Last Thursday was the last day of my 30-year teaching career (as a full-time teacher).  I plan on subbing some in the future.  I don't think it has hit me yet that I'm retired.  I imagine when August rolls around and everyone starts getting in their back-to-school mode, I will realize it then.  And, I will probably be a little bummed.  But, getting to sub will help me not be too sad.  My co-workers at Project HOPE gave me and Bob Patton an awesome retirement party.  It was way more than we ever expected and they definitely went above and beyond.  Bob and I taught together at Putnam City North back in the day and then both ended up at Project HOPE to end our careers.  We both graduated HS in 1973 - me, a Marlow Outlaw, and Bob, a Chickasha "Fighting" Chick.  I will miss working with Bob and the other teachers/staff/subs at HOPE.  They have truly been like my extended family this past year during my cancer battle from taking on extra duties, covering my classes during doctor appointments, taking me to my chemo appointments, and so much more.  I can't thank them enough.  Oh, and a special shout-out to Betty Mise for stepping up "out of retirement" last April to take over for me until I returned to school in October.  We also taught together at PC North and she is a dear friend.

Well, it's summer and that means Kylie and Abby are here with us again.  Every year, we look forward to this time when they come back to stay with us while Abby helps us with the pool business.  Kylie got to help Emma light the candles at church a few weeks ago.  I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten this fall.  Even though there's a 5-year age difference between her and Emma, they LOVE playing with each other.  They get along so well and are never at a loss to figure out something to do or pretend.

Last week I got to go to Chickasha America to see my awesome friend, Tessa, get married.  It was the sweetest wedding and reception.  Tessa was a stunning bride and Daniel looked very handsome!  Tessa's daughter, Korbyn (her mom's mini-me)looked beautiful as well.  Congrats Tessa and Daniel and wishes for many years of happiness!

Yesterday was my first day of volunteering at Children's Hospital as a "baby buddy".  I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look forward to doing it every Monday!

And, today was my first chemo treatment.....AGAIN.  I will be doing 18 weeks this time.  Good news is that I will do two weeks and then be off a week.  I'm getting three meds this time, one of which I had last year and two new ones.  Today's treatment took about 4 hours (long one) and Candice was my chemo buddy!  About 30 minutes into my treatment, I got a text from my Marlow bestie, Becky Lightner.  It started out like this, "Had you on my mind today."  She had no idea I was even starting treatment today.  I don't think that it was a coincidence-I think it was a God thing!

Candice and I met a young girl today who was doing her very first treatment for cervical cancer.  She is from out of town and has 3 young children.  She will be doing treatment 5 days a week for 8 hours a day which includes chemotherapy and radiation.  Her husband had to give up his job to be here with her for the two months of treatment.  They will be staying in a hotel with their youngest and luckily will be able to go home on the weekends and spend time with their other two children.  I cannot imagine how hard this is going to be for all of them.  I'm sure they would be grateful for any prayers on their behalf.  Just when you think you have it really bad, you meet someone with many more challenges of their own.  I'm counting my blessings tonight.

This is all for now.  Cathy