Buckling Down

The past few weeks have been remarkably calm. On Monday, Pop finished-up his brain radiation in the same fashion he has taken each step this far; peacefully. If you didn't know any better you would guess that he was heading to work, or perhaps to a routine appointment that he has done for years. Never once did he complain about the drive, or the fact that the radiation was causing burns on his head, or the headaches that came as side effects. He simply fought on. After ringing the bell while exiting his last brain treatment, he wanted to celebrate by training for the 65mile Covered Bridge Ride in Lancaster. So, every other morning Joel, Pop, and I would mount our bikes at 6am and head-out on a 12 mile ride. These were beautiful times where we could talk as the sun slowly helped dissipate the misty morning air. Pop's speed was hardly that of someone ill, so Joel and I worked hard to keep up.
It is these small things that Pop looks forward to the most. He has loved training for the ride, and puttering on small projects around home. It gives him something to keep his hands (or feet) busy, and provides time with family. His eyes really light-up when Megan and PJ ask him to babysit Emma on occasion. Few things can make Pop grin from ear-to-ear the way Emma can. In fact, Mom refers to her as their little angel. She is always there to make everyone smile, and you can't help but laugh at her goofy facial expressions. The truth is, Pop also likes having her around because, as many of you know, he isn't one who likes to be the center of attention, which is no problem when Emma is around. The staff at the radiation department, Lancaster Cancer Center, and most major hospitals we have been to, know Emma by first name. She is a constant source of joy.
Emma was there today for Pop's big ride. We got up at 5:30am (well, I'm pretty sure Pop had been up since about 4am eagerly anticipating the day) and headed down to Lancaster. With an early start, the weather was perfect. Overcast skies kept temperatures down, and the roads were clear for riding. Some friends and family joined Pop for the ride, which made for great catching up as we pumped the miles away. Pop was sporting his freshly bald head from brain radiation (which made him much more aerodynamic), and Joel had shaved his head to match. The ride was wonderful. Pop's strength was with him throughout the ride, and many drew alongside in support. He made the full 65miles feeling great!
This comes as a special blessing with tomorrow being Pop's first day of another round of chemo. While round one was tough, the doctors anticipate this round knocking him for a loop (to which Pop responded with a smirk, "I'll make it."). Since the cancer has spread to multiple areas, they want to use something potent enough to slow, or even stop, the progression. Pop is ready to fight another round. He realizes the miracle that he received today in having the strength to complete his goal, and moves forward with full steam. His mental and physical strength has been a miracle. There are glimpses in our lives where we have the unique opportunity to see God's hand at work, and witnessing Pop's unwavering faith and determination has certainly been one of those moments for us as a family. Pop draws from a well that never runs dry. Psalm 121 says it best: "I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." It is this source of help that will sustain Pop through the good days and the bad. He has an unshakable hope!

Here are a few pictures from the ride today: