River’s Edge retreat

It was time again for my family to journey to the unexpected beauty of southeast Oklahoma and enjoy Labor Day weekend at River’s Edge Cottages. We did this last year and enjoyed it so much, we wanted a repeat. Although the travel followed my harder hit of chemo, I was eager to get away and soak up some of God’s handiwork with those I love most (even if it meant enjoying it horizontally). This was, after all, the first time I had packed my bag (since April 12) and it wasn’t to make a trek to MD Anderson. Hooray for nature! Hooray for a fun cabin! Hooray for s’mores! And, hooray for a magnificent thunderstorm displaying God’s unleashed power over His creation. This was our view from one of two balconies. The river was right below us.




Here’s a glimpse of our weekend. The only downer for me was the fact I couldn’t participate in the activities I did last year – rowing, volleyball, basketball, hiking, horsehoes, etc . . . The downers for the others – Pop probably tore his rotator cuff (he will know for sure Wednesday) and Chris hurt his lower back.  Aren’t we a sad crew? We did, however, attempt to assemble a 1500 piece puzzle. One thing’s for sure – I want to return next year with a full head of hair and be stronger & healthier than I ever imagined. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!?

SWEET COUSINS
Alexa is at that age where saying “cheese” makes for a very unnatural smile. We hope this shall soon pass but you gotta love it.

FUN ON THE RIVER
This was the view of the river looking down from our balcony. Mark & Hol were taking a cruise.

Mark found a branch he thought would be perfect for jumping into the river. When we knew the branch could hold “Papa Bear,” as we affectionately called him with his wide-brimmed sun hat, then Chris, Rylen & Layton bravely followed suit.

HANGING OUT AT THE CABIN

Post-injury, Pop decided to soak in the hot tub. He wanted to take a pic of the canopy of trees overhead. Here he was trying to sit down and keep his cell phone out of the water, even though he could barely lift his right shoulder. I believe this is called “grinning and bearing it.” That’s it for this year!