Today We Began to Play A New Hand

Today we were dealt a new hand. Not one that anyone would welcome, but as we all know, we must play the hand that we're dealt.
Pam, our oldest daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer [as I was in 2002]. She's scheduled for surgery Thursday morning July 17 in Georgia. As much as we'd like to...we aren't able to be there with her physically, but in spirit we will be....I'll be holding her hand. She's following in her Mom's footsteps in more ways than one...I knew 10 days before I shared the news with my family, because I didn't want them to worry. Her Dad and I and her baby sister live here in FL and her other sister also lives in Georgia. Last year she was widowed. When she called this afternoon to tell us, all of the arrangements had already been made...Who's driving her to the hospital, who'll be waiting/sitting vigil during her surgery, who's going home with her, who's staying...etc.. When her late husband, Donald died, we learned that she has one of the best support systems you could wish for. She's a 5th grade teacher and her support system consists of family, church, staff and students' parents from the schools that she has taught, the staff and parents at her current school and a multitude of friends. And the amazing thing is how well they co-ordinate and work together.
She understands that we can't be there now because her Dad is getting treatment for his latest cancer. Her 23 year old daughter, her sister, niece and nephew will be there for her, as well as her big support system. And we will talk every day. Everyone is fine with that.