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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

July 21, 2011

The Happiness Report #11 – My Brother Larry

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Wow – what a week! Last weekend, my husband and I took our kids to Iowa to spend the week with Grandma and Grandpa. When we arrived home, I collapsed into bed only to be jarred awake a few minutes later by the phone ringing. It was one of my sisters and she told me I needed to get to the Emergency Room ASAP… our brother was not doing well and things weren’t looking good.

I arrived at the ER to discover my brother in a horrible state. He was hallucinating, dehydrated, extremely weak and his chest sounded like a fish tank gurgling along. His oxygen level was very low and he was in tremendous pain. To make matters worse, he was nauseous from the chemo he had earlier in the week and he couldn’t throw up because the tumor was blocking his esophagus. He also had pneumonia in both lungs, but couldn’t clear his chest because of the tumor blocking his esophagus. Can you imagine how horrible that would feel?

I watched helplessly as my sister-in-law dealt with the “do not resuscitate” orders… nurses came in and out just trying to keep him comfortable. It was one year to the day that my friend Ann lost her battle with cancer. I was cursing cancer and hating what this disease had done so quickly to my brother.

I ended up staying the night with him at the hospital. I had to leave for a short business trip to Chicago the next morning and as I gave him a hug and kiss goodbye, I honestly was fearful that this would be the last time I saw him alive.

Our friends here at home and those of you who heard the news online committed to praying relentlessly for him, his doctors and his family. I’m excited to tell you that those prayers have worked…my brother has taken an unbelievable turn for the better, thanks to your prayers and the innovation of a great doctor who has apparently gone through something similar with his own family recently.

It was discovered that the tumor had punctured a hole in my brothers trachea and esophagus causing everything from his feeding tube and other fluids to leak out into his lungs and body cavity. The doctor decided to perform surgery to put a stint in his esophagus and it worked! He came out of surgery and is now able to eat, drink, cough, breathe again. After seeing him on Sunday and then visiting him again today, I can’t believe the improvement in just these few short days.

His prognosis is still the same… he’s not going to be with us all that much longer, but we are thankful that we have awhile longer to have him in our life.

So, today’s happiness project is a long story but boils down to one thing. I’m thankful to have my brother alive. Actually, make that two things… I’m thankful for your prayers as well. I’ve received so many kind emails, phone calls, tweets, facebook messages from all of you. Thank you so much for keeping our family in your thoughts. It is so appreciated.

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Filed Under: Previous Tagged With: Blog, dine & dish, happiness project, prayer, roundup, thankfulness, things I love

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    Oh, Kristen, my heart goes out to you, your brother, your whole family…. He and y’all are in my prayers. If there’s anything I can do, let me know. Love you!

    Reply
  2. Robyn |Add a Pinch says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Kristen,
    I’m so thankful your brother made such a wonderful improvement! Praise the Lord! We’ve been praying hard for you all and will most certainly keep them going!

    Love and hugs!

    Reply
  3. pickycook says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    Kristen,
    You guys are in my thoughts. I am so glad he is doing better. Sending many hugs to you!!

    Reply
  4. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    I’m so glad they were able to do something to relieve his suffering and give him the chance to spend every minute he can with his loved ones. Sending my love to you and your family, you are in my thoughts. -xo

    Reply
  5. Hilary says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    Kristen,
    still praying for y’all and so thankful you get more time with your brother.

    Reply
  6. Leah says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    It really does become about the little joys doesn’t it when you are walking with cancer? I hate that disease, too (and I don’t use the ‘h’ word very often).

    Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  7. Buccinator says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    I’m so glad to hear of the improvement. I will continue to pray for you, your brother, and family and friends!

    Reply
  8. Shanna ~ My Favorite Everything says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    Such wonderful news!! I hate Cancer in the worst possible way! I’m so sorry that your brother doesn’t have long, but I”m so glad his days are better!! Love and hugs. and prayers to you and your family 🙂

    Reply
  9. Barefeet In The Kitchen says

    July 22, 2011 at 1:19 am

    Praying for your family tonight. I’m thankful with you that you still have him.

