Girlfriends

My Girlfriends, Meine Freundinnen, Moi Druzja, Mis Amigas ... I touched on this topic a bit in my last blog, but what would you do without yours? Not even your close friends, necessarily...I mean how weird would it be to not even have acquaintances anymore? Sure, it may have its perks too...at the beginning, I never had to worry about going out of the house looking like crap. No one really knew me anyway! It's very daunting when you realize you have to start all over again with the basics..."I have 1 sister and 2 brothers. My birthday is..."

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous coming to Germany when it came to meeting friends. I knew I wasn't going to be working at first and even the plan of meeting Germans at church fell through. Even though I had visited Germany 17 times prior to moving, no one really took the time to get to know me. In fact, there was even a girl here that didn't like me! (You know who you are. ;) If you're somehow reading this...Hey HEY Hey!...still here and doing fine!) I always considered myself to be an outgoing, nice person but maybe there is a chance that I don't come off that way...hmmm, on second thought, naaah! ;)

Even though it took a while, I luckily met some pretty cool chicks. My first shout out goes to Lisa. Weirdly enough, I got to know her better through Teddy (our rotty pup) because she has Teddy's sister, Cinja. Lisa's English is basically perfect so it is such a relief when I get to speak English while we're together. She invites me out, over for dinner, and when the weather is nice, we go for walks with our pups. She also lives in the same village as me. (Yea, I said "village"...there are more horses than people here...population - 1,000). Through Lisa I also got to know Steffi...another sweet girl that has a rotty mix. I'm sure it's a sight to see when 3 broads are walking 3 rottweilers together! We also have BIG plans to start jogging together. Sabine, who has Teddy's other sister, Cuba, is another cool chick that I met through our dog club. For labeling purposes, we'll call them " My Rotty Girls."

Here you see (L-R) Steffi's dog Rina, Cinja, Lisa's other dog "Princess" Lilly, Teddy (pretending like he behaves) and LIsa's other dog "Miss" Hazel in the front. (Not pictured - us!)

Throughout the years I also got to know Eddie's friends' girlfriends. Eddie has had the same 2 friends for many years and they even flew all the way to America to be in our wedding. This group seems to accept me too. We'll call this group "My Germans."

(L-R) Ed, Dom, Kathi, Vanessa, Elena, Pina, Fabian, Gianluca, David, Lars, Steffi  (Girls not pictured - Lorena & Irina)

Next come "My Russians." This group consists of about 10 girls that, unfortunately, live about 50 minutes away from me near Freiburg. Despite the distance, I meet up with them at least once a week. We get together and watch (the German version of) "The Bachelor"...ok we actually just chit-chat the whole time but I swear the TV is on the right channel! Sometimes Eddie and I drive up there again on the weekends to go to the movies or celebrate a birthday. I met these girls at Eddie's first wrestling match after I moved here (Sept. 2011?). They were instantly accepting of me. Although it was my first time meeting most of them, Eddie has known a few of their boyfriends/husbands for many years. Perhaps that is another reason why we clicked - almost half of them are already married (or engaged to be) and one couple is expecting! It feels good to have people around you that are at the same stage in life as you.

Me, Katja, Elena, Rosa, Marina, Alexandra, Katja, Julia (blinking, sorry!), and Valentina (Not pictured - Sabrina)

(Side note: My name is the only one that doesn't end in an "A" & Alex, Sabrina,and I are the only non-Russians)

This picture was taken at Rosa's bachelorette party. I remember I felt so special to be invited not only to the wedding but to this event as well! Even with knowing them under a year, they still included me! Elena is getting married in August and asked us 2 weeks ago if we all wanted to be part of her big day. She will have two official bridesmaids but the rest of us will have some small role and we'll all be wearing the same style dresses...if we can only agree on one! ;) Again, I was very humbled to receive such an invitation. I let her know that I don't want her to feel like she has to include me. I'm well aware of the fact that I haven't been part of the group that long and if she had to make cuts, I wouldn't mind being the first to go. Later that night Elena sent me a text message - "Du gehörst zu uns!" which means "You belong to us!" in German. They have all been friends with each other for so many years...some of them are relatives, so for them to say I belong means...a lot! For so long they have all been one unit. I really don' t think they understand what their support and friendship means to me after such a huge change.

