Monday, July 5, 2010

...the weeks just keep racing by...

Last Sunday, was the big day...my Dad's Golf Benefit...in efforts to make enough money so he could go golfing at Pebble Beach. It was the most beautiful day...not only because of the weather...but because of the love and support that was shown by family, friends and the community. There were a total of 18 teams which was about 75 golfers and many more people who just came out to support my dad and family.

On Saturday morning we surprised him with flying Mona in and she even golfed on my Dad's team with Stuart and Joe and my cousin Eric.

We started the morning EARLY...we were on the golf course by 5:30am placing the signs...

...yes that's Ben in his baseball uniform...he was right in the middle of the Rattlesnake Tournament and had to be at the fields at 7:30...we were so grateful for Stuart's mom who came out to the golf course and grabbed Ben and then stayed with him during his game since we couldn't be there.

We had 1st, 2nd and 3rd places prizes for the teams...

..drawings and raffles prizes too!

Anxiously awaiting the "Shot-Gun" start...

...and they are off...


There were so many golfers...and I couldn't get around to take photos of all of them....here are a couple...



...by mid-morning the local news arrived...



Here's the link from the newscast from my Dad's Golf Benefit "Driving FORE a Dream".

...as the golfers started finishing up the BBQ was ready for them!


...even STARBUCKs was there providing iced tea and their new iced via!

...I am happy that we were able to get another family photo, the first one has an extra face in it...the son my parents never had...their god son, our cousin Eric. We were so happy he could join us and share this special day with my dad.


...and last but certainly not least...the teams scores. We had the most amazing turn out...we have even kicked around the idea to hold a tournament every year in my dads name...were ALL proceeds will go to Glioblastoma Multiforme Reasearch.


On the Friday, before my Dad's Golf Benefit we received the results from his June 23 MRI, we were saddened to hear that the tumor was growing again. Last week we went back to Spokane where GammaKnife was performed to kill the live cancer cells. We will need to wait till Aug, 5th, when he'll have another MRI to check to see if the tumor is growing again.

My mom and I were there watching the GammaKnife procedure...when they were giving my dad his numbing shots before inserting 4 pins into his head I felt so sad...the look of pain on my dads face was almost too much for me to handle. Once his frame and pins were attached my dad was placed into the Gammaknife and radiated. This radiation is supposed to kill the live cancer cells causing the tumor to grow.


We watched on a monitor while the radiation was killing the live cancer cells. We could see my dad's foot keeping time to the music that was being played for him...before he drifted off to sleep only to be woke up again so that they could reposition him for more radiation. The entire process from beginning to end was over 8 hours and the radiation portion was a good 40 minutes. My dad had an amazing nurse...who spent a great deal of time talking to us and preparing us for the road we are about to travel. I am so thankful for her honesty...and the support she gave us that day...we need to start preparing...the road is about to get a whole lot worse.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that the benefit for your Dad went well. You and your family are in my prayers...stay strong!!! <3

Eli said...

well done, Renee'. You and your family are lifted up daily by so many people. Be strong and have faith

Unknown said...

what beautiful pictures Renee' what a special occasion, makes me cry. I'm so sorry for you and your family. praying for you all!!!

Jen said...

What an amazing day honoring your Dad and what a beautiful family! You are in my prayers and I am here anytime you need to talk.

Larry, Shanda, Aana, and Addison said...

Beautiful post...and I am SO glad the golf tournament went so well. It looks like he did have amazing support and I think it turned out wonderful!!! I bet your dad's heart was so full...he probably had the time of his life! I am anxious to hear how the Aug 5th procedure goes and you have to know that we are praying for him...but also for you and your family. This is a hard thing for ALL of you. We love YOU!!!

Margee' said...

Was a great day for all of us! So much support out there on the golf course, all of the people helping with the BBQ, family and friends together and seeing him smile was wonderful!
His procedure in Spokane was more stressful for us than it was for him. Yes, nurse Jill was great and also the other nurse and doctors.
Can't wait to start scrapping all of the pics.

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

OH wow--what a great way to show your Dad love and support! I'm so sorry to hear about this and all that your Dad is going through! Praying for you!

Lord, I lift up my friend, Renee', and her family. Lord, you know the pain and anxiety that they feel--I pray that you would replace both with your love and peace. Lord, I pray that you would cover them with blessings and time. Lord, I pray that they would lean on you for strength and understanding. I pray that they would know that you have a plan--and that you care greatly for us. I also pray that if it is in your will--that Renee's father would heal and recover. Lord, I thank you that you hear our cries and that Jesus died for us. Thank you so much for blessing us--and thank you for my friend, Renee. Lord, I pray all of these things in Jesus' precious name. AMEN!

Renee' Morris-Dezember said...

Savannah THANK YOU so much!

Lisa F said...

I'm so grateful for your family that the benefit turned out great! Looked like fun too!
Prayers still headed up for your family right now!