Visit to Randy and Kelly

We went to southeren Indiana to visit Randy and Kelly. We wanted to see their new place on the lake and see how Kelly is making out with her cancer struggle. We picked up "the kids" (son Justin and his girlfriend of 3 years, Nichole) in Columbus. They took us to lunch at one of the fine cafeterias there. Italian place and the food is great! Made to order so you have to wait 20 minutes or so but worth it. I wanted to get moving to tackle the 4 hour drive from there but I think Justin really wanted to share some of his world with us. He is really enjoying school and seems to be taking it seriously. Poor Nichole is still struggling with financial aid. Her single mom has very little money and no credit. She got a grant but mostly relies on a loan that she had to beg her dad to co-sign.  It’s hard enough to focus on your classes without having to worry about all the financial struggles too. I guess that’s why she’s so mature for her age.

Anyway, we got to Bedford, IN about 7:30 that night. The kids stayed at a nearby motel since Randy only has 1 extra bedroom. The motel is a classic 1950’s place with half burned out neon signs. We were making jokes about the Bates Motel all the way there and there was more than a slight resemblance. Randy and Kelly’s 2 kids were both there on Friday night and slept on the couches. Lindsey is student teaching and James is working in the athletic department at Indiana U. It was good to see them both.

Kelly has lost all her hair and wears a cap or wig now. Even her eyebrows and eye lids are starting to fall out. She has finished 4 of the 6 chemo treatments and then will continue for another9 months on an experimental drug. She’s not terribly nausious afterwards but is not up for company for a couple of days. Hence the timing for this visit. She is a very strong, intelligent and practical woman. The ovarian cancer had spread and was in her lymph nodes. The prognosis is not very good. She takes it 1 day at a time. Diane had a chance to talk with her about things. I didn’t discuss the particulars with her and kept my focus on enjoying the beautiful weekend we shared.

We went out on their pontoon boat several times, rowed the little boat around, took a mild hike, brainstormed improvement ideas for the landscape and had a cookout. We also found countless geodes that are all over there. Way too many to get but we probably gathered 50 or so. We cracked about half of them open and got lots of good crystals. I brought 1 home for my office and another to send to my friend, Fran.

Randy and I looked around at different lake front places and I told him to let me know if any come up for sale. I’m not sure if I would buy a lot but it looks like a good investment if bought at the right price. Diane and I have lots more freedom now and could spend time at places like that. I could operate for short periods of time out of there given the nature of my job.

Randy’s spirits were much higher than they have been. There was some recent good news from an MRI taken. He talks openly about the future. Odds are that Kelly won’t be around in 5 years. The lake house is not a great place for a single person unless you’re a hermit. Most people only use the lake in the summer. He rarely sees his neighbors. He is also taking things 1 day at a time. I know he was very glad we made the trip and so were we.

I’ll sign off like my beloved father-in-law with Peace and Love to all.  Life is good. Look for the silver lining in every cloud, it’s there.