I recently lost a friend I held close to my heart. Well, I suppose I should clarify...she willingly left my life, she didn't die (not literally)...so chill. I will easily accept the loss of a false friend replaced by the gain of a dozen + true ones. For hard times will always reveal true friends...and by "hard times" I mean "election season!" :) My friends back home deserve a post all their own in the future!

These next women are perhaps the most important for me here and need no introduction! Ok...well maybe they do (for those of you that don't know me well)....Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you - Four Frau Fricks!

-JF Photography

Olga "Mama Frick" (mother-in-law), Olivia, Elisabeth (sisters-in-law), Yours Truly

Hopefully, I'll be able to add a new group of friends to the list called "My Nurses" ::gulp:: We'll see soon enough! 

God has blessed me by bringing each one of these women into my life. Never take the women around you for granted. You have no idea the wisdom and power that comes from simply being in each others' presence...until you move to another hemisphere.

I shall part with this - Should you meet someone who is new...be it from a different department at work, a different city, or a foreign country...be kind and be accepting. It's not easy being new!

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that, some have entertained angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13: 1-3

Germany vs. America Facts

21.   "Cheers!" aka "Prost!" in German is important too. You must look each person in the
        eye when you tap glasses. If not, it's disrespectful. I think I try so hard that I overdo
        it sometimes...I focus so hard that I open my eyes really wide and try not to blink! I
       probably look creepy!

22.   German radio stations are different too. They don't have hip hop stations, rap and
       r&b, or stations designated specifically to "Today's hottest music." There is just a
       hodgepodge of music on a select few good stations. I like our stations better.

23.   Whoever does the calling in Germany, pays for the call. The recipient of the call
       endures no charges. It kinda makes sense but, then again, I'm sure you have people
       calling, letting it ring once, and then hanging up so that the other person has to call
       back. Or maybe that’s just what I would do! ;)

24.   Germans say "Ciao!" too. It sounds like the Italian word but it’s spelled "Tschau!" They
       only use it when saying goodbye though.

25.   My favorite German sound is the "pf" sound. (No, not the stereotypical "ch" throaty
       sound). It’s pronounced like it’s spelled. Pfeffer - Pepper. Pfanne - Pan.

26.   The longest word in German that I know is "selbsverstaendlich." An 18 letter word for
       "of course." However, according to Wikipedia, the longest German word is
        "Rindfleischetikettierungsueberwachungsaufgabenuebertragungsgesetz" meaning "Beef
        labeling supervision duty assignment law." Germans are all about compound words.
       Don't worry, just 65 letters long...

27.   The two dots above the German letters ü, ä, and ö is called an “umlaut.” Eddie
       didn’t even know that.

28.   Sadly, when I tell people my boyfriend/fiance/husband is German I get the ever-so
       educated question:

        "Is he a Nazi?!?"

        ..."Yea, how did you know? I just got done sewing the swastika on his jacket last
       night!..."

       I know, I know, it's meant as a joke, and I can take a joke. The point is, people don't
       realize that Nazis do still exist, much like how white supremacists exist in America.
       Let's not forget that the Nazis were responsible for killing over 11 MILLION
       people...that number may not even include children. Please don't suggest that I would
       ever date/marry someone of the sort...

29.   The bedding in Germany is different too. King size mattresses in Germany are usually
        just two twin mattresses next to each other. I like the call the crack in the middle
       "The Grand Canyon."

30.   There is the fitted sheet and then a down comforter. There is no flat sheet before
        the top blanket. The pillows are big, square and down too. When making the bed,
        they fold each piece in half and lay it back down in the designated spot. I think both
        American and German setups are comfy...but the mattress thing in Germany is
        annoying.

(Note: Not our bed...thank goodness)

Roots and Wings

Imagine being uprooted. Not just to another town or school...but further, to a completely different country (Canada doesn't really count with this one). Someplace where you can't get in a car and drive home (no matter the hours) to see a familiar face...where the closest person who really knows you is 5,000 miles away. Imagine what it would be like to give up the keys to your house or the keys to your apartment. Take an imaginary spin in your living room with the walls bare and all your things packed up in boxes...not to be seen again for another year (should they make the transcontinental trip in one piece). I'm also going to need you to give up the keys to your car. Did you remember to check the glove compartment one last time for anything important? In this new land there is also a chance that you may not be able to drive (legally). You may find yourself literally in tears handing over your Ohio Drivers License that you so proudly obtained 10 years prior.

