It’s all about the cookies

Submitted by wingman Andy:

It has been a while since I’ve written anything for the blog. Like many of you have read already, there were a few setbacks, but all in all it is onward and upward! As the family continues the battle of illness for both mom and dad, it is sometimes easy to cross that line of going from helpful Hanna to pain in the ass! Unintentional of course!

Anyone will tell you that the key to kicking Cancer or any illness is a good medical team, strong mental fortitude and non-wavering group of family and friends and family. We are blessed to have all three in our corner.

Looking inward though, you sometimes need to not only hear what Cancer Warriors are saying, you have to LISTEN to what they are telling you too. Each person has his or her own mixture of personal time and family time that they go through. There are going to be times that are reserved for private meditation, as well as public displays of emotion. Times to be alone, and times to be with those that mean so much to them. These times are going to change as the days and weeks continue on.

I had one of those moments yesterday with a visit at Casa Longo. Mom was found in the front living room, looking quite well, finishing her mediation time. We had a good talk about a lot of things, but she managed somehow to bring it full circle about Nanny Poppy Day!

For those that don’t know what they are, it is the Monday when both Rachel and I work and mom and dad get to visit the grandchildren. Notice I didn’t say “baby sit” as mom will be the first to tell you she doesn’t “baby sit”, she spends quality time with her grandchildren. Mom is always talking about wanting to get her “groove back!” And part of that groove has always been that special bonding time with her grandchildren. “Don’t you dare take my nanny and poppy days away she said.” “I’ll tell you if I can’t take care of them!”

So as I dropped them off yesterday, there was a gentle rain falling (thank you Lord we sure needed it). And as the girls ran to the door, there was pop holding it open for them before they reached the screen door to come inside. I warned them both not to be a pain, then drove off to finish my tour with the department, hoping they would not be too much for either of them. After all, children will be children and they can be a handful at times even for someone who is not dealing with Cancer.

When I got home from work later in the evening, as we sat eating dinner, I asked the girls how their nanny and poppy day went. GREAT they both said together! Nanny baked us cookies! Cookies I asked? Yep, and muffins too!

Looks like the groove is coming on slowly but surly.

Pass the cookies please!