August 17 Update (Great News!)

Dear Family and Friends---

Gene and I are so happy right now!

We went to the Cancer Center this morning at 8 AM for Gene's lab work and then had an appointment with Gene's Dr.

Gene's cancer numbers have again been reduced which is very good news but the best news is that Gene is now in Remission! Unbelievable but such welcome news.

Gene does not have to have Chemo at least for awhile. This will give all of us especially Gene a much needed break. It is like we have been given a vacation!!!

Thanks to all of you for your daily prayers and constant thoughts for us----please know we know that it was your prayers helping Gene. 

Many of you tell me to "Keep the Faith" – and I am trying to do that daily.

Love to you all, 

Barbara 

August 12 Update: Wake-Up Call

How many of you have signed a Power of Attorney for yourself, your spouse, your significant other?

I don't know where Gene and I have been, but we do not have Power of Attorney signed forms … so if I go into a coma, Gene needs to have Power of Attorney and I need to have Power of Attorney for him.

Tonight was a bad night. I had asked our son-in-law (who is one of the Good Attorneys!) to help me get ready when and if something happens to Gene, or me.

I approached the subject tonight with Gene and met with definite resistance. I had it all planned out: First, I had a nice beef roast in the oven with all kinds of vegetables and a very nice dinner planned. Then, I said to Gene: “We really need to get our Power of Attorney forms filled out, plus we need to work on our will.” Well, it did not go well.

Gene said, “I have to feel better first. Then I said, “I could have a heart attack tonight – then what?”

It does not seem to register with him. But with all the things he is going through and thinking, I am sure he thinks I am being pushy.

But … Wake up, everyone, and make sure you get an attorney. It is NEVER TOO SOON! I am going to put a plug in for our son-in-law, James V. Duncan of Broken Bow, Neb. He is an outstanding attorney and has such good advice along with Common Sense, which is lacking in many of our big-city attorneys.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Take heed and get your ducks in a row, which I have not done previously. I thought we had plenty of time – but who has plenty of time????

NO ONE.

On a good note, I have found the most remarkable handyman: Lowell Kohtz. He is 91 years old and looks 70. He talked to Gene and me one night and asked if we had anything thing he could help with at Diamond G Farms. Well, I called him the next day, and he has been invaluable. He is moving, fixing fence, using the weed-eater and all kinds of fixing things that need fixing. He is remarkable. I hope at 91 I will be as spry and able as he is. His grandchildren made a video of him for a movie they are interviewing for. The movie is called "Nebraska" and they want original Nebraska farmers to be in the movie.

Till next time,
Barbara 

Card From Cindy

I wanted to share this moving card and letter Gene received from our daughter Cindy.

August 10 Update

Gene had his 10th treatment a week ago, and it has really tired him out. But we know that with each chemo treatment, he will become more tired. We had planned on attending the AQHA Youth World Show this week, but feel Gene needs to regain his strength so that we can attend the AQHA Select World Show in Amarillo.

We were so honored that during the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show when each state or country had their Team Parade ... Nebraska honored Gene as being one of the state's famous people!

They listed Johnny Carson and some others – which I did not even hear because I was so proud that they had Gene's name.

We are so very proud of our Nebraska Youth and how well they have exhibited at this World Show. The show ends tomorrow. You can see video here: http://www.aqha.com/youthworld

On another note: I am always looking for good meatloaf recipes, as meatloaf seems to be Gene's favorite food right now. Please email me or leave a comment if you have a good one!

Again, thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for both Gene and myself.

Till next time,
Barbara