Happy 4th of July..

BarefootBob
BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello to all my brave soldiers today!

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday, hopefully you are with some family & friends, loved ones, etc.

I also want to make my first, 'I'm kind of scared' comment/ story too, if you don't mind:

I live in the Midwest and we have some of the best sweet corn in these here United States. My little town I live in has a small farmers market that sells fresh garden fruit, veggies, anything you want, including the BEST of the best in this corn. My brothers and families are in town this week, from Georgia, North Carolina, Chicago, and Germany. ( yeah, big Irish Catholic family with four brothers). It's a tradition, now that we all have families and live all over, that the 4th has kind of become the ONE holiday that we all get together every year at my parents house. They have a beautiful 50 acre lake with about 40 or so houses on it that do their own celebration with live music, water games for the kids, fishing contests, beach games and for a finalle, a wonderful fireworks show that starts at dusk, and goes all around the lake for about 90 minutes!

It's just beautiful. It is my favorite time of the year. All the cousins are young, they swim and fish all day, eat watermelon, ice cream, have water gun fights...all that great stuff about being a kid, really the best time to enjoy life as a parent now...Most importantly, enjoying how important FAMILY really is, especially now, at these times in our lives.

So, yesterday, I brought of a dozen or so ears of corn from this place, Scott, my oldest brother is going to be on his baby-back slow smoked ribs, Geoff (#3) on sweet baked beans, Ryan & Sean(#4&5) on apple and cherry pies and homemade ice crean, Mom on her famous crunchy slaw, mustard potato salad....well you get the picture. For the first time I made a sarcastic, feel sorry for myself joke, about my bolus feeding cans, to my wife,that I get to eat. I laughed it off, but I honestly really, really, miss food. It could be worse, i know, and also know that this is temporary but slow process. That I will eat again is very promising, but for the first time since surgery, it hit me REAL HARD. Food is sooooooo goooood! :-).

Anyway, it is a small complaint, for I am so ever grateful that I am alive - with my family, friends, nephews, and a taste of Americas Independence Day. For this is what life is all about, Family and Freedom. (and Food)

I wish you all a wonderful day as well tomorrow, as you are now a large part of my new family. Some of the strongest people I have never met, yet.

Much Love and happiness to you all.
Happy Hollidays!

~ Bob

Comments

  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #2
    Enjoy your day
    I know that the food part might be off limits this year but a small price to pay to be alive and kicking. Enjoy the family, the lake and the fireworks. Next year you will be able to participate in all of the activities.
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    Well you sure had me drooling
    imaginary drool reading about all that great food...LOL. Sounds like a truly idyllic time to be had with all the family....I want to come, too! I've been having a REALLY big hankering for corn on the cob for the last two weeks....no joke....I can only imagine what the BEST of the best corn must taste like.....I'll be missing it right here with you :).

    p
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #4
    phrannie51 said:

    Well you sure had me drooling
    imaginary drool reading about all that great food...LOL. Sounds like a truly idyllic time to be had with all the family....I want to come, too! I've been having a REALLY big hankering for corn on the cob for the last two weeks....no joke....I can only imagine what the BEST of the best corn must taste like.....I'll be missing it right here with you :).

    p

    I can
    I can eat corn on the cob this summer, slowly. I am farther along in the recovery than you. Something to look forward to next year.
  • BarefootBob
    BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
    #5
    KTeacher said:

    I can
    I can eat corn on the cob this summer, slowly. I am farther along in the recovery than you. Something to look forward to next year.

    Thankful
    Yes, as I rambled on about the 4th - I suppose that was the point I was getting too. Its like that old quote:
    "I used to be sad I had no shoes to wear, until I saw a man with no feet."

    I will be able to eat again and just one more thing to be strong about (even if its just food). I don't mind it much but I love how our outlook on life changes instantly. Like the birth of our first child, or my first real job after graduation. We learn to appreciate the things in life that we normally take for granted. Its very soothing feeling of peace and serenity if you look at it from a grand perspective.

    ~ Bob
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #6
    BarefootBob said:

    Thankful
    Yes, as I rambled on about the 4th - I suppose that was the point I was getting too. Its like that old quote:
    "I used to be sad I had no shoes to wear, until I saw a man with no feet."

    I will be able to eat again and just one more thing to be strong about (even if its just food). I don't mind it much but I love how our outlook on life changes instantly. Like the birth of our first child, or my first real job after graduation. We learn to appreciate the things in life that we normally take for granted. Its very soothing feeling of peace and serenity if you look at it from a grand perspective.

    ~ Bob

    it bugs me a bit too
    when I think about it. Fortunately I dont think that much:). I have been mostly on liquids since January. Now I can do soft foods, but not the hard stuff. Corn on the cob (or off the cob) would be nice. So would fried chicken and potato salad. But I cant. So I am making ice cream this afternoon, and planning a few food items I will nibble on while others do the heavy eating. My wife feels guilty when I pick the tomatoes for her BLT, since I cant eat one too. Food tasted good to me within a month of finishing rads, but I have a healing mismatch. Tastes good; cant chew it....

    None of this really bums me out. It only bugs me a litte, and only occasionally. Otoh, when I went for my three mile run this morning, I was reminded how truly blessed I am, to be living this well on borrowed time. I could easily have missed the party.

    Happy 4th.

    Pat
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #7
    Happy Independance Day !
    Bob,
    I can totally understand where you're coming from ! My neck disection was Dec. 23rd, spent the Christmas holiday in the hospital. Spent my birthday in January doing rads. Life seems very unfair sometimes ! BUT what an amazing family get together you are a part of ! Any chance of an unofficial adoption ? It all sounds so amazing and so much fun ! I'm so sorry about the eating issue....but this to will get better ! Thank you for the wonderful reminder of how important family and friends are in our fight with this terrible disease we are all fighting ! God bless you and yours Bob, and have a wonderful safe 4th ! Warmest regards, Katie
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #8
    pass the corn (or ensure)
    Hi BarefootBob,

    So Scott is #1 and Geoff, Ryan and Sean are #’s 3, 4 & 5. What are you, #2? Just wondered, I am a #6.

    Hey I am almost 15 weeks post and last Sunday I ate some sweet corn on the cob and it was pretty good, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY. This is from a guy who was ready to take out a wanted ad for taste buds. I thought the “new normal” was no good tasting food ever again. So enjoy your drink and don’t feel bad. I am eating corn tomorrow and hope to enjoy it.

    Best,

    Matt
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #9
    CivilMatt said:

    pass the corn (or ensure)
    Hi BarefootBob,

    So Scott is #1 and Geoff, Ryan and Sean are #’s 3, 4 & 5. What are you, #2? Just wondered, I am a #6.

    Hey I am almost 15 weeks post and last Sunday I ate some sweet corn on the cob and it was pretty good, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY. This is from a guy who was ready to take out a wanted ad for taste buds. I thought the “new normal” was no good tasting food ever again. So enjoy your drink and don’t feel bad. I am eating corn tomorrow and hope to enjoy it.

    Best,

    Matt

    We are with you Barefoot ...
    We care barefoot ...and we know where you are coming from ....you will get there for sure ....I never realized how much food meant to me until I could not eat ...

    Enjoy your family and the fourth ...you live in the greatest country on earth (though we have our challenges for sure) ...you are alive and you have a BIG family apparently :)

    Wishing you a happy 4th as well and to all my board friends ..

    Tim
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    #10
    it's just one BBQ out of many more to come
    Bob,

    you could try to pulverize the corn, the BBQ, your mom's special coleslaw and the pies in a blender or food processor. it won't look too good but you might be able to taste some of it. and it will smell wonderful. (Actually, don't pulverize it all together. Just do the different foods separately and make your plate like everyone else) you should be able to have the ice cream without blending it.

    Anyway, even if you don't "eat" much, look how far you have come already in just a few weeks. Keep up your good attitude, it will serve you well. And I am so proud of you.
  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #11
    Ingrid K said:

    it's just one BBQ out of many more to come
    Bob,

    you could try to pulverize the corn, the BBQ, your mom's special coleslaw and the pies in a blender or food processor. it won't look too good but you might be able to taste some of it. and it will smell wonderful. (Actually, don't pulverize it all together. Just do the different foods separately and make your plate like everyone else) you should be able to have the ice cream without blending it.

    Anyway, even if you don't "eat" much, look how far you have come already in just a few weeks. Keep up your good attitude, it will serve you well. And I am so proud of you.

    Happy 4th!
    I too come from a large close family in the Midwest and it seems like most events revolve around food. I have my corn off the cob and mixed in mashed potatoes. Enjoy family and friends today and be thankful that you have the opportunity to look forward to the food next year. Happy 4th!
  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #12
    Ingrid K said:

    it's just one BBQ out of many more to come
    Bob,

    you could try to pulverize the corn, the BBQ, your mom's special coleslaw and the pies in a blender or food processor. it won't look too good but you might be able to taste some of it. and it will smell wonderful. (Actually, don't pulverize it all together. Just do the different foods separately and make your plate like everyone else) you should be able to have the ice cream without blending it.

    Anyway, even if you don't "eat" much, look how far you have come already in just a few weeks. Keep up your good attitude, it will serve you well. And I am so proud of you.

    Happy 4th!
    I too come from a large close family in the Midwest and it seems like most events revolve around food. I have my corn off the cob and mixed in mashed potatoes. Enjoy family and friends today and be thankful that you have the opportunity to look forward to the food next year. Happy 4th!
  • Grandmax4
    Grandmax4 Member Posts: 723
    #13
    You brought
    a tear to my eye, yesterday, we asked my Son..he will be graduating from the Fire Academy next Friday, the 13th..where he'd like to go celebrate with dinner and drinks,after the ceremony.his reply was, anywhere they serve soup so Mom can eat too....Happy 4th of July, my Daughter's birthday, she will be home from Chicago tomorrow for a long week-end..can't wait to kiss the her sweet face!
  • BarefootBob
    BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
    #14
    CivilMatt said:

    pass the corn (or ensure)
    Hi BarefootBob,

    So Scott is #1 and Geoff, Ryan and Sean are #’s 3, 4 & 5. What are you, #2? Just wondered, I am a #6.

    Hey I am almost 15 weeks post and last Sunday I ate some sweet corn on the cob and it was pretty good, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY. This is from a guy who was ready to take out a wanted ad for taste buds. I thought the “new normal” was no good tasting food ever again. So enjoy your drink and don’t feel bad. I am eating corn tomorrow and hope to enjoy it.

    Best,

    Matt

    #2
    Yes, I am no. 2 :-) And thanks for the motivation, hope to get some food down by the mid to end of August. Can't wait, but it will be that much better when that day comes. Hopefully taste buds on the right side stay good and I have some taste left. awesome to have a big family at times like this. No 6 of how many? Our mothers are saints, huh?

    Thanks Matt.
    MuchLove

    Bob
  • BarefootBob
    BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
    #15
    CivilMatt said:

    pass the corn (or ensure)
    Hi BarefootBob,

    So Scott is #1 and Geoff, Ryan and Sean are #’s 3, 4 & 5. What are you, #2? Just wondered, I am a #6.

    Hey I am almost 15 weeks post and last Sunday I ate some sweet corn on the cob and it was pretty good, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY. This is from a guy who was ready to take out a wanted ad for taste buds. I thought the “new normal” was no good tasting food ever again. So enjoy your drink and don’t feel bad. I am eating corn tomorrow and hope to enjoy it.

    Best,

    Matt

    #2
    Yes, I am no. 2 :-) And thanks for the motivation, hope to get some food down by the mid to end of August. Can't wait, but it will be that much better when that day comes. Hopefully taste buds on the right side stay good and I have some taste left. awesome to have a big family at times like this. No 6 of how many? Our mothers are saints, huh?

    Thanks Matt.
    MuchLove

    Bob
  • BarefootBob
    BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
    #16
    Grandmax4 said:

    You brought
    a tear to my eye, yesterday, we asked my Son..he will be graduating from the Fire Academy next Friday, the 13th..where he'd like to go celebrate with dinner and drinks,after the ceremony.his reply was, anywhere they serve soup so Mom can eat too....Happy 4th of July, my Daughter's birthday, she will be home from Chicago tomorrow for a long week-end..can't wait to kiss the her sweet face!

    So Sweet..
    Very sweet story. Love it. Have a wonderful holiday!
  • BarefootBob
    BarefootBob Member Posts: 72
    #17
    Grandmax4 said:

    You brought
    a tear to my eye, yesterday, we asked my Son..he will be graduating from the Fire Academy next Friday, the 13th..where he'd like to go celebrate with dinner and drinks,after the ceremony.his reply was, anywhere they serve soup so Mom can eat too....Happy 4th of July, my Daughter's birthday, she will be home from Chicago tomorrow for a long week-end..can't wait to kiss the her sweet face!

    So Sweet..
    Very sweet story. Love it. Have a wonderful holiday!
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #18
    it was a fair food day
    Hi BarefootBob,

    I am 6 of 7, lots of us.

    Since I got home early (4th of July & parent’s 71st anniversary) I thought I would update you on the food I tried:
    • Corn on the cob – successful
    • Shish kabob vegetables – unsuccessful
    • Baked salmon – unsuccessful
    • Bratwurst sausage – unsuccessful
    • Chocolate cake – unsuccessful
    There were other things to try but I was only having a 20% success rate, oh well woe is me. Wait, I forgot about the watermelon being a success that brings my success rate up to 33%, not bad.

    Now I am going to go outside and pick some Marion Berries for a smoothie which (inside information) guarantees a success.

    Best,

    Matt
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #19
    CivilMatt said:

    it was a fair food day
    Hi BarefootBob,

    I am 6 of 7, lots of us.

    Since I got home early (4th of July & parent’s 71st anniversary) I thought I would update you on the food I tried:
    • Corn on the cob – successful
    • Shish kabob vegetables – unsuccessful
    • Baked salmon – unsuccessful
    • Bratwurst sausage – unsuccessful
    • Chocolate cake – unsuccessful
    There were other things to try but I was only having a 20% success rate, oh well woe is me. Wait, I forgot about the watermelon being a success that brings my success rate up to 33%, not bad.

    Now I am going to go outside and pick some Marion Berries for a smoothie which (inside information) guarantees a success.

    Best,

    Matt

    Glad
    Glad you got to eat the corn on the cob. Surprised about the salmon, I can usually eat fish well (watch out for the bones). We haven't eaten yet, daughter-in-law gets off work at 6 pm. Less time for it to get dark for the grandsons. We get to do the unsafe and insane fireworks. I will put in my earplugs.

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