All your years of schooling (you know, the one for which you are still paying back the loans) and work experience all of a sudden meaning almost nothing anymore. "Case Western what?" "Ohio State who?" Like most new jobs, you will soon start from the bottom again earning respect and proving you know what you're doing...but with the added scrutiny of being a foreigner with an accent.

That reminds me, I'm going to need your tongue too. Do you mind? Imagine being stripped of your ability to fully express yourself to 99% of the people around you. You'll soon realize that body language and a polite smile only gets you so far. No one gets your jokes...you swear you used to be funny! Imagine having a major complaint at a business or being attacked and screaming "Help!" to no avail. After a few vital seconds you realize the people around you might not know what you're saying. Listening to the radio or turning on the tube used to be relaxing...now it's just confusing why the lips don't match the words.

Imagine your best friends...their smiles and the way they laugh. Imagine all your coffee, lunch, and movie dates being replaced by technology. Instead, your ears strain to hear a smile over the phone. Your friend's daddy passes away...you can't even give her a simple hug. One might be getting a divorce...try sending her a funny picture to cheer her up! (?) Best friend or cousin for 20+ years...be happy if you see them twice a year. Your sleepovers are now Skype dates. Oh! You just thought of something really important to tell your mom...but oh, that's right, you have to wait for the other half of the world to wake up first. (It really freaks people out if you call them at 4 AM.) Your cousin/friend is pregnant ...you hope to meet him before he starts to walk. Want your mom's apple pie recipe? Maybe she can email it to you. You ache to drink a cup of tea and eat cookies with your lonely grandmother. (You don't even like black tea...or Welsh cookies!) Even though people have easy access to her, they choose not to visit and it makes you sad/angry.

You get a craving for your favorite pizza and automatically dial the number from memory...to be greeted by a funny dial tone. You were invited to a party...but when you go shopping for something new to wear, all the clothes are just plain weird...what is your size here anyway?

Want to stay connected with your baby brothers? Try hopping on XBox live and hoping that you see "2 Friends Online"...aw, no luck, one is at work and the other is at college. By the time they come home, you'll already be well into your second REM cycle...maybe next time!

Well, maybe you can find a good church and make some friends there...or you'll be disheartened to learn that 1 in 3 people have nothing to do with religion here.

Your dad...the man that taught you how to knock someone out by holding a roll of quarters in your fist...the same man that taught you everything you know about Classic Rock. The one who you went to work roofing houses with 5 summers in a row. The dude that would help you at the drop of a dime and tries really hard to keep up-to-date on your newest sayings and technology. Yea, replace that man with a man here that would rather drink than hear about your day.

Most newlywed women part from their bachelorette pad and maybe their last name. I'm coming to terms with losing almost everything I knew to be true for the first 26 years of my life...even a year and a half later!

"I could never do it. I would never leave my family here...I'm way too family-oriented."

Oh, really, like I wasn't?

I like to believe that if it were the only way you could be with the one you love, you'd do it too. If you wouldn't give everything you have up for the love of your life...I don't know what to tell you. With all the uncertainty that came with my decision there was always a sense of clarity.

This really isn't a "why me" entry because I know I chose this life. Want to know my secret:

-JF Photography

This man. I'd follow him to the ends of the earth.

::sigh::

And now for more facts!

...continuing with the restaurant theme.

11.   The waiters/waitresses are not constantly coming up and asking "Is everything ok?"
        "How does everything taste?" "You thinking about dessert?" etc. I am not sure which
        one I prefer more. At times, I lean more towards the German way of things, but
        when I actually need something I have a mini panic attack inside...

12.   When paying the bill, the waiter does not bring you the check and leave. He/She
        stands there and waits for you to get your money out! I remember being taken aback
        by this. They then proceed to give you your change right there from their, what I
        like to call, "accordion wallets." If you've been here, you know what I mean!

13.   Tipping, on the other hand, typically just involves rounding up a little. It's not as
        systematic/mathematical as it is back home. Ed always handles this part.

14.   The concept of free refills was amazing to Eddie and his brother the first time they
        visited.

15.   They didn't like how much ice we put in our drinks. They don't put any in theirs. The
        drinks are usually served cold in restaurants, just no ice. Don't get my mom and my
        aunt started on this topic...

16.   “They drink warm beer there.” Meh, I don't know about that one. I’ve never been
        served warm beer here but the people back home that say that to me seem pretty
        set on it so I just let it be.

17.   Don't go making a lot of substitutions and changes to the menu items. I'm a picky
        eater but you just learn to deal. (Sam, you'll have a hard time here!)