    Reply
  10. Diane and Todd says

    July 22, 2011 at 1:20 am

    That’s such wonderful news. We’re so thankful too and beyond happy.
    sending our love to you and your family.
    diane and todd

    Reply
  11. Zita says

    July 22, 2011 at 3:01 am

    Hi Kristen,

    I’m so glad that the doctors were able to do something to help you brother feel a bit “better”.

    I know it might be a bit too late but I think it is important to understand that behind most of our illnesses there are stressful situations, conflicts, etc.

    I think healthy nutrition is very important to prevent cancer, also to go through a live blood analysis but if your mentality is not right, if you live a stressful life, healthy nutrition is not enough. I don’t know if you heard about the German New Medicine? This “method” offers a completely new understanding of what we call “diseases”. By understanding the system’s 5 biological laws (that Dr. Hamer discovered), we liberate ourselves from panic and fear that often come with the onset of an illness. It is really a gift to humanity. Here you can find some information about it: http://www.germannewmedicine.ca/. It might help you to understand what was the reason that caused your brother cancer. It also helps you to avoid illnesses/diseases in the future.

    Sending love to you and your family,

    Zita

    Reply
  12. Doris says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:12 am

    Fantastic news. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  13. delynn says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:22 am

    So thankful for the answered prayers!! Yea! for more time. Hugs to all of you!! Here’s to many more good moments together…

    Love ya, D.

    Reply
  14. Jessica @ How Sweet says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:35 am

    This gave me chills. I am so amazed that you have found the light in this situation and so glad your wonderful family gets a bit more time with your brother. Thinking and praying for you guys.

    Reply
  15. Mikki says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:41 am

    Glad to hear this news Kristen and happy that you have a little more time with your brother.

    Sending love to you and your family

    Reply
  16. Barbara says

    July 22, 2011 at 7:11 am

    Pleased to hear the news, Kristen. The relief you are all feeling must be wonderful. I will keep him in my prayers.

    Reply
  17. Bev Weidner says

    July 22, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Kristen, I’m so happy to hear this! I’ll keep your brother, and you (and your family) in my prayers.

    Reply
  18. Maria says

    July 22, 2011 at 8:56 am

    So happy your brother is doing better. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs!

    Reply
  19. ciaochowlinda says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Kristen – You’ve got a good attitude in the midst of all this sadness and that will help you get through – and will help your family too. Of course we are praying for your brother and family. Stay strong.

    Reply
  20. TidyMom says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Such fantastic news Kristen!! I just can’t imagine what he was going thru!!

    Keeping you all in my prayers!- Stay strong!

    Reply
  21. Nancy@acommunaltable says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Dear Kristen,

    I am so glad to hear that the dr.’s were able to ease your brother’s suffering and give him more quality time with all of you. I am so very sorry that you all have to go through this and I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you!!

    Reply
  22. Cristina says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:54 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family! I hope you get to spend some good quality time with your brother, and your family. Thank you for sharing your story!

    Reply
  23. Jessica says

    July 22, 2011 at 10:20 am

    oh Kristen. I’m so, so terribly sorry. I somehow missed this until now, but please know that you, your family and your brother are in my prayers. Sending you all the love in the world.

    Reply
  24. Laura says

    July 22, 2011 at 11:22 am

    So glad to hear! I’ll keep sending prayers and enjoy the time you have.

    Reply
  25. Kathy - Panini Happy says

    July 22, 2011 at 11:32 am

    Continuing to pray for you and your family, Kristen. It sounds like Larry has some excellent doctors there. You are such a strong person. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  26. patsyk says

    July 22, 2011 at 11:38 am

    While I’m sorry to hear his prognosis hasn’t improved, it is very good news that he has recovered from this latest scare. My heart goes out to you and your family right now. I know you will enjoy every moment you have with him.

    Reply
  27. jennyonthespot says

    July 22, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    Oh my friend… I just want to hug ya. Blessings and prayers and tons of love as you continue to journey through this… cherishing the blooms along the way <3

    Reply
  28. Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says

    July 22, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    Thank God that the surgery was successful and he is more comfortable now!! *big hugs*

    Reply
  29. LisaK says

    July 22, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Cancer sucks!! I’ll be praying for you and your family to have quality time together.

    Reply
  30. Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says

    July 22, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    Still praying for you and your family!

    Reply
  31. Elle Hyson says

    July 22, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    This was great news, Kristen. My best and most heartful wishes for your brother and you and the rest of your family.

