The Clot Thickens

This has been a most interesting week. We have learned so much, and met so many wonderful doctors, nurses, technicians and patients. We have decided to revise our “Top Ten Heroes” list. So many names are engraved on this list, and believe it or not, not one is a celebrity or sports star! (Sorry, Britney and Barry!)

Dennis continues to quietly endure the assault from the weapons of “mass” destruction. These are powerful and toxic, and worthy of harsh language. But the Clot actually had some good news the other day. Dennis has gained a pound! One huge and lovely pound! We are so proud, we’ll no doubt be cited for excessive celebration in the end zone. In fact, that’s exactly where the pound is…his end zone. The girls and I have been gaining weight by proxy in an effort to aid him in his quest, but the doctors indicated it had to be “Dennis density” and that our increased thigh size didn’t count. Apparently, no matter how much the “Clot thickens,” it doesn’t count for Dennis’ over-all body re-contouring. We are still thrilled, however, and have decided to rescind our requests for donor cellulite for the time being.

I know we cannot claim credit for this pound. It is the result of the amazing meals that have been brought to us. You have made him what he is today…a hunka hunka burnin’ love. We are truly grateful that so much time and effort has been invested on our behalf. You will never know how much we appreciate you. In fact, because of all you have done for us, I am forced to make a cataclysmic decision. Because I have been busted by the “dinner police,” I have decided to make some confessions to our daughters that I have been trying to avoid all their lives. So here they are…in no particular order:

*Yes, girls, some people actually cook meat as a main dish instead just of lighting “roast and potatoes” candles to create the illusion.

*Yes, some people actually have cook books that contain more recipes than just the numbers of pizza delivery places.

*No, not every homemaker has Domino’s on speed dial.

*Yes, some shoppers make grocery lists that include more items than Coke, chocolate and blueberry muffin mix.

*Muffins are the natural by-product of adding an egg and some water to the muffin mix and placing the whole thing in some sort of heat source…preferably an oven. (as opposed to spooning the mix directly into the mouth.)

*Speaking of ovens, I must remember to remove the new-appliance packing material and my sewing machine before we turn it on to cook the muffins. This will be rather inconvenient because extra storage space is so hard to find.

*Yes, there are some homes whose custom is to have dinner on a nightly basis and not just Thanksgiving and Christmas. ( This admission is particularly difficult.)

Finally, I am going to make a valiant effort to cut back on my “buy and lie” philosophy. You know what that is. It’s the practice of buying items, removing all identifying tags, sales slips and other incriminating evidence, and claiming to have made them myself. (I hope I can withstand the withdrawal) I am ashamed to admit to this particular addiction, but it absolutely dazzled my mother-in-law. Those who know me well, however, completely discount my claims…to the point that they don’t believe I actually made something when I actually do make something. Ah, the dilemma of deceit.








("Mr. and Mrs. Willowcreek Clot": T-shirts signed by Willowcreek staff)

This is not an easy road, but Dennis takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin.’ His strong will is remarkable. For that we are so grateful. We feel such positive momentum, and we feel your love. The two are synonymous. Prayer changes things…it has certainly changed us.

We love you,
The Clot

From Dennis:
P.S. Recently I received a 'care package' from my friends at Willow Creek - the operative word being 'care'. It included packages that were to be opened on days of the week. Joan and I got quite excited when the first 2 packages contained 'his and hers' PJ's. For some reason, our recent thoughts had not included 'classy nighttime attire', and it was nice to be reminded that amid the tubes and flushes there is still a place for weird visions after dark. Thanks to all for the ingenuity and concern for the old guy; but remember - 'I'll be back'. Dennis