are able to do something each day. Just being home makes you feel better. I continue to pray for you daily. God is good and may He bless your sweet family. 🙏🙏🙏💕
Judi McAnally — 6/21/20
I love you!!!!
Tell Marsh Happy Fathers Day and God Bless Him!
Keep up the good work!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow 🎶
Cancermamma 