My Brother, My Hero

Good Saturday afternoon to everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far. Mike is doing pretty good today. For the last few days he has been fighting a fever, especially in the night. There doesn't seem to be any blatant, logical explanation for his fever - no signs of infection, isn't sick, etc... It doesn't seem to bother him too much; he is able to continue with his normal routine. The fever will go down but it just won't go away. Right now, his immune system is next to nothing so a fever at this stage is not uncommon at all. Hopefully as his White Blood Count comes back so will his ability to ward off whatever is causing his fever. Right now he is able to receive nupagen injections which aid in stimulating the production of WBCs. He'll have a couple of weeks of recuperating, so please pray that his body is able to mend itself properly. He is looking forward to some good football games this weekend. Other than that he is doing surprisingly well.

Mom and Hope went down last night for the weekend. Mike wants Melisa to go home and stay home for a while. No, I don't think he's sick of her (emphasis on think :), he just wants for her to be with Casey at home and to give Debbie a bit of a reliever. Also, Melisa's BFF Tobi is getting married next Saturday and Melisa is in the wedding. Mike wants for her to be able to participate in the festivities. Good luck to Tobi on her big day next weekend! She is so beautiful anyway. But I am sure when she is all decked out in her wedding dress, she'll be ridiculously gorgeous! (Note to self: if you have any self esteem issues what-so-ever, you may want to stay away from Tobi next Saturday.)

Last night Mom scouted out a fantastic restaurant called Rotier's. It is this small, hole-in-the-wall dive downtown close to Vandy. I think it has been around since the 40's or 50's and next to a couple of flat screen TVs mounted here and there, the decor hasn't changed since too much it's inception. Melisa has impeccable taste and Rotier's didn't pass her initial impression test. However, once they ordered their food I think she became a fan. They are famous for their cheeseburgers and Mom said that it was the best she has ever had in her life! Considering she'll be 50 this coming Friday, that's a long damn time to sample some burgers...shoot! (Sorry Mops, had to do it!) Anyhow, she commented on the fabulousness of her burger to one of Rotier's staff members and they told her that they have been voted the best burger in Nashville for the past 19 years. Now that must be one tasty burger! I think Mikey and I will sample it next week.

Mike continues to remain extremely positive through this negative experience and that is without a doubt helping aid in his treatment. Initially I thought that I would have to help Mike "get to that place", whatever place that is. But as this has progressed, it has been just the opposite as he has been helping me get to that place. He is so amazing to me - his attitude, his faith. It's really unbelievable. He told me yesterday, he said, "I feel so lucky that God chose me, me of all people, to go through this so that His power can be revealed." LUCKY! Can you imagine being in his situation and truly feeling lucky? That is the power of the Lord being revealed right there. Also, Mike said that he knows that God is with him during all of this. He said, "I feel more at peace right now with cancer, right here in this jail cell of a hospital room, than I have ever felt in my life." Again, can you imagine?? It goes back to being faithful, being thankful and Mike knows that more than anyone.

As tomorrow is a new day, a new day of unknowns, it is important to stay the course in prayer. We thank the Lord for the bright spot that we were given on Thursday, yet we continue to pray without cease that the Lord's will allows for Mike's ultimate healing and his ability to return to function.

Have a Good Weekend Ya'll!
Rachel