As I type this post it is actually Thursday, January 28, 2016. Forty years ago today my youngest son was born. Happy Birthday Reid!
He's been to hell and back to reach the big 40. He's been through countless rounds of chemo and two stem cell transplants. Through it all he's never forgotten how to smile. I've never once heard him ask, "Why me?" Today he is cancer free although he does have side effects from the chronic graft vs host disease. He no longer has the energy he once had and he sometimes has shortness of breath due to the cancer originally pressing on a nerve to his lung. There's no going back to the life he had BC (before cancer). Again, he never complains. This is the new normal for him and he accepts it. I am very proud of him.
We no longer take birthdays for granted in this house and it warms my heart to see him celebrating the BIG 40! He spent some time with friends today. Last weekend Keith came from Austin to help us celebrate and tomorrow we're going out to dinner with Troy and his family. It's kind of a week long celebration.
I tried to get a picture of him without the light reflecting off his glasses. It didn't work. Here he is standing in front of the Christmas tree (yes, it's still up!) this morning. Doesn't he look healthy?
Now please head over to Jenny's blog for a list of this week's participants. Thank you for visiting (and allowing this mom a chance to celebrate and brag).
A very happy birthday to your son ! Yes he looks healthy, it's terrible to get cancer at such a young age ! How nice that it is over now ! Wish him a lot of health !
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Reid. I too am glad he isn't having to have more treatment. Perhaps his age was a blessing, older and he might not be a survivor. Bless you all, Jim
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Yes he looks healthy!!!!! I am so happy he is doing so well and he is one tough dude for sure. I admire you both - both for different reasons. Happy birthday Reid!!!!!!!!!! May you have many, many more.
ReplyDeleteThis is a story that definitely warms my heart. I'm so glad your son has been able to persevere through so many trials, and I wish him a blessed 40th birthday! =)
ReplyDeleteOh yes ~ you have a big reason to Warm Your Heart ~ Happy Birthday to your son and may he have many more and healthy ones! xox
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend to you ~ ^_^
Very heartwarming. Here's hoping he has many more birthdays to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteBetty, as I read your post, my eyes filled but even before I got to your question "Doesn't he look healthy?', I thought...OMG, Reid looks AWESOME!!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteSeeing Reid so strong and healthy really warms my heart! He has had such an astonishing journey but has always been so positive.
ReplyDeleteI think he learned that from his sweet Momma.
It is very, very belated, but please wish him a lovely day for me.
And thank you for warming my heart for week 11. (and always)
XOXOXOXO