Learning the importance of going around the rock

I’ve visited more doctors and had more blood tests and poking and prodding this year than I have my entire 65-plus years on this earth.

It was a terrible upset stomach that started in early December last year that led doctors to discover I had colon cancer in March.

The cancer was discovered March 11, and two days later, we were was in Des Moines visiting with a surgeon.

I remember sitting in his office.

“This is routine surgery,” he said. “I do this kind of surgery all the time.”

I was operated on in late March followed by 10 days and nine nights in the hospital.

Following a couple rounds of chemo, I discovered I had a blood clot in early June in my right calf.

After three months of blood thinners and a scan of my, I learned on Monday this week that the blood clot is gone.

No more thinner medicine, and I can have a salad again.

Foods with vitamin K, which is salad and leafy greens, are a no-no when taking blood thinner.

But through all of this, God has sustained and protected me, and for that I am most thankful.

I’m also most thankful for my lovely bride of almost 21 years who has stayed by my side, encouraged me and kept me dreaming and moving forward.

I am also thankful for all the well wishes, phone calls, emails, texts, kind thoughts, prayers and hugs I have received from my many friends.

It’s all appreciated.

I had a CT scan with contrast Aug. 21 and received a good report. I will have another CT scan Nov. 21 to make sure all is good.

I’m thankful that I am moving in a positive direction.

I’m staying busy but also getting lots of rest.

And after the surgery, I decided to retire in late May from my day job of 7 1/2 years. That has freed up time for me to continue freelancing and writing feature stories.

And in early June, Debbie and I were able to attend a cousin reunion on my mom’s side in my hometown of Tulsa. While there, we caught up with friends and enjoyed spending time with my brother.

We then traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas to visit with my last living aunt. We are so thankful for that, as she passed recently.

And we spent a couple weeks or more this summer going through our stuff in the garage and basement with plans are to hold a Parker household reduction online auction this fall.

There will be bargains galore.

We got our garage cleaned out enough that I can now get our Suburban parked inside.

And of course we attended the Iowa State Fair and the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion this summer.

And on the horizon, Debbie and I along with our oldest nephew will be attending some craft events selling our books and other offerings this fall.

No matter what life throws at you, I want to encourage you to get up every day and be thankful. Try and find the good in things and in people.

Do good things for others and say kind words.

There is a lot of craziness going on in the world, and social media is full of everyone’s opinions, thoughts and negative words.

And when you run into a negative Nellie or some challenge in life, I share this bit of wisdom.

Some years ago, I was watching a documentary about six of the most elite photographers in the world. These men and women were at the World Trade Centers on 9/11.

The moderator asked one of the photographers what he did when running into police roadblock, or someone trying to keep him from doing his job.

His replied by asking what happens when water hits a rock? He said it goes around on either side, so that is what he did. He went around and took photos from another angle.

Sometimes in our lives, we have to go around the negative and find the positive.

Have a great week, and always remember that “Good Things are Happening” every day.