We were dropped off at the I-435 bridge over the Missouri River.. We planned to camp for the night. By 11 pm we were bored and not able to sleep. The walk home would be about 10 miles and that seemed better than waiting out the night. The shortest route home would take us through an area known for dark things; a place called Wolcott.
A few miles into our walk home, near the dam of Wyandotte County Lake there was a swampy area; a flooded lowland forest. The moonlit night was bright and standing on a levy we heard a noise. Our eyes were quickly drawn to the figure of a man who thought he was hidden by the night. He didn’t answer when we said “Hello”, then crawled into the water between us, up to his neck, and moved directly toward us. He emerged 20 yards from us at the base of the levy.
Why did he not answer? Who could know his intentions? Not us. So we ran. Knives drawn for whatever good that would have done while running. Adrenaline carried us. We stopped a half mile from the road that would put us in familiar territory. We kept looking back to see if we were followed. Ahead on the road, we saw headlights scanning back and forth as if looking for someone. Us?
Three hours later, and a whole other story later, we made it home. It was the most scared I had ever been…….. until January 30, 2013.
After several days of feeling relatively good, last night began a 24 hour period of Tara feeling absolutely awful. Hopefully 24 doesn’t turn into 48. We are counting on a great Mothers Day. We need that. She needs that.
One can get numb to the uncertain condition. But not to the real discomfort that comes with chemo. You can’t get numb to that. There are times when Tara feels good, and other times awful. This just happens to be the latter. But we know it will pass. I just hate watching her leaning over the toilet crying for this to go away. She hurts. I hurt.
I pray tomorrow will be a real special day for Tara.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Know that you and your family are in my prayers daily. Love you guys.
Praying for a very special Mother’s day for Tara. May God continue to be there through your journey.Let him carry you when you feel you can’t go on. God bless all of you!
Yvonne Braun
We wish you, Tara, a very Happy Mother’s Day. We pray you are feeling good today. We love you!
Our responsive reading last night at church was Psalm 46. The chorus of this :Psalm is “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” I wanted to shout it loud, this truth. As I spoke those words last night I lifted those (your family included) who are in the middle of scary times and I also thanked God for being with me, being my fortress, during my own scary times. The valleys, the scary, can be so hard. But the Lord Almighty is with us!
Happy Mother’s Day, Tara! I’m praying that you are feeling well today so that you may enjoy your children, your sweet blessings.
Jay, I love your adventure stories. Did your mother ever sleep at night while you were on your adventures? I don’t think I’m going to let you talk to my son anymore. You may give him ideas. 🙂
We’re praying with you…. Still, if there is anything else we can do to help in a tangible way, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Oh Jay, I remember the journey only too well! I remember feeling as though my insides were going to turn outside, and I remember my eyes were so swollen they were closed. I had to constantly remind myself that this was all part of the fight to beat this. Hang in there, my heart is breaking for you all, but particularly for Tara. She is strong, and she can get through this.
We pray you have a blessed happy Mother’s day Tara. love you, peg and jq
Have a Really Great Mothers Day, Tara, We pray you feel Well enough to enjoy it!