Here we are, camped out in our little curtained recovery area at the Blue Ridge Surgery Center.  Anne’s resting beside me, hovering in a semi-conscious state induced by the lingering effects of anesthesia, pain medication, and exhaustion.

I’m relieved to report that Anne’s radical lymphadenectomy was successful. All the thief’s little node-accomplices were yanked out of hiding and thrown in the slammer for good. If any of those suckers escaped Dr. Canale’s surgical extraction, they’ll be wiped out by radiation.

Deep sigh.

In her more vulnerable moments over the past two weeks, Anne has whispered, “This feels like a bad dream. I just want to wake up and have it all be over.”

Me too sweetheart. Me too.

“I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.”  ~ Psalm 31:7-8

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” ~ John 10:10-11