A Nice Day at the Pool

It was another good Sunday with Kim and family at the Bates. Shane brought Kim up for family time. Kim was not doing well when they got there but was able to rest and rally.

The kids came ready to swim. The rain just helped the kids in and out of the pool…in and out…. in and out. The guys had to put up a pop-up cover so they could do their manly cooking in the “danger zone”. They were in charge of the deep fat fried turkey and corn on the cob. At one point when mom thought she could lend a helping hand (and almost got burned) she was told, “you're good in the kitchen but you have no business out here”. The outcome was some wonderful food and great fellowship.

Kim ate nothing.

Kim looks good and when she puts that smile on her face the room lights up. That smile is good medicine for us. She has lost a lot of weight but her abdomen is bloated with tumors and fluids. She put on lipstick and mascara for pictures and was beautiful.

Kamp Kim made a quilt for the 2010 Relay for Life. We took a picture of Kim in front of the quilt and made a poster out of it. The poster and quilt will be hanging in the old hardware store window this week advertising that raffle tickets can be purchased at her store. The Otoe county fair starts today so it should get lots of exposure. Cousin Jill purchased the first tickets so we are on our way. This year Kamp Kim raised $9,200 for the American Cancer Society. We have never started so early before so maybe 2010 will be the year team Kamp Kim goes over $10,000.

I wish Kim was feeling better and more comfortable. She has a call into the doctor this morning so hopefully they can give her something that will