"Aunt Ticia...Tia Lety"

Bianca.14, Lincoln.3, Brooke.12, Blayr.6

My dreams for my children are simple; to have a fulfilling life and whatever they choose to do, they always do to their best ability never compromising integrity and happiness.



Sydney



These dreams didn't just begin to flourish when I had my own children, but when I was able to be an Aunt. That to me was when the first real fun began and now I get to tell you about my niece and nephews who have recently been to visit me.  I told you in my last blog that I would give an update on our weekend and we had a special visitor arrive on Saturday, our niece Sydney! Sydney (20) is currently attending Lee University in Cleveland, TN, is just as beautiful as she can be, both inside and out (no bias at all ;). We were so giddy with excitement that her cousins had a countdown calendar anticipating her arrival.  Let's just say, when Sydney walks in the room - it's over, we all are knocked down on the hierarchy list. :)

Sydney was the last to get to visit, because her brothers Chris (25) and Brad (23) had been here right after my surgery. Andy (22) lives in Odessa and has been a constant help.  His brothers, Adrian (18) and Abraham (14 & 6'1") had just made a visit the first part of January, prior to my diagnosis, but I still feel that I was able get a special visit from each one of them.  Even though they are all "grown up" (insert a clearing of the throat! ok young adults) I will always be their Aunt Ticia or Tia Lety and ever so proud, dreaming the same dreams for them.

The kids' were beyond words to see their cousin, she got to play with them, took them to the park.  She got to spend time with them while I went to a parenting conference sponsored by country artists, Zac Brown, hosted by Bianca's school.  It was extremely informative by Dr. Robert Melillo. I did not participate, just listened and watched.  Monday we went and ate with Brooke at her school and then I was able to go to a Junior High workshop for Brooke. I had asked Sydney to take pictures of the kids' for me while she was here and when I saw the first one above today that she e-mailed me, I just cried! She captured so much for me in that one picture.

Wednesday just seemed to get here before it should.  But Sydney had one last item on her checklist to help me with.  Remember Lincoln being left out of the Justin Bieber concert?  Well, no more, he got his very own "concert" and Sydney got to take him!!!!  He was so excited, we didn't tell him until we were in the car on the way and to a three year-old- concert-movie, 3-D, it's all the same!!!  We talked up the fact that he was going to get to go and his sister's weren't because they were in school.  I remember being in the Rosa's drive-thru line (quick tortilla run for my sister angie) and Lincoln said "hurry up car's Justin Bieber might leave" (LOL) He LOVED it!! (the ticket price was a touch less expensive at Hollywood Theatre, hmmmmm)

When I left the theatre I received a text letting me know that I had been honored at a regional conference meeting in San Antonio.  I knew it was coming, because they had asked my permission to use my video I had sent out originally, letting everyone know of my Cancer. Knowing that my counterparts had all just seen the video and hundreds of other people within AstraZeneca, that I didn't even know, well again, it just brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.  Knowing that we would be receiving this silent support from countless now.  Thank you.

It was off to the airport then and and endless big hug goodbye.

Thursday came and that meant Brian had to leave for his weekend series in Arkansas, another fun bus road trip!  They get to make a stop in Lawton, Oklahoma Sunday to play one game before they come home and play again on Wednesday, leave on Thursday for Guymon, Oklahoma then it's home for awhile!!!! By the way - I do have my next treatment on Tuesday to squeeze in here! and Bianca's birthday is Thurday - 15! Thankfully I can rest in the complexes of this world that didn't stop when my world did, everyone is being so helpful and pitching in just at the right times!

In the midst of Sydney's arrival we had a brief visit from my cousin Lupita from Pecos who brought her kids' but especially my goddaughter Zaylee with her, they just stayed a few hours but I got a hug and some smiles! We also had a big arrival from Iowa, Brian's Dad, Tom (Papa) and his wife Nancy came to help out for a few weeks, and wow have they helped (they had no idea)!!!!  They deserve a whole post to themself's, especially since I have pictures from their wedding in September and we can show you how our family grew.

How am I doing? OK, not good, not great just OK, some side effects crept up this week with mouth sores that have been no fun and made eating less fun, but those are almost gone.  Energy level has been up one day and then down the next, I'm sure due to my nutrional choices.  I drink my alloted amount of liquid and do my exercises daily, they always help and then just a few errands, that's my exercise for the day! Then it's back on the couch.  I told someone today about the good and not so good days it is just like being on a roller coaster - I guess I better hang on!

More to come, but for now I will give credit where credit is due: Photographer: Sydney M. Clawson!!

-Leticia