PARENTS GETTING OLDER AND HOW WE HANDLE IT!

This is not to be depressing, it’s to give hope, love, prayers and support to anyone who is going through tough times with their families. I  can only share my experiences to all going through this thing called life…

Life never gets boring, at any age, my parents are really going through it right now. My dad had a heart transplant 16 years ago, he has played tennis 3 days a week and in the gym the other days since then. Organ donor recipients get the most special gift of all, a new organ and a longer, healthy lifespan. What people don’t realize is that a lot of recipients actually die from skin cancer not the organ itself, see, the anti rejection medicine they take makes them more susceptible to skin cancer??? My dad has had more non melanoma skin cancers burned off his head and body and always has the best attitude (just another bump in the road) this too shall pass. Two years ago he had the bad kind of melanoma and they took out the side of his cheek and he never complained, the radiation afterwards was worse then the operation was all he said.

I ask you all, my friends, to say a prayer for both my parents Bob and Faith Swanson as my dad just had his skull operated on for the bad melanoma last week and has been in intensive care. He’s doing great all things considered, flirting with the nurses, who are now all in love with him, every time I call I get an earful of how awesome, funny and cute he is. YIKES, even with the leech therapy he is getting on the top of his head! There is no cancer on or near the brain Praise God!!!

Meanwhile my dad has been taking care of my mom for the last three years, although she’s strong as can be her horseback riding days and many other things she loved doing are no longer possible. Faith, my mom, to look at you would never know she had a thing wrong with her, she is truly one of the most beautiful women in the world with no make up on, at 8am. It’s unbelievable and so inspiring how she keeps it all together so well. I can only hope (when I grow up) that I have the same great attitude, beauty, personality, strength and wits about me that both my parents possess. I also pray that I still have a wonderful loving partner that looks and cares for me the way my parents have done for each other and us kids. Life is a road trip and not always easy  but it’s the roads we choose along the way that make the journey so beautiful. If we all choose love first and head in that direction we always end up on the right path.

Blessing, prayers and love to everyone, I love you all!

Bren* =}