2007 began with Pepa having been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Lucky for the family we have our medical review officer Pat. She goes many miles and spends many hours making doctor appointments with Mema and Pepa. All of us thank her for her expertise.

Pepa had several appointments deciding if the cancer had spread and possible treatments. Many friends and acquaintances called and offered their own personal experience to members of the family. Ultimately, Pepa ended up in the office of Dr. Mark in Lubbock. I have never met the man but I like what I have heard of him. He seems to have a very personal, compassionate bedside manner with both patient and family. Pat told me Dr. Mark would say, "If you were my Dad, this is what I would do ....", or he would say "If he was my Dad .....".

Finally the decision was made to go to Lubbock and have the bracchea (I'm sure the spelling is no where near this) treatment with the radioactive needles positioned strategically and the multiple radiation treatments.

Bless Memama's little heart. She stayed up there the entire time trying to keep Pepa from climbing out of that pen!

To everyone's surprise, Pepa returned a month later for the final two day session. Our family is blessed that he is receiving good reports. In fact it is my understanding that Dr. Mark told him he believed he had whipped this gremlin.

Praise GOD!

2007 ended much as it began. Hag was diagnosed with prostate cancer and begins his treatment this next Wednesday. Once again Dr. Mark is the doctor and Hag has chosen the same treatment Pepa had. Pat told me that Dr. Mark, when talking with Hag would say, "If you were my brother".

Hag is almost thirty years younger than Pepa and Dr. Mark told him he can't guarantee the cancer won't recur. BUT, he continued on to tell Hag that he felt there would be a vaccine for prostate cancer in the next ten to twelve years!

Wow!

We are expecting and we are petitioning GOD for the same good results that Pepa received for Hag. Please join us in lifting him up for GOD's gifts of healing and comfort. Also keep Pat and the kids in mind during this.

I don't know if this will be my final review of 2007 or not, but I felt it to be imperative to make mention of Pepa's victory, and Hags scheduled treatment.

Now a little lighter fare.

Do you have memories that are triggered by certain scents, smells or tastes?

I know it is nuts, but similarly, I can't see a blue haired old woman without thinking of Memaw McLeod.

In a similar vein I would like to share the following occurrence.

The other day when the new forklift encountered problems, I called the dealer. He responded and brought me a loaner machine while he took our machine to his shop to fix it. Just before he left to return to Midland he reached inside his truck and removed two coffee mugs filled with candies. He told me, "This won't fix your forklift but maybe it will give you a little enjoyment!"

I distributed several candies to my dock employees and then began making my way back to the company trailer.

As I walked into the trailer I popped a candy in my mouth. Butterscotch! Immediately I thought of Memaw. My trip down memory land continued as I reminisced about Doublemint gum , which was always in abundant supply. Peppermints and chocolate covered peanuts rounded out the regular treats. I can remember ribbon candy at Christmas. Memaw always had multiple candy dishes set out with a varied offering.

As a youngster I didn't have a liking for butterscotch or peppermint. I have always been a choc-aholic! Ribbon candy never tripped my fancy.

Now I am finding as I get older I have acquired a taste for the butterscotch and peppermint. However, I still haven't acquired the taste for ribbon candy. Maybe I'm just not old enough!

See, now I've got you thinking about memories associated with tastes!

I hope they are good ones!

Have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for precious memories. Thank YOU for YOUR gifts of healing and comfort. We lift Hag up to YOU for your miracle of healing. FATHER, YOU are good!