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Here’s a neat idea… why not get married and webcast it over the Internet.  You save money and guests don’t have to travel.  Check out this article from the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/25/fashion/25fiel.html?_r=1&oref=login&pagewanted=print

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ONLY two guests — both strangers —were in attendance on May 18, when Dawn Westman and Einar Ollander of Tarpon Springs, Fla., were married in the chapel of the Grand Princess, a cruise ship sailing the Mediterranean. But dozens were watching from home.

The audience included the bride’s father and stepmother, who witnessed the event from their home in Worcester, Mass.; the bridegroom’s mother in Tarpon Springs; and the bridegroom’s brother in Gainesville, Fla. All awakened around 4 a.m. and flicked on their home computers so they could view the wedding couple walking down the aisle, live over the Internet.

Here’s a hint if you ever have to stay the night at the hospital.  Ditch the fold out chair that makes into a bed… buy a cot that has a pad. Then on top of the pad put a sleeping bag.  It makes for a nice comfy bed… and also bring your own pillows. I wish I had thought of this sooner… for once I’m actually comfortable and feel like I might get a good night’s sleep in between my mom’s lab work, respiratory therapy and regular checks.

Here’s what my horoscope said today. While helping my mom fight cancer, I find this fitting. At this time I have found out a lot about myself. I’m stronger than what I give my self credit for.I also found that I give a lot of myself to the ones I love.I have also found that not everyone honors thy parents as I do. My poor sister who touts herself as a Christian, is not reflecting INSIDE what she reflects from the OUTSIDE. Appearance only. So, I found this bit of advice today a great one that I try to live by every day.

Show others what you want by giving it to them — live by the Golden Rule today.

I say, don’t just live by the Golden Rule today, but everyday. Treat others as you would like to be treated. And, as I am going through a tough time with my parents health issues, I have found that there are several angels out in the world. You may not see their wings… but God has sent them to my mom, dad and I. As I keep reminding myself… “Don’t be afraid, just believe…”

I have been at Baylor University Medical Center since May 3.  My dad had pancreatic cancer.  Thank God the doctors found it early to where he is now cancer free.  He had complications and ended up back at the hospital only 2 days after he was released on May 13.  Life changed drastically when last Friday my mom was diagnosed with cancer.  Now, I have two parents just 1 floor apart at Baylor hospital.  No one can tell until cancer hits your family on how you will react or feel.  Right now I feel helpless, emotional and fatigued.    Here are some things I have learned since my parents have been in the hospital:

• Doctors don’t have all the answers.
• All nurses do not have the same knowledge.
• Tests come back at least 2 to 3 days later
• When you press the nurses button, it doesn’t mean someone comes immediately to your room.
• ICU is NOT pleasant.
• Cancer doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence.
• Try to sleep when you can because interruptions are inevitable.
• Friends become angels.
• Strangers give hugs.
• Always stay with your loved one in the hospital. 
• The food… not so good.
• Bring a jacket to the hospital… rooms can get cold.
• Great Doctors become guardian angels.
• Family members must take care of themselves
• Utilize the hospital hotel for critical nights at the hospital.  It soothes not only the patient but also yourself.
• Most importantly:  Speak up!  Don’t be afraid to tell doctors how you notice drugs affect your loved ones.  Become the advocate for your loved one… listen to everything that doctors tell you… ask them to explain it again… if you still don’t understand what it is… ask them again.  Ask other family members to attend doctor consultations as well.  Just don’t assume all nurses and doctors know best… I have found that doctors have actually been grateful for my input in my mom and dad’s care.  I know more about them than they do… I have spent 34 years with my parents… nurses especially spend only a few hours taking care of your loved one.  I actually had to tell a nurse to lay off the pain medication and guess what… she listened.  Nurses and doctors appreciate the input.  It’s a team effort and you’re always a part of the team.

So, those are my suggestions.  I just think that more information on what family members should expect while a family member is in the hospital should be available.  Remember drugs change people and your loved ones might say and do unbelievable things… don’t worry… their body is healing it’s not really them.  For everyone who has someone in the hospital and who is fighting cancer… may God bless you and your family.