What can I give up???

Today I'm grateful for...
Sun shine spreading happiness
Feeling good about the future
Loving what I get to do daily (practicing dentistry)
Seeing Baby Lourdes
Reading books to the boys in bed

I don't want to confess to this, because everyone will probably hold me to it. But I told Lulu that as she goes through her chemotherapy treatment and has to give up many things temporally (feeling good, practicing at the office, her hair, being away from Lourdes when getting treatments in SF, etc.) that I would walk with her in the sacrifice shoes. At first I told her that i would give up nagging her about being messy, but she thought I could do better? So, I struggled with this (for those who know me well, this is a hard one) but I told Lulu that I would give up drinking Coke. (Cold turkey) I can't believe that I just wrote that; let alone said that I would do that??? I have very little vices. I've never smoked, haven't drank alcohol for close to ten years, never liked gambling, had to give up womanizing when I met Lulu, but the Coke (not Pepsi) thing was a habit that I've had for years. It's been two weeks, and I'm doing great (I did have two cokes, oops; in the fourteen days). I would have been fine if I stopped there, but I had to also mention that I was going to loss 15 pounds from my 205 pound frame by the end of Lulu's chemotherapy sessions. What was I thinking? I joked with Lulu that I might have the more difficult task? I was going to have to starve myself with rice cakes, low fat everything, and all those bland foods that dieters have to eat. Worse yet, I can't even wash them down with Coke? Who's sacrificing here? Lulu hasn't been holding me to my promises yet, but I'm determined to follow through.

My wife never fails to amaze me! She's now 4 days post first chemotherapy session, and is as positive as ever (even though she tired all the time, sick half the time, and says that her bones hurt everyday). I pray that she keeps this attitude though out this whole fight. Lots of friends that have dealt with cancer in there own lives, say that attitude is a huge part of the success of the treatment. If that's the case, Lulu got this cancer thing beat!

I got to hold Baby Lourdes right after leaving the office today. She was more beautiful then yesterday (as I knew she would be). The nurses said that "she had a good day" (not always sure exactly what that means). All I know is I had a good day, because I got the chance to hold her and kiss her little head. Earlier Lulu said that she brought her mom and Hamilton to the NICU for a visit. Lulu's mom returns to Puerto Rico tomorrow, so she wanted one more chance to see Lourdes. It turns out that Hamilton's first encounter with his little sister was a show stopping event? Anyone that attends Sunday mass with the Molina-Wilkerson family knows that Hamilton can talk quite loudly when he should be using his "inside voice". I guess from the nurse report, he was just talking about "Baby Lourdes" and saying "Baby Lourdes no crying", "Hamilton loves baby Lourdes". How cute 2.5 year olds can be? I was happy that the staff at the NICU unit let Hamilton visit his baby sister. Again that level of service delivered by St. Mary's that isn't taught, it's natural.

I find my self looking forward to the next rip down to UCSF. I think that the quality time spent with Lulu (even though it's no vacation) has strengthened our bond as husband and wife? But I'm ready for the reaching out and touching others dealing with cancer. My goal next week when we visit the clinic is to make a difference in three peoples life's. I already have some ideas. Stay turned, as they may surprise you? I know that I'm surprising myself everyday!

Again thank you all for the prayers and support. Lulu been reading the guestbook entries and she has told me that they make her day a little brighter. I don't think we can get her too much love and support. Also, I plan on having a link to a calendar page for persons to help us with dinners, errands, etc., and it should be ready by Friday? I will let you know when that's ready.