July 20th, 2008 - Hearing Laughter

Standing today on the jetty at a friend’s house, listening to cackles of laughter coming from Cameron and his friend in her “tinny” boat as they were buzzing around the canal gave me such an intense moment of joy in my heart, which must have showed as my friend said, “It is good to hear them laugh, isn’t it?”  I agreed and thought how blessed we are that Cameron is enjoying life and that we still have him with us.  I thank God everyday for saving Cameron’s life and no matter what struggles we endure nothing can take away the appreciation of his life. 

Last night Bill and I watched the movie Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. It really reminded us of many parts of Cam’s journey with his friends, especially the scene of them walking together with their “robots” (drips), just that they were men and not children. In one scene when Jack is on chemotherapy and living in the bathroom he stares forlornly into the mirror and says to himself, “Somewhere some lucky guy is having a heart attack right now.” How true to life for oncology patients… Some have an easier journey than others, but no matter who or what you are, there is no easy journey when living with cancer – no amount of money or prestige changes the fundamentals of the experience.
 
The last week has seen the most normality we have experienced in a long time with all three boys going off to school every day and Cam being involved in everything, including refereeing Owen’s rugby game at Noosa on Saturday. He was so excited to tell me that the coach said he could do it every week. We are learning that there are a lot of ways he can still be involved in activities while recovering even though he can’t actually do the hardcore sports.

We still have to work hard to get him to recognise his limitations as he is ready for anything and everything, but we have strict instructions from his oncologist, but it doesn’t mean he has to be on the sidelines. Saturday evening Cameron and Carlton went off to the Roller drome with their youth group and had a lot of fun rollerblading. Then today after church the boys and I visited with friends while Bill worked. He missed a treat as we were taken on a boat trip out to sea off the Mooloolaba coast to see the whale migration, with Owen hanging on for dear life and Cameron and Carlton having an absolute ball with their friends. No whales but all in all this weekend really reminded me how blessed we are how far we have come.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds… James 1:2

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 10:37 pm and is filed under Week 22. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

3 Responses to “Hearing Laughter”

  1. billsr Says:
    July 20th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Hi Cameron and well done MOM!!!!! Yes you have all come a long way on a path that has taken different but true directions. I feel very privileged to have been blessed with you all and especially the sound caring Mom and Dad to have lived through your, Cameron’s journey, with intense faith and recognition that we are all only human and not immune from God’s will. Go well my boy, my thoughts are always with you…….and by the way We WILL have revenge when you Ozzies come to SA!!!!!!! Love you very much. ALL Family and frineds in SA send their love and best wishes.Love from Grandad Bill Cape Town South Africa

  2. Deidre Wadl Says:
    July 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm

    Hi Cam what fun you must have had refereeing your younger brothers match, what a privlige! But keep to the rules of the oconoligist and all we be well. Leigh the simple joys that a mother enjoys, namely hearing them laugh, these memories no one can take away from us Moms, glad youre feeling good again and had a lovely weekend will be in touch soon. Love to you all. Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth

  3. The Robinsons Says:
    July 24th, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    Hi Cam
    It’s so good to hear that you are feeling so much better and you are enjoying life! Sounds like you had a busy w/end. Must have been so much fun being out on the boat seeing the whales. It is freezing at the farm at the moment and we are getting lots of rain which is good for the crops. Did I mention that the Wallabies won!!!! Just in case the news hadn’t got to QLD yet we did win against poor old South Africa!!!Think I had better stop bragging or I might get into trouble. Lucas is starting to get on the move – rolling and sitting up. Jonty just wants him to grow so they can play. Brothers are good for that as you know only too well!!! ( even though they can be pesty too!)
    It’s fantastic that you are feeling so much stronger than you were! You are all in our thoughts often!
    Send our love to the family
    Lots of Love The Robinsons

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