    Reply
  32. Mona says

    July 22, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    Kristen,
    I am so sorry your family has to go through all of this. Prayers for your
    brother and the whole family.
    I enjoyed getting to see your family at Grandma’s this week. Sweet little kids!!!
    Love, Mona

    Reply
  33. Cindy B. says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your brother, I hope he’s feeling well.I know the pain of losing love ones because of cancer; my mother and two aunts , one just pass away this month. Stay strong and be there for him. My prayers go out to you and your family.

    Reply
  34. Tracy Gervais says

    July 22, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I am so thankful they were able to make him more comfortable and give you more time with your brother. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!! God Bless!

    Reply
  35. Les in NE says

    July 22, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    There are no words for such a miracle! Hugs to you and your family, Kristen. Your brother is still in my thoughts, as are you and your family.

    Fondly, Les

    Reply
  36. Sasha @ The Procrastobaker says

    July 23, 2011 at 3:03 am

    I just read this out to my mum and properly choked up whilst reciting it, I dont know what came over me! Such a horrible situation, cancer has devastated this family too more times than i wish to recall. I will be adding another prayer to the long list that im sure God is being bombarded with on behalf of your brother 🙂 I am so happy for you that his condition improved so dramatically and you got some more precious time, my thoughts are with you and all your family

    Reply
  37. Amy | She Wears Many Hats says

    July 23, 2011 at 8:44 am

    I’m so happy for y’all! What a relief to have a doctor that has such insight too.

    Reply
  38. SMITH BITES says

    July 23, 2011 at 9:12 am

    God is in this Kristen . . . (((hugs)))

    Reply
  39. Wenderly says

    July 23, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Phenomenal news. God is GOOD!

    Reply
  40. Cassie says

    July 23, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    You and your family are continually in my prayers. I am praying for strength, comfort, peace and perseverance!

    Reply
  41. Aimee @ Simple Bites says

    July 23, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    Amazing, Kristen. Thanks to God. So glad to read this update. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  42. camille says

    July 24, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    What amazing news – what an insightful and resourceful doctor he has! I’m glad your brother’s got more time with you and you with him, and that that time will be a little more bearable for him now.

    Reply
  43. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    July 24, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I can’t even imagine what you’ve been going through but know that I have been thinking about you and your family.

    Reply
  44. Kim Bee says

    July 25, 2011 at 1:21 am

    I am happy the doctor was able give you more time with your brother. I am sure you have lots of people in your life to talk to but if you ever need to vent or talk let me know. I took care of my Dad for 8 months while he had cancer. He wanted to be at home through it so I was lucky to be able to give him that wish. Cancer is such a hard thing for everyone, we all are touched by it at some point. I am always hear to lend an ear if you need it. You and your family are in my thoughts daily.

    Reply
  45. bridget {bake at 350} says

    July 25, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    I’m so happy to hear he is getting some relief. Keeping you all close at heart.

    Reply
  46. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

    July 26, 2011 at 10:10 am

    What a wonderful Happiness Report! So glad to hear that things turned around. Continued prayers for your brother and more of these Happiness Reports!

    Reply
  47. Jenn in Tenn says

    July 27, 2011 at 8:59 am

    So happy to hear that, at least for now, they were able to give him some relief and comfort. Thank you for these updates. My heart goes out to you and your family. Cancer sucks. ((hugs))

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Recipe: Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie with Biscoff Crust for Mikey | Dine and Dish says:
    August 12, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    […] collapsed into bed, exhausted. Dealing with my brothers illness has taken a toll on me I never expected. When a family member is dying I’m discovering there […]

    Reply

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Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
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"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." I've always had a serious case of wanderlust, and traveling and exploring new places continues to be one of my favorite things. Come explore my favorite places with me!
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life  LIFE

More than just a food blog, Dine & Dish has always been a place where I've shared what's happening in our life. These life posts tend to be my absolute favorite blog posts. Come get a taste of life as it happens in our house!
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happiness  HAPPINESS

I believe that in order to live a happy life, you have to make happiness happen through implementing simple things that make you happy into every day. Here are a few of the things that bring me happiness - I hope they do you too.

