The UPDATED Audio Version is here!

Many viewers and subscribers to the History Heights YouTube channel requested another version of the recording of Cody’s voice with “cleaned-up” audio. One of our viewers graciously did the work on this and sent me this version. (Thank you, Mark!) I truly think both versions have merit and things to teach us. Take the time…

Good News!

It’s been a long wait, but I finally have some good news to share. I’m happy to report that all margins are clear from the December 22 surgery, everything is looking good, and I’m healing as expected. No radiation or chemo is needed at this time. The follow-up appointments for monitoring begin in March. Giving…

Video Update January 1, 2023

All of the posts that deal with this tongue cancer journey are found here. I would be honored if you share these messages with others who might find them helpful. I highly value your continuing prayers. This story is not yet complete.

Advent

I did not know about Advent growing up, but as an adult, it is a season I have come to embrace. Among many Christian people, Advent is generally recognized as the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time of anticipation, of preparation, of reflection. Some of the traditions associated with Advent, such…

The Good and Not So Good

For a person who gets motion sickness, this rollercoaster life isn’t easy, but here we are. I took a few days to pause and direct my focus to the act of intentional thankfulness, but now the time has come for me to share the rest of the news from last week. As is attributed to…

Thanksgiving 2022

Give thanks. I went through Thanksgiving of 2021 much like every other previous Thanksgiving in my life. Days of cleaning the house, cooking, setting up extra tables as needed, all with lots of planning and eager anticipation leading to a special day. Some years had a house filled with people, other years were quieter. Most…

The Story of the Complicated Politics of William Blount

In this eBook biography, we’ll take a look at Blount’s background and how he became involved in these important events, as well as his eventual downfall and political rise again. By the end of this unit study, you’ll have a better understanding of the complicated politics of William Blount and how they impacted American history….

Fiery Hoops

The good news is I now have a pre-op appointment with the University of Iowa Health Center (UIHC) surgeon. The not-so-great news is that it isn’t until December 15, and of course, that leads to the heavy disappointment that the surgery to remove the cancer margins will not likely be until early 2023. I asked…

Another Plot Twist

I have been writing non-fiction stories for many years, primarily United States history. Over and over again, I have found how a story unfolds to be far more interesting, compelling, and even surprising than anything I could possibly make up. And with that as an introduction, here is the story for today. November 15, Tuesday:…

Plot Twist

Do you think you know how your day will go? Don’t count on it. We truly never know how a day will unfold. And for me, one who enjoys making plans about making plans, this is a harsh reality. I wanted a second opinion for my tongue cancer diagnosis and treatment. After a multi-day delay,…

Advocates

Advocate (noun) a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause; a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor. I am blessed with family and friends who are walking with me on this journey. Lisa calls and sends pictures of beautiful baby Vivie, my sweet grandchild…

There will be a second surgery

Today brought *not great news* but it truly could be worse. A second surgery is required to remove more tissue from the underside of my tongue. This surgery will result in additional (and more substantial) speech impairment, which will be permanent. This is mostly due to the location of the section to be removed. Additionally,…