Sunday, June 15, 2008

POD #4

Father's Day

The best part about Father's Day was, "seeing daddy" said Ruger.
The best part about Father's Day was, "seeing dad sit up, open his eyes and talk to us" said Winter.
The best part about Father'Day was, "seeing him and giving him a present" said Magnum.
The best part about Father's Day was, "seeing him smile" said Yukon.

Today was "no-jello" Sunday. He is still unable to keep any clear liquids down. The dry heaves are no fun. Jaundice (yellow color to skin) is setting in due to the ablation on the liver which is normal to see. (I wonder if they make adult size bili-blankets--a little humor aimed at my medical friends). This set-back is to be expected after someone handling his bowels for 12 hours.

I'm not sure Michael actually wished his Father a "Happy Father's Day" today. I'm sure he wanted to say it but might not have had the energy. So just in case, "Happy Father's Day". Virgil is the definition of D-A-D.

As for my Father, he was too busy working on the farm as usually, and the day slipped by without us connecting. So here it is, "I have the best dad in the whole wide world!"

Happy Father's Day Dad!
I Love You,

Dawn & Kids

25 comments:

Bobby, Anna, Bowdy, Bailey and Tucker said...

Happy Fathers Day Michael. Just 4 of the reasons to keep up the good fight!!
Tell Dawn next time you want Jello Shots.
Anna sends her best, but can't top my jello shots comment so says Goodnight and talk to you tomorrow (well, I will leave you a note anyway)

Dawn, again, thanks for keeping us updated so we don't keep you busier than you already are. Tell the kids Hi from us and still looking forward to seeing you soon.

Bobby, Anna and Kids.. :)

jan said...

Well, Michael, at least you are getting a little color. I keep thinking we will be getting snow here in the North country; it's so cold. Thinking of you often and praying for the desire to eat, drink and move. I know it is around the corner. Take care. jan

sue said...

Good Morning Michael...and everyone else out there caring for Michael in Minnie-ssoda...Well someone better let me know when Jello shots are being done...I'm in...Hope your days start getting easier TODAY....take care everyone and prayers are with you all. Love Sue

Doug Heuker said...

Michael,

It's good to hear that the test results are coming back favorable!

I hope you had a good father's day - I'm sure it's one you won't soon forget and probably won't take for granted.

Tomorrow will be the MSAA golf and skeet matches - we'll miss you. You have a lot of people in the MSAA praying for you.

By the way, don't worry about the yellow color thing - your tan was putting the rest of us to shame anyhow. All of our kids went through the Jaundis thing so I know how much fun that can be. I'd make them wheel you outside and work on you tan again!

Anyway bud, be strong and dig deep. I trust that each day will get a little better for you now. We will continue to pray for healing.

Have a GREAT day Michael!

Becky said...

Michael,

Tom and I thought about you all day yesterday, and glad that you could wake up to see your kids smiles. I hope your appetite will show improvement soon.

We will miss you at the MSAA seminars this week... I know all of will say a prayer or two for you...and your family...

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Oliver's said...

Dawn, Michael & fam ~

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
~Dr. Seuss

Keep swingin'!
Thank you for blogging your journey, allowing all of us to shower you with good vibes & send healing energies your way. Know that we'll be shipping only the very strongest blessings your way every day till each & every one of those mutant cells is gone!

Ollie & Kimberly

Abby said...

Hi Guys! Glade to hear things are going ok. Just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish you back to health very soon.

Abby Youngs

KennyLindsay said...

Michael,

It's AWESOME that all your reports are coming back with two thumbs up. It certanly seems that you have conqured the biggest challenge.

When this is all said and done and you're back to resuming life on a 'normal' basis, you will prove to be the inspiration and hope that so many others will look to.

Anyway, today I'm headed to your neck of the woods in Traverse City for the MSAA Summer Convention. It definately will not be the same without you this year and I GUARANTEE you that we will continue to think and pray for your continued recovery constantly.

You're in good hands buddy and I'll check back in while in Traverse.

Your Pal,

Kenny Lindsay, Auctioneer

Judi mom said...

Hoping and praying for a good, progressive day, Michael. You never leave our thoughts. Your family, your mom and dad, Rick and Brenda have been such a great support group along with your friends--it is unbelievable the strength flowing to you!! Absorb every ounce to bring the vitality back to your body and soul. Our love and support is endless, also, Michael. We will see you soon. Love, Mom and Dad E. and Jay

Anonymous said...

Michael,
Hey buddy! I was just catching up on your reports. Your sister called me today returning my frantic call from last week:) We've all been praying for you and wishing you a speedy recovery. I tell you, if you don't eat soon, I'm going start sending you some of my burnt garlic toast (you can scrape it off again). You were too dang skinny before the surgery, so once your able to eat, it's stick to your ribs kinda food for you.

We're just getting ready for summer conference. Leaving tonight. We'll shoot some clays out of the sky for ya. I expect to see you out there next year...somebody has to help take that trophy away from Bliss!

Look forward to seeing you soon,
Tricia Wiltjer
Michigan State Auctioneers Association

The Herman's said...