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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E is for...Excitement!
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There’s a lot of excitement in Kansas City as our beloved @chiefs head back to the Super Bowl this weekend! #runitback 🏈
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It’s so strange because winning the super bowl last year was the last “normal” thing that happened before the pandemic hit. We went from a city full of excitement to shutting down and sheltering in place. Maybe when we win and bring the trophy home this year, it’ll be the start of something great. Let’s hope!
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Who are you rooting for Sunday? Chiefs, Buccaneers or tacos? 😂
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#chiefskingdom #superbowl2021 #kcchiefs #patrickmahomes #tattooideasforgirls #gochiefs #gameday🏈 #kimklassen_innercircle #eisfor #excitingthingstocome #excitingtimes #backtobackchamps
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D is for... Dreary (and Dog)
February has always been my least favorite month. I have a special name for this month that may start with another not so nice F word...🤭.
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In Kansas, the sun usually doesn't shine that often, it's cold, and just kind of gray and blah.
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My indoor jungle makes me happy though...especially this space in my office. Houseplants almost makes me forget we’re in the “F” month 😂.
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Also, my dog (my favorite d word) would not sit still for a picture when I had my tripod set up, but I finally caught her sitting on her bed and had to catch a picture with my phone. Swipe and you’ll see she is much overdue for a haircut.
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C is for Coaching, Coffee and Crystals! Lots of C words today. My @rockyourhappy coaching practice has been the best thing. I am so lucky to be working with really great clients who are doing the hard work and making big changes in their lives. It’s been the perfect fit for me and I know it’s what I am meant to be doing. Coffee, of course, is my favorite C word and Crystals…my daughters got me into the energy powers of crystals and it’s been really fun to learn all about them.
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My beautiful, custom, Rock Your Happy bullet journal is from @maisielaneco . Coffee/espresso is from @mistoboxcoffee Fabulous photography backdrop is from @poppybeesurfaces . Crystals are from a wonderful local shop here in town.
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There’s still time to join in the @kimklassen_innercircle photography group, where this months theme is A-Z. Join us!
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#flatlayphotography #flatlayoftheday #bulletjournal2021 #bulletjournals #crystalsofig #coffeephotos #coffeephotography #kimklassen_innercircle #prettylittleinspo #cisfor
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B is for Books! Are you a big reader? I wasn’t really a reader growing up. Well, I take that back. In junior high I plowed through the Sweet Valley High series (anyone else?) 😊 And when I was in elementary school I would bust my butt to get to the highest level in the SRA Reading box before anyone else. But I wasn’t a kid who you’d find with their nose in a book, ever.
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It wasn’t until I was an adult, and my kids began to sleep through the night, that I started reading for fun. Now, I read all the time and it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I love talking books with people and sharing recommendations. I really don’t watch TV, so books, especially right now, is my main form of entertainment.
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This is why for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photography challenge, I knew that Books would be my B. It’s my favorite B word (beating out Bullet Journaling, Bread, Blankets, Be Happy, etc).
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#simplepleasuresoflife #prettylittleinspo #bookcommunity #slowliving #cozyvibes #bookphotos #bookslove #beautyyouseek
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A is for Alone. I think one of the hardest things for me to get used to this past year is rarely being alone. My husband used to travel all the time. My school aged kids were in school all day while I worked. I’d even get several days a month in a hotel room by myself for my work travels. I like my alone time and it’s definitely something I miss.
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I’m easily distracted so you will usually find me working in complete silence…maybe just the hum of my essential oil diffuser and the sound of my fingers on my keyboard. I need the quiet and treasure silence.
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With that said, I’ve loved the extra time with my family - and we’ve all learned over the past several months how to give each other space and recognize when we need that space. As of today, my kids all are back to school full time in person 😢. Nick is still working from home and will be for the time being, but now the aloneness feels strange. I’m sure we’ll get used to this “new normal” yet again!
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This month in @kimklassen photography Inner Circle, we’re tackling the alphabet, with an A-Z photography challenge (interpreting that however we see fit). If you want to join us, check out this wonderful community of photographers at @kimklassen_innercircle 📷.
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#picturesofme #talesofthemoment #kimklassen_innercircle #homeishere #beautyyouseek #alonebutnotlonely #lightstreaks #itsthelittlethings #cozyliving
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