After taking several days off from the computer and such, it does feel like it is time to share a few things from the wonderful world of Stauffer.
I have extended my time and some energy helping out a friend. Lorraine had worked for me prior to her and her husband adopting two daughters rather late in their lives. Lorraine and I have kept in touch through the time of me loosing my parents, her loosing her husband, a daughter passing at a too young of an age with a heart attack, and a granddaughter last year at this time from cancer.
I could have been knocked over with a feather when the end of February brought, from Lorraine, news that the severe backache she had endured over the late winter was diagnosed as pancreatic cancer. Lorraine, at age 85, was not prepared for such news. Who would be?
Lorraine’s family is small: a daughter working in a school system to the west of St. James and one granddaughter living in northern Minnesota. It has been my pleasure to help with whatever I can. She gave up her driving immediately. I believe, with her now taking meds, she didn’t want to harm anyone.
My contact numbers are on her and her family’s phones. Ironically, her meds are only given out in seven-day increments. It was wonderful when all her prescriptions were transferred to the Shopko store here in town. On errands for Lorraine, I have found that she so enjoys a strawberry shake from McDonalds and it is fun to surprise her with one from time to time.
I had to pick up my prescription for high blood pressure at the same time I was picking up one for Lorraine. I did feel guilty that my 90-day supply was $2.84 for me to stay on the path of wellness, while the least of hers per week was $86.00.
Six months was the first timeline Lorraine heard. After yesterday’s lab appointment in Mankato, she will find out more next week when she meets with her cancer doctor.
In a very short time I have seen her energy subside . . . but . . . she is determined to finish a quilt she has started for her granddaughter. WE will get it done. I promised her.
I have learned much in this short time. I have nothing but admiration for her as to how she is accepting this with the grace that comes from her belief in her Lord. As I said: it is my pleasure to help her in anyway I can. In times past when little Megan would entice me into things, I would allow her to know I didn’t know if I could follow through. “Grammie, I know you can do it!”