Dear Magnum, Winter, Ruger, Dawn And Michael, Happy one day late Father's Day Michael! I bet you are a great dad! I hope you had a great Father's Day. Thanks for keeping us in touch Dawn! I'll write to you again tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Jordan Herman Age 7


Dear Yukon, Winter, Magnum, Ruger, Dawn and Michael,
Happy Late Father's Day Michael, I hope you are doing okay!
Dawn thanks for keeping us updated.
Give us a call if you need anything.
Yukon, WInter, Ruger and Mag,
How are you guys doing? It is rainy and cold today. How is it over there?
Well, I will try to write you every day. Sincerely,
Kaylee Herman Age 10

Hey Guys,
We are thinking about you and you are in our prayers daily. We've added you to our prayer list at church, and great things have come from this! Have faith and enjoy your time together!

Let us know if you need any help at the homefront.

Rob and Lori Herman

brave girls said...

Michael and family-the boys and i have kept you in our prayers as promised:) Your whole town is so excited to hear that your test results are coming back so positively. I've talked to people about you, Michael, and said a prayer for you right there in the street holding their hands. We are all pulling for you every step of the way!

Peace, healing and Love-
Maggie Cotant

Paul said...

From a fellow auctioneer and 10 year cancer survivor. HANG IN THERE! There is life after cancer!

Wishing all the best.
Paul Yoder

gail said...

Happy belated Father's Day, Michael. Dawn and kids,Virgil and Theresa, we are thinking of you all and praying for that speedy recovery. Great news about the path reports! Hang in there and let God keep you in his hands. Everything is going along smoothly here at the office..we miss you. Dawn, hurry home.. we are piling up your desk with work!!! Pat was here and filled us in on her trip...what a trip!! That is what friends are for. Keep fighting and stay strong, each day will be a better one than the last.
Love, the crew here at Gaylord Ob/Gyn

Francisco I said...

Hello, my name is Francisco, knew of Michaels sickness on the place Rick works at, just wanted to let you know that you will be all (and specially Mike) on the prays of my family from today (at the other side of the ocean, the old europe).
Find the strenght on the Lord, we will be praying for things to improve, all the best, Ipina family. (SPAIN)

Roxy said...

Dawn,
I am so glad Father's Day was a wonderful one for you, Michael and the kids. Everyone at church is asking about all of you and I am telling them about the blog. Keep it up and we will keep praying for God's continued touch on all of you everyday and and all day.
Roxy

Patrick McNamara said...

Mike, Dawn,Kids
Surgical report neg nodes, clean margins......all good....

Keep fighting...... never let your guard down.... cancer likes to sneak up on you.......until you whip it......

Thinking about you, praying....

Pat

rnowicki said...

Just want to let you know that we are praying for you and hoping for a complete recovery. Having your family there has to be a great comfort. Hope you are able to read the blog soon. You have many many caring people praying for you.
God Bless.
Renee Nowicki (OMH employee-H.I.M and OB)

Tobin said...

Hey Michael,

First Dawn has to show me up with the whole tan thing. Now you go ahead and get all jaundice. I'm not going to be able to be around either of you without glowing like a light bulb.

HANG IN, HOLD ON AND BE STRONG.

LOVE YOU GUYS.

LISA

PS: Hey Dawn, The Filet-O-Fish was worth every bite. LOL.

Anonymous said...

Michael, Dawn and kids,

Glad that things are going well. Don't know about the bili blanket, but I bet they have bili lights. He could pretend he is on the beach under the sun. I am glad that you had a good father's day. You continue to be in my prayers and thoughts daily. Continue on the path to recovery. Each day will find you stronger.

Love Robin

Ollie' said...

Dawn, Hang in there Blon'd We're saying prayers for you guys! And tell Michael when he is up next time that I said "We all want to be fast like Lance Armstrong on the bike but he didn't have to go and get cancer to be like Lance!" LOL Just go out and ride! Be strong Michael! We'll see you thru this and we'll ALL go out and RIDE!

Michelle Kelling said...

Hello Michael & Dawn --

Dawn -- you and I have never met but my family knew Mike's family through polkas back in the 80's. Someone out there in "polkaland" forwarded the blog address and news of Mike's illness to me. Just wanted to say that Mike and your whole family (your children look and sound like great little people!) are and will continue to be in my prayers. I will continue to check the blog -- in the meantime, tell Mike that the whole March Family (minus our Dad, Ed, who passed away about 3 years ago -- Mike may not know that) are rooting for him and wish him well. Hello to Rick also......

Fondly,

Michelle (March) Kelling
Sheffield Village (Cleveland area), OH

sue said...

Hi there buddy, well if you need sunshine you may have to hit the tanner my friend, cold here in Gaylord might even snow I think. Good weather for eating soup, get your tummy under control and we can be eating Sugar Bowl soup as soon as you get back to Gaylord. I keep running into people here in town and everyone wants to know when you are going to be home, everyone is offering lending hands so I will make a list. Take advantage of it. Take care and hope today was a good day and even a few bites of jello maybe. Love Sue

Chris & Renee Markovich said...

All of your baby steps will soon add up to be one big step forward. Just keep digging deep and you'll be
back at the top where you belong. You have an amazing group of friends and family praying for you.
Including a group here in Texas!! That just goes to show you what an awesome friend you are to everyone. Stay strong!!

Dawn, Thanks for keeping us informed. We'll be looking forward to more uplifting news.
Chris & Renee Markovich

Patricia said...

Michael,
I can't begin or end my day without reading your blog to see how you are doing. I'm so grateful that Dawn is keeping us informed on your progress. You may feel like you are only making baby steps, but every step is a step towards recovery. Wising you a restful night's sleep.
Love, Patty