18.   You don't see as many "doggy bags" for leftovers leaving the restaurants in Germany.
        Typically, the serving size they give you is enough. I always feel slightly awkward for
        asking for one.

19.   German women wear socks/pantyhose/knee highs often. Ed's mother thought I
        was nuts for going out in the winter with skinny jeans and ballet flats
        which..::gasp::...showed the 2 in. dorsal side of my foot! She then went into her
        bedroom and retrieved knee highs for me. I donned them...embarrassed... At home
        I never wore pantyhose because they are dumb but all the girls wear them here. Hm,
       "when in Rome!"

20.   When meeting friends out, everyone greets each other either with a handshake or a
        kiss on the cheek..or two...or three! Some of my friends kiss on the lips which was
        quite the shocker at first and took some getting used to! It gets really confusing. My
        tactic...just sit there, look pretty, and follow everyone else's lead. I've learned to
        memorize which person prefers which type of greeting. Seems like something silly
        but it can be pretty embarrassing!

It's a fact!

I want to start out this entry by thanking all of you that have thought of us and prayed for Eddie over the past week or so. His appointment today went as well as we could have hoped. His surgery/biopsy for next Tuesday has been canceled and we got the O.K. to travel next Saturday! After a week of antibiotics the mass is...gone! Hodgkin's lymphoma wouldn't react to antibiotics like that so I am relieved to say the least. I am also aware to the fact that it very well could have been something and that our prayers were answered. No matter what is was or how it left...main thing is, he is healed! God is good and I am rejoicing. Next (scheduled) appointment...July! :)

So let me try this again...

TAKE TWO!

This serves as an official SECOND notice (warning?) that The Fricks will be returning to America February 2-16. However, we will only be in Ohio the first 7 of those days. The remaining week will be spent lounging on the beaches of Fort Myers Beach, Florida! Clear your schedules, Pizzas!

This picture was taken a while back at a CVS...("They have CVS's in Germany?!?")...in Columbus. Admittedly, we did not end up buying this delightful merchandise but instead just asked a stranger to snap a quick pic.

While contemplating ways to keep this blog light and interesting I thought about bringing back my "Germany vs. America Facts." This idea was further solidified by my editor, Samantha Siman. A lot of these will be a repeat for some of you so bear with me until I get to the new ones. I'll try to post 10 facts per blog. Previously, I posted these facts in my Facebook picture albums under the pictures of my trips to Germany/Eddie's trip to America. I figured people were probably sick of reading "here is us at dinner"..."here is us at the movies"...so I decided to make it educational...sort of? Also, some of you may not be my "friend" on Facebook either. Here you will find answers to common questions we get from Americans and Germans alike, as well as random facts. Please take the word "facts" lightly as some of them may just be my opinion or personal observation. Do you have any questions you want answered about what it's like to live here? Comment below! Have you been to Germany and you think my "fact" is completely erroneous? Please, chime in! I would LOVE to hear what you think. Remember to include the number of the "fact" you are referring to. Enjoy!

1. I need to start this thing off by explaining something that really bugs me. I always get the question "Did you drive on the autobahn?!?" Listen (read?), and listen carefully. If you take nothing else from these facts, at least remember this one - The word "autobahn" itself means "highway."
   So did I drive on a highway, you ask? Yes, I did drive on the highway...just about everyday, in fact. It is believed that the autobahn is one famous road that has signs leading to it as if it is a famous German attraction. No. There are only parts or stretches of the autobahn (highway) that are limit less.(Note: I've driven 250 km/hr (~155mph) on THE autobahn.)
2. Believe it or not, Eddie has been asked this question on at least 3 occasions when visiting the US...so, to clear the air, everyone...the answer is: Yes, they have squirrels in Germany. Sleep soundly tonight knowing this info. (???)
3. Germans drive on the "right" side of the road too.
   
4. Germans are not that obsessed with David Hasselhoff. If you meet a German...don't mention that guy.
   
5. Eddie does not listen to Ramstein. You know, the song "Du...du hast...du hast mich."
   
6. Ed does not wear lederhosen...ooooor does he? ;)
   
7. Ed seriously knows two people whose names are: Anita Beer and Victor Reh. Let me know if I need to break that down for anyone.
   
8. "Bitte" in German can mean either "please" or "you're welcome." On my first visit to Germany, Eddie's mother set a plate of food down in front of me and said "bitte" (you're welcome). I felt horrible for not saying "thank you" quick enough! However, I later learned that they sometimes say "you're welcome" first. In the US, that would be considered sarcasm. Should that happen to you here, do not be alarmed...
   
9. It is frowned upon to ask for free water at restaurants. Good luck getting the popular glass of ice water and lemon. Typically, if you ask for water, you will get “mineralwasser.” You must specify "wasser ohne gas" or "water without gas"/still water. You can get still water in a bottle but it's weird to ask for it from the tap. Personally, I think mineral water tastes like dust and leaves me craving something else to drink to wash that nasty taste away...blah!
   
10. While we are on the topic of restaurants, there are a couple more areas I'd like to touch on. The service is different in that you are not always shown to your seat. Many times you just seat yourself...and possibly at the same table as others!

 (...to be continued.)

That's all for now. Thanks for reading! If you prayed, please say another one sending up thanks!

Auf Wiedersehen,

Frau Frick

"For nothing is impossible with God." - Luke 1:37

It can't be...and it's not!

Ed's appointment went well! As soon as it was our turn to walk into "the room" I was reading the doc's body language like crazy. She probably thought I was trying to hypnotize her by the way I was staring and trying to soak up everything she was doing/saying. Naturally, the appointments are in German and my brain was working extra hard trying to catch a few key words. At one point I swear she told Eddie and I not to make-out too much?

They found nothing new on the CT scan...meaning there were no more hidden lymph nodes in his chest or abdomen this time. The ones in his neck are < 1.5 cm (they get more concerned when they are >2.5) and his blood results were fine. The fluid sample that they aspirated from the right side of his neck came back negative for malignant cells as well. The ENT doc (Dr. Nike Free Slippers) said there is always a chance that it is a false negative and that the sample was insufficient but I am staying optimistic. So the plan is to continue the antibiotics until Monday and an appointment on Thursday. If they aren't smaller by then, they will schedule the surgery and do a biopsy.

I mentioned my concerns about being able to fly home in 2 weeks and she told us to look into what kind of insurance we have on the trip. Of course this situation takes precedence over flying home but I just hope everything else continues to go smoothly so we can travel. We also spoke a little about genetic testing...I'll get more into that some other time.

Thanks again for all the support. It's been said before but I don't know what I would do without you all and my faith. In German they say "Ich drücke die Daumen!" Which literally translates to "I'm pushing my thumbs!" So thank you to all my "thumb pushers" and prayer sayers. I believe in its power. I didn't mean for my first entry to be so depressing but I had (still have?) a lot of worries. This can be my one-stop place to update everyone while venting at the same time. Almost 350 people read what I wrote yesterday...is it just me or that a bit nuts?

Want to know what else is nuts to me? The shoe choices of the nurses/doctors/staff at the hospital. It has become one of my hobbies over the years and it definitely occupies my mind for a bit while I'm there. Here are a few gems I've been able to catch...

Exhibit a.

Here you see a lovely pair of open-toe, open-back sandals complete with a spring in the heel. Puts a whole 'nother meaning to words "pep in your step." I've nicknamed her Tigger. Perhaps this is the Swiss version of Nike Shox? And yes, that is a spider web tattoo on her ankle.

Exhibit b.

Ok, so here's my new take on things: Since you are not contractually bound to wear actual shoes to work, and you have no qualms about exposing yourself (or your patients) to health risks, could you please, PLEASE, at least make sure that you have pretty feet? A cute nail polish color even? Anything! If I were ill, this would instantly increase my length of stay by at least a day or two. It would be detrimental to my recovery and healing if my nurse was bee-boppin' around in (help me out here, because I'm at a loss for words to describe them) bright yellow, flip-flop type, gummy sandals? She even has her nursing pants pegged so you can get a complete view of the whole situation...
(Note: reappearance of Nike Frees on the right)

Exhibit c.

Sorry, it's blurry but your eyes are not fooling you, those would be tie-dye Crocs...complete with holes.

All of these shoes would be an absolute No-Go in the States. My managers would have a heartattack if I waltzed into work wearing any of these! My co-workers would (hopefully) knock me upside the head for shufflin' around the halls in any of these kicks. There is also a doctor that clunks around in cowboy boots. I hope to add that one to my collection soon.

Ok, thanks for reading/caring!

-Don’t worry about anything - instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

(Special thanks to Samantha Siman for encouraging/helping me to start this blog and for being my "editor.")

Happy "New" Year!

So you know this whole New Year's thing...how it's supposed to be a time for fresh starts and new beginnings? Well, why do I feel like nothing's new and the year always starts out the same, horrible way?

Tomorrow, we will find ourselves, yet again, on the oncology floor of the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland awaiting results. Just stepping off the elevator sends my anxiety through the roof. To see all the swollen, bald, eyebrow-less patients walking (wheeling?) around the unit does something to me. My heart aches and I get a lump in my throat when I see others get summoned into "the room."

I can't help thinking to myself "Are they about to get slammed with the same, horrible news too?" or "Are they about to receive joyous news - that they are still in remission?" "Was that smile kind enough or do I look like I pity them?" I don't pity them. These sights simply remind me of previous years. I truly wish I could help somehow...but I can't. I'm harvesting energy for myself these days. Why do I have to empathize so much? It's draining. I have enough worry in my heart about the love-of-my-life sitting next to me...you know the one playing Sudoku on his iPhone as I try everything in my power not to burst into tears!

A week ago we noticed more lumps on Eddie's neck behind his right ear. The next day they were a tad smaller but the following day and the day after that it was just one large, solid...mass? (Sorry, I don't know how else to describe it. He doesn't let me touch it often.) It hurts him (good) but it doesn't move (not good). He hasn't been sick and has no recollection of bumping his head or anything (not good). After begging him to get it checked out for 3 days he finally called and they fit him in for an appointment within a few hours. 

We had a new doc this time but we didn't mind, as long as we got in! She was a young broad but she seemed legit. ;) After she assessed Eddie she left the room and came back with the attending physician (not good?). They drew labs, wanted an ultrasound, and told Eddie that if CT has an opening, they wanted us to go down immediately. Ed's response "Well, I don't know about today...I have school at 6..." To which I interrupted (more like erupted) - "EDUARD FRICK! You will get a CT scan and you will miss school!" Turns out there was no opening and it was scheduled in 2 days...but is this man nuts or what?

I had to go move the car because this was clearly going to take longer than we anticipated. As I reached the car my eyes met a small piece of paper under the windshield wiper...oh, just a 120 CHF (aprox. $130) parking ticket, no big deal. "I'll just tuck that right in my purse, thanks Switzerland!" I then had to find a parking garage...and you all know how stressful it is driving around inner-city Basel, Switzerland right? :)

When I located Eddie again, he was lying on a bed while the ENT doctor was doing his ultrasound...as the US technician stood behind him (not good?). The doc started to tell me that they found another suspicious node on the left side of his neck ("Oh, you mean exactly where he had surgery last Feb. leading me to believe we removed the problem nodes? The area right under the 7 in. scar that is still healing? There? Ok, gotcha'!") Like last year, this one was too deep to palpate. He then proceeded to show it me on the screen and, even though I'm in the medical profession, I admittedly had no idea what I was looking at. I just "Mmm"-ed...and dug my thumb nail into my index finger. 

As I sat on the bed rubbing Eddie's legs, they decided that now would be the time to aspirate some fluid from the right side of his neck through a needle. Eddie joked with the doc telling him that he was going to grasp his arm during the procedure. This way he could let him know if anything hurts by reciprocating the pain back to him. ::eye roll:: While I, on the other hand, tried to occupy my thoughts - "Is that a mustard stain on Eddie's shirt? We didn't even eat mustard today? How's that possible? Egg? No, not that either. Hm, weird. I wonder if it will come out...I love him." ::pan over to the doc's shoes:: "Nike Frees...good choice...probably 5.0's, red and black, ok...whoa, hold up, why isn't he wearing them all the way? My sister-in-law always wears hers with her heels stepping on the back of the shoe too. They're not slippers. I don't get it. My dad always yelled at me for doing that as a kid..probably because it looks dumb" Ok, sample obtained!

They prescribed him antibiotics and scheduled surgery in two weeks. If the meds help, they'll cancel the surgery. Yesterday was his CT and tomorrow we will get the lab, CT scan, and (hopefully) fluid sample results. Did I mention we're supposed to fly home to America in two weeks?

As we left the hospital I nonchalantly mentioned that I could drop him off at school and he wouldn't be that late. He exuberantly responded "Oh yea! Good idea!" and made a quick right turn from the center lane. I gathered some change for him to buy himself a sandwich from a street vendor. After a quick smooch, I remember thinking that I just wanted him to hurry and get out of the car...so that I could finally exhale...and cry the whole drive home...

"It can't be cancer again. It just can't..."