Our refrigerator had an ice maker transplant today.
It was a long time coming.
For years, our ice machine has made ungodly, crunchy, mechanical noises.
It has sounded like an army of ice making gnomes has lived in our fridge, probably near the frozen bean burritos.
The repairman showed up early.
He wanted to talk politics with Diana.
Even still, he was done in ten minutes.
It was a quick fix.
He took out the old and put in the new.
It was a transplant.
Then he told Di that it might not work because this type makes noises.
Then he got in his truck and left.
Thanks buddy!
You hope the quick fixes will work.
You hope for the quick fixes.
But, usually life isn’t a quick fix. It’s an epic journey with victories and heartache, pain and pursuit.
It reminds me of a book series I read once and that I’m reading again now as we are on our own journey.
It’s “The Lord of the Rings”.
I read it years ago and the time seemed right to read the whole series again.
(Yes, I’ve seen the movies, but the book IS always better than the movie.)
I love the story and I’ve always resembled a Hobbit.
It’s all about finding the courage to fight, finding the right friends to travel with, and finishing well.
These are all things I’m trying to do now.
Here’s one thing I know…
“Where there’s life there’s hope, and need of vittles” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Which brings me to an update…
As I recover from the surgery a few weeks ago, vittles are still limited for me.
As we adjust to life with a whoopee cushion attached to my gut, I’m still eating a lovely variety of protein shakes and other soft foods.
I got a little crazy the other day and tried some meat!!
It was chopped up beef and it was delicious!!!
I chewed it until it was soup.
It seemed like it was fine until the middle of the night.
It woke me up and things got ugly.
As I was taking care of business in our bathroom, I had a couple of random related thoughts…
Gag Reflex would be a cool name for a band.
Dry Heaves could be the name of their first album.
I have other fun assorted aches and pains.
My back hurts and my brain is foggy.
That happens sometimes on long journeys.
We have a follow up appointment with the surgeon early tomorrow morning.
The next round of chemo starts next Monday. The quicker it responds, the sooner the stem cell transplant starts.
We are ready.
The Holy Spirit gives us new courage every day.
We travel with an incredible band of friends, we are so thankful.
We will finish well.
I just heard the refrigerator make some unnatural, crunchy noises.
Oh man!
I
carbonated joy 