“So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”Genesis 2:20-24 NIV

Something that folks who have not been affected by cancer may not realize is the toll it takes on the loved ones of a cancer patient. Of course, grief and worry exists for the family and friends and that is something, if I could take away, I certainly would.

However, I’m taking about an additional impact. My wife Dena has had to do so much to help with my treatment and recovery and I am just so thankful for her. As I write this, I’m sitting in the car in the Walmart parking lot while Dena picks up some items I needed. Additionally, since I’m not able to drive right now, she’s my chauffeur to all the Dr appointments.

Because of the time she’s had to be away from work to shuffle me to Dr appointments and to stay with me when I was in the hospital (she spent 5 nights sleeping in a recliner beside me), her vacation time is quickly becoming consumed. I know all the stress of caring for me plus going to work each day makes for a very long day for her. The other day, she arrived home from a long day of work and asked if I wanted to go for a ride. Being stuck in the house all day, of course I was up for that!

She ended up driving me through Ponca and then around Lake Ponca past several of our old fishing spots. To top it off, she drove my truck because she knew I was missing riding in my truck and I wanted to see how the new tires I bought rode (she took my truck to get the tires installed too!). It was a much appreciated break from the norm. That’s just the tip of the iceberg of things she has done for me. I can’t begin to count all the little things like bringing me crackers when I’m not feeling too well and keeping upbeat through the whole ordeal. I am so grateful God brought her into my life.

I love you Dena!