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,…

We Are Not Done Yet

As predicted by friends and medical professionals, 10 days post-op I started to feel a little more like my “old self.” That was yesterday. Today, I received news that two of the margins were not clear, and that additional surgery to remove more of the tongue will be needed. Laura and I will be meeting…

One Week Post-Op

When a patient goes for a one week post-op follow up visit and there isn’t a lot to report, I suspect that is a very good thing. In this case, a lack of news is what we got. Everything “looks good” and is healing as it should. I’m still miserable, on liquids only, frustratingly weak,…

Pajama Pants

Four pairs of pajama pantsMy daughter gave to me.People wear them everywhere,But that is them, not me. And then just six short days agoI tried those flannels on.Oh, the comfort! Oh, the joy!My fashion sense was gone. I wore them for the car ride homeFrom surgery. Then since,The only time they’re not on meIs during…

August 23, 2022

August 23 was just 59 days ago. Just a blink of the eye in the scheme of things, really. I had taken John to a routine dental cleaning, and always trying to make good use of my time, decided I would go ahead and get my never-have-had-a-cavity teeth cleaned, too. It seemed like a sensible…

The Story of How the Daughters of Liberty Used the Spinning Wheel

There’s a lot in here! The main story is cleverly presented using colorful storyboards. Videos demonstrate the spinning wheel and how to use a drop spindle. A variety of activities, including writing and role-playing, encourage insights and spark discussion on how to engage with people of differing viewpoints. Extra resource pages provide more ways the…

Love In Action

As much as I dread going to Walmart, for the things I needed, it was my best option. I’m glad I went. Ahead of me in the self-checkout line was a frail, elderly gentleman who had completed his shopping with a store-provided powered cart. He was standing at the kiosk, but leaning on it for…

1894 Buffalo Dancers

This remarkable short film clip from 1894 shows Native Americans as they performed a buffalo dance for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. There were other short films made that day, but this is the only one known to still exist. This video is part of the History Heights eBook The Story of William F. “Buffalo Bill”…

The Voice of Buffalo Bill Cody Recorded in 1898

In April 1898, Buffalo Bill Cody made a recording called “Sentiments on the Cuban Question.” It isn’t the easiest recording to hear every word, but the tone and cadence of his voice are quite remarkable. Take a listen.