Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Patience

Today my family and I met at my mother's house and had a head shaving party. I wanted my grandson to watch my head being shaved so he wouldn't be scared of me. My niece Hayley cut my hair while the rest of the family took pictures and had a good time. My son still wants me to shave my mustache, but I'm just not ready yet. I'll attach a picture so you can see my new look.

I've always been a patient man when it comes to big issues like bargaining contracts or fighting fires, but I'm not so patient with life's little issues. When getting ready for work at 4:30a I've been known to wake up my entire family by yelling, swinging open doors, and flipping lights on looking for a hair brush. Having cancer has definitely given me a lesson in patience. Not only do you let the little things go and focus on the big picture, but you are also forced to do a lot of waiting. I will spend hours waiting for a doctors appointment at MDA, but I don't mind and I'm thankful for the great treatment. Several months ago if a doctor were running late I'd get irritated. I've noticed at MDA cancer patients are nice people. They no longer let life's little annoyances irritate them. It's a shame you have to get sick to realize what's important in life.

Although I've learned patience, I'm a terrible patient. I've always been active and I'm having a hard time sitting around. This week I've had a great deal of stomach pain and it makes me nervous. In my heart I know the chemo is working but doubts still enter my mind from time to time. I'm ready to KNOW the chemo is working and for my life to return to normal. I have to remember that I'm not in control. God has a plan for my life and although I don't know His plan I need to trust that He knows what's best for me. I must have patience and wait on his timing. It took being diagnosed with cancer to slow me down and force me to stop and listen to God. Do you take time to stop and listen to God? To praise Him? Are you prepared to be patient and wait for his timing? To follow His will for your life instead of your own?

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

It may look like I have a lot of hair left, but it was falling out by the handfuls. It was only a matter of days before it was all gone. Once my hair was shaved I felt like my ears doubled in size and my nose grew 3 inches.








14 comments:

  1. HAPPY GIVING FROM THE MINNIFIELD FAMILY
    TO THE HIDALGO FAMILY. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IS MY PRAYER.

    REMEMBER EVERY DAY IS A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

    ReplyDelete
  2. HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE MINNIFIELD FAMILY
    TO THE HIDALGO FAMILY. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IS MY PRAYER.

    REMEMBER EVERY DAY IS A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Thanksgiving from the Ortega family. My family will keep you in their prayers. I have been blessed by having you as a friend. You are in my thoughts always! NO hair looks good on you...keep the mustache...love you

    ReplyDelete
  4. HAPPY THANKSGIVING UNCLE MARK..I LUV THE NEW HAIR STYLE IT REALLY LOOKS GREAT..TODAY AND EVERYDAY IS THANKSGIVING AS LONG AS WE ALL HAVE EACH OTHER.YOU ARE AND WILL BE IN MY DAILY PRAYERS.CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND FAMILY TOMMOROW AT GRANDMAS HOUSE.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET SOME OF YOUR SUPPORT BRACELETS FOR ME AND MY GIRLS AND CO-WORKERS THAT ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND A GREAT RECOVERY..I LOVE YOU ..KIM

    ReplyDelete
  5. HAPPY THANKSGIVING UNCLE MARK..I LUV THE NEW HAIR STYLE IT REALLY LOOKS GREAT..TODAY AND EVERYDAY IS THANKSGIVING AS LONG AS WE ALL HAVE EACH OTHER.YOU ARE AND WILL BE IN MY DAILY PRAYERS.CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AND FAMILY TOMMOROW AT GRANDMAS HOUSE.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET SOME OF YOUR SUPPORT BRACELETS FOR ME AND MY GIRLS AND CO-WORKERS THAT ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND A GREAT RECOVERY..I LOVE YOU ..KIM

    ReplyDelete
  6. you look good bald! might be better than the 70's haircut! haha! missed you at the meeting last week. We are ready for you to be back! i want a bracelet. where can i get it??? HAPPY THANKSGIVING MARK! may God bless you and your family.
    love you
    jesse

    ReplyDelete
  7. nevermind... i found the website for the bracelets. if you need anything call me!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jesse,
    I will make sure Pet gives you a bracelet. No need to buy one. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to being back too.
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yep! Keep the mustache. I like the 70's haircut. But bald is good. Are you going to start carrying a lollypop around? Just don't ask, "Who loves you baby". LOL! Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  10. If only we could all see the big picture everyday..... we would know that God is all powerful, all knowing, and omnipresent. We would all be embarrassed to do some of the things we do everyday in front of such a righteous and Holy God. God has never changed and never will change but the world just gets worse and worse, more and more sin comes into everyday life and slowly becomes "the norm". I hope we can all learn from what Mark is going through and try to live more upright and not take everything for granted. It is definitely affecting me. I just pray that as Mark beats this beast into the ground we can all learn from it and lean on Jesus a little more everyday like he wants. I do not desire to be rich because money (the root of all evil) brings you further from the Holy Spirit. I enjoy giving 10% of my paycheck to the Church every month because I enjoy leaning on the Lord for my needs and watching him bless me everyday. Mark, thank you for this website and letting us be a part of your battle.
    I ordered some wristbands the other night but i will be looking for Pet for mine also. i will hand the ones i ordered out. i had several people ask me for one anyway.
    BUT I WILL TELL YOU WHAT..... YOU NEED TO GET IN THERE AND BEAT THIS IN A HURRY BECAUSE I AM REALLY NOT INTO PERRIWINKLE PURPLE! LOL!!!
    LATER,
    JESSE
    IM ON DAYS THIS WEEKEND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Uncle Mark

    Happy Thanksgiving from the Guilbeauxs.

    Each night we say our prayers, we each take turns saying a special prayer for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.

    My Mom, Dad, sisters, and brother attend a rosary and mass daily during the week and they have dedicated them to your recovery.

    Your strength and positive attitude on life are an inspiration for us all.

    We Love you and are fighting along side of you.

    Brad

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jesse,
    Thank you for your positive, uplifting comments on my blog. They inspire me and I know with your positive attitude and strength you'll be the one to take my place as union president when I retire.
    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looking good! Looks like you're off to the Marines....Now you're in style!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey Guy,
    You have always been a hunk to me.

    ReplyDelete