Betty, Mildred and Ersel Rodgers

Betty is comfortable with her new port and her abdomen is now decorated with interesting black Xs. It could be viewed as a treasure map, but we prefer to call it a battle zone. Kill the Cancer is our motto.

Yesterday she bathed and dressed in street clothes for a normal day at home. I don't know if she was determined to feel like attending Ersel Rodger's funeral or if she is just feeling better because the surgery was about 5 weeks ago, but she said she felt better.

Raymond slipped away to get a haircut this morning. She commented that he hardly ever left the house these days unless someone was there with her. He used to enjoy the woods and be gone for hours. Now he’s glued to her side. She said she’s learning to just say, Thank you! It can’t be easy to have us all telling her what to do. Take for instance today.

She looked lovely today in an olive green wool suit and surgery mask to keep the germs away. No kidding, she looked great! I called to ask her to wear a mask to the funeral. The mask she owns is an old fashioned molded one and she didn't want to wear it so I stopped at the drug store on the way to the funeral and they were sold out. Sharon found some on her way there and Betty was perfectly attired. I wonder if there are designer masks? I'm just glad she wore one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She said, Thank you.


Ersel's funeral was well attended by friends and relatives. When I arrived the parking lot was filled with fire trucks. I couldn't figure out what would happen back home if a fire occurred for it seemed all their equipment was in attendance. As it turned out, Ersel had helped his community volunteer fire department restore vintage equipment. The trucks the 18 fire department members brought to carry their beloved brother to his grave were the ones he restored. What an honor to ride in such an honored manner! The neighboring community department stood ready to cover any emergencies at home. The Pleasant Grove church members prepared a lovely dinner for those that lingered to visit. The food at Pleasant Grove has always been wonderful. Today was no exception.

Betty and Raymond attended the funeral and then headed home before the graveside service. Devona rode along today and Raymond asked if he could take the long way home. They reminded him that they had already had a pretty long day so he adjusted his routine by driving more than 20 miles an hour on the back roads. That was a victory for the girls. He just loves to drive slowly to savor the scenery. I followed him when we brought Betty home from the hospital and he actually drove over 65 miles an hour on the Interstate. I was amazed.

I took leftovers from the dinner for Betty and Raymond’s dinner. Betty had changed to bed clothes and was fading quickly. She was trying to decide if street clothes are the key to a good day. We’ll let you know. I told her how good Ricki’s asparagus casserole was and she savored a few bites. Thank you, Ricki. She said the lemon pie was delicious also dear quilting friend.

Wednesday is Betty’s first day of chemo and radiation. Wednesday is Raymond’s CT scan. We’re on to the next step in our journey.

Please keep Mildred in your thought and prayers.

The Boley Family