Morgan Kate

My family and I have learned a lot this week.

This past Monday we learned that my daddy has prostate cancer.

We learned that sometimes phone calls don't require any words. Just a hello and then a lot of silence.

Wednesday we learned that the cancer has not spread.

We learned that that sometimes the word "negative" is the best thing you have ever heard.

Friday, after my daddy was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly, we learned he has atrial fibrillation.

We learned that a forty-five minute drive to Orangeburg can sometimes be made in just thirty.

Without a doubt, we've learned some really difficult things this week.

But, I've also learned some really great things.

I've learned that my family is strong. Despite differences and time apart and growing older, we.are.strong.

I've learned that we are a huge support system for one another. When I'm having a weak moment I can call one of them and they are strong. When one of them is having a weak moment they can call me and I try my best to be strong.

I've learned that one of our ways to cope and deal and pass along information is to send photos to one another. When I wanted Travis to know that my daddy was okay I sent a picture. No words. When I wanted to share with Owens and Trenholm and Kyle that daddy was finally smiling, I sent a picture. When Owens wanted to share that Daddy was up and walking and hopefully being discharged soon, he sent a picture. We've always done this, well, as long as we've been able to text pictures, but I realized this past week that we do it a lot, especially in times of need.

I've learned that we not only have an amazing family, but incredible friends. ( I already knew this, but this past week was another affirmation.) Friends who call, text, pray and help out in every was possible.

I've learned that we still have a long road ahead of us, but that together, we are going to get through this. And we will be even stronger.