Celebrating life with family, basketball and softball

         I recently celebrated a milestone in my life. 
        Saturday, March 21 marked one year since I had colon cancer surgery at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.
         As of my last check, I remain cancer free.
         A couple weeks ago, I started thinking of ways to celebrate this milestone.
         One idea that popped into my mind was a family cook out. 
         I was a little hesitant, due to some health issues that I’m currently experiencing in my back. I mentioned my idea to Debbie, who encouraged to move forward with the celebration.
         It all started to come together a week ago when we picked up supplies for the cookout.
       Because my back issues are causing me to not be as mobile, the entire family worked together to make sure my celebration happened.
      My middle nephew and his finance retrived my Blackstone grill from the back of the camper at my mother-in-law’s house, brought it to my house and put it together. After doing some yard work for us, he grilled the burgers and hot dogs. He even cleaned everything up afterwards.
        Debbie did a quick cleaning of the house. We pulled out some extra chairs and mother nature helped out by giving us an extra warm evening. 
        All 10 of us gathered in the living and around the grill in the garage to visit.
       Once the food was ready, we all moved into the living and enjoyed the hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and salads. 
        Desserts included homemade cinnamon rolls, bars, and birthday cake left from an earlier celebration.
        They were paired with my surprise for the family - a batch of Wheeler’s homemade ice cream.
      Throughout the evening, we reminisced about my cancer surgery and recovery. I spend ten days and nights in the hospital and Debbie was right there by my side the entire time.
        It was a very scary ordeal. I am very thankful for all who prayed for and supported me during that time and continue to support me today.
         While celebrating the milestone, Debbie and I have enjoyed some great NCAA basketball games. 
        In the first round of the tournament, Iowa State won easily over Tenneesee State, 108-74, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a nearly 20-point victory over Kentucky. And Iowa took down last year’s champion, Florida, to also advance.
         There is no way to watch all the games, but it was fun to watch Nebraska’s victory over Vanderbilt.
         We are looking forward the Iowa versus Nebraska match up.
        We have also enjoyed watching the Iowa and Oklahoma women’s basketball teams take care of business this weekend.
        It’s always fun to watch those tasked with the important job of running out with their brooms to clean up the court after players take a tumble.
       And we are also making sure to watch the Oklahoma Sooners softball team as they start conference play. The Sooners have already hit 127 home runs this season, setting the SEC single-season home run record in just 32 games, passing the previous record of 121. The team is averaging 3.8 homers per game and has surpassed 100 home runs faster than any team in NCAA history. 
       We have been lucky enough to watch the Sooners play in person in the past and hope to get the chance to see them again soon.
        If you get a chance, be sure to catch one of their games on television. 
       Life can be a challenge at times. I encourage you to keep a smile on your face, stay positive and be kind to others. Also, pray for our country and your loved one.
       Be sure to enjoy life and all that God has given you.
       Remember that Good Things are Happening, every day and always.