Living Flowers

I got a special treat today ... I got Danny hugs. Now most of you have never had the honor of meeting my dear and best "growing up" friend, and for that you are missing out on one of the greatest men on earth. Today he had a layover in St. Louis and took the time to come visit after my radiation treatment. As a pilot for Southwest Airlines he often comes through town, but with brief layovers, so his visits to the Jones household are a rarity.

Danny has a beautiful wife, Deb, and two gorgeous sons, Logan and Bryce. Sadly, they all live in Florida ... too far for frequent visits. But today his visit was perfectly timed. I've been in need of a good hug. The kind of familiar hug that comes from someone who knows your heart. The kind of hug that says "I'm here. I care about you. It's going to be OK." and you truly believe it.

Danny and his father brought me two beautiful bouquets of flowers. One was adorned with two delicate butterflies and the other with my favorite white daisies and red roses. When I saw them I tried to make a joke and said "Who died?" OK, not so funny in light of my current situation and I knew I said the wrong thing. I tried fixing it with "Oh, they must be don't die flowers." Still, not so good. We changed the conversation to something more comfortable and our visit was over shortly thereafter.

Tonight as I sit here and look at my incredibly gorgeous flowers I am reminded of that Danny hug. I know that the flowers weren't dying flowers ... they are living flowers. A symbol of friendship and hope ... encouragement and strength.

On another note ... tomorrow is another big day for me. I am getting my wig. The Cancer Center at MoBap has a wonderful resource center that provides information and services to those receiving treatment for cancer at the hospital. One of their special charities is a free wig program. Shall I go blond or brown? Long or short? Curly or straight? I'll post a picture tomorrow of my new "do" ... until then,

Kathy ... smelling the sweet flowers and thankful for the gift of another day