“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve begun our final descent to our destination. Please ensure your seatbacks are upright and your seatbelts are fastened. Thank you.”
As my flight began its final approach to Columbia on Friday, it struck me how much that message is exactly how I feel heading into Mike’s treatment. The takeoff was really rough when we began this journey on March 17 when Mike had an “episode” that turned out to be a seizure at a conference. We had no idea what was in store for us. This journey has been turbulent, with a lot of bumps along the way: surgery, an extended hospital stay, recovery in a rehab facility, and Mike is STILL working on regaining his fine motor skills on the left side of his body. We’ve had to use our oxygen masks – a LOT – by ensuring we get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, we’ve had to slow it WAY down, and every single one of you has been a lifeline. You’ve made sure we are fed and caffeinated. You’ve reached out time and again to check on us with texts, phone calls, and visits. You’ve cut our hair, mowed our yard, taken care of our dogs, taken out our trash, and performed a myriad of other acts of love and generosity.
And now finally we’ll begin our final approach when Mike begins his concurrent radiation and chemotherapy on Thursday. We know it will be a bumpy landing. We hope we’re prepared, but if not we will figure it out. I know we will because we have flotation devices under our seats and we have plenty of oxygen masks. Mike is an excellent pilot, and I have to say, I don’t make a half bad co-pilot for him. We’re ready. We’re ready to get this over with. We’re ready to begin healing. We’re ready for our lives to get back to normal. We’re ready to pay forward all the kindness and generosity you’ve given us. We’re ready TO GET BACK ON THE BIKE!!!! We are ready to land this plane!
The two of you together are unstoppable. It’s been humbling watching you two through this horror. You would think at almost 74 years old there isn’t so much to learn anymore. But each day since 3/17/25 has been a learning experience for this old lady. Not just medical terms and such. But about love. There is no doubt whatsoever that you two were made for each other and brought together by the Man upstairs. That alone is the best medicine on earth. I love you both so much.
What a wonderful word picture Rachel. I’m picturing you and Mike, headsets on, navigating the route with confidence. Thank you for bringing us along with you.
Sending hugs from Seattle
Julie
Great post Rachel! Sending love from FL! Praying for a smooth start on Thursday.
I can’t help but to repeat what everyone else has already said and is thinking. You are a force to be reckoned with – the strength between the two of you can hold up aentire planets – and WE are all here to support YOU. Sending you both all the love and support I personally can muster. Can’t wait for this flight to land for you guys.
Today is the beginning of a journey like no other. Together you two will make a smooth landing! Love to all, Aunt Jan and Uncle Jimmy