A Lucky Man

This post is dedicated to Louise. When we first started out on this journey, it was Louise who coined the phrase "We are on this road together". She has been so true to that sentiment. I get a lot of  people who comment that I am very "positive" or have a great  "attitude", well, I have to confess to some moments in the last few months that have not been quite like that. There have dark times when I have looked at my kids and wondered if I would be there for them at their next birthday. I had a lot of worries about my lung status in recent weeks, and Louise was right there with me during the bad times.

We all know that's what it takes in any kind of relationship to keep things going. Give and take between partners, right now Louise is doing a whole lot of giving.  One of the worst parts of my therapy is taking oral prednisone for 5 days after chemo. The prednisone has a side effect of making me short tempered at times, not a good thing with three kids in the house! At least I am aware of this effect, but Louise (and the kids) still have to put up with me.

Louise has been there with me for every single doctors visit, she has made the calls to the doctors office, she has driven me everywhere, she has sat through 4 chemotherapy sessions lasting up to 7 hours each, in an uncomfortable chair my I add!  Louise attends to the medical bills, the  phone calls to the house. All this and she runs the kids around to their various activities. The toll on the caregiver of a cancer patient is well documented. I have seen Louise rightfully as exhausted as myself by certain parts of our journey.

For those that know Louise, let me tell you that you are lucky if you can count her as a friend. I have never known anyone to tolerate the good and bad of an individual so well. Once you are fortunate to know Louise as a friend, know that you will be her friend for life, she will be there for you, just as she has been there for me.

Louise, you are my friend, my love, my everything (was that a Barry White song?). I am such a lucky man to have her. Today is Louise's birthday, so please send her your best wishes when you have a moment.

Paul. October 27. 2007.

P.S. If this does not get me a 52" plasma screen HDTV I am not sure what will!

Comments

[Mandy and Geoff]

Happy Birthday Louise !!
Thank you for being such a special part of Pauls life, just as you are a special member of our family.
When Paul was first diagnosed, along with the shock and horror, of trying to take in the impact of it all, I'm sure I speak for everyone who knows you, that we knew that with you by his side, you could get him through it.

We tend to forget that cancer affects the immediate family too,and we concentrate on the person diagnosed, thats human nature I suppose, but its wrong, it affects lots of people.

You have been there every step of the way on this journey, at times it must have been harrowing to watch someone you love so much suffer. Firstly the day of diagnosis, then the treatment and all that it entails with side effects etc.

Thank you Louise, for being you. Have a wonderful day today.

Mandy, Geoff, Auntie Jessie and Uncle George xxxx

[Bradley DeMunbrun]

Happy Birthday Louise!

We've never met but I want to thank you for everything you're doing for Paul and all of us in the Subbuteo Community. As great a guy as Paul is, I can tell how lucky he is to have you and I know that he knows it too. I hope to make it to Maryland some day and meet you in person, but until then I wish you well.

PS- Paul, I think if you do get the Plasma, then Louise deserves something equally nice for everything she's done and will continue to do. ;) Or at least she should get first pick on movie night (even though some of her movie picks have been questionable). :)

[Jolene]

Happy Birthday Louise!!!
I know first hand how much of a good friend Louise can be. My thanks to/for you are much more than I can ever express. Thank you Louise, you are very special.
Jolene

[Mike Linsenmeyer]

Happy Birthday Louise!!
Paul is obviously a very lucky man to have you as his wife! All the best in this next year. I am voting for a day at the spa for you in lieu of a the flat screen (not sure if my spouse would agree with me on this one). But as we say in our house: If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
Warm regards,
Brigid

[Mike Byrd]

Happy Birthday Louise!

[Chip]

Yup, that's my sister! And that's only part of why she's the person I most admire.

[Jeremy Stroop]

Happy Birthday, Louise... we haven't met yet, but I'm looking forward to meeting you in December. Paul is fortunate to have someone who will not only stand by him in this trying time, but to also give him strength. We (men) should all be so lucky to find a such a woman to share our lives with.

[Dave and Marie (aka Mr and Mrs Eyes)]

Hi Louise,

Sorry this is a bit late but only got back yesterday!

Anyway Happy Birthday!!!

You are the best for keeping the TMN Turtle story quiet at my wedding!

Anyway hope you had a great day and hopefully Paul let you watch Match of the Day with him.

Take Care

[Dave and Marie (aka Mr and Mrs Eyes)]

Hi Louise,

Sorry this is a bit late but only got back yesterday!

Anyway Happy Birthday!!!

You are the best for keeping the TMN Turtle story quiet at my wedding!

Anyway hope you had a great day and hopefully Paul let you watch Match of the Day with him.

Take Care

[KeithShannon]

Happy B-day!!!!! I agree that it takes 2 to make a relationship work and you and Paul seem like a perfect match. He is lucky to have you and I hope you don't forget to take care of yourself. You are going through a lot as well.

Keith

[Bill Pickard]

Hey Louise...I knew there was something else besides our love of Dr. Drew that we share...October Birthdays...even if you are that other sign!
Paul is a very lucky man to have such a warm and caring wife to help him through this difficult period. Happy belated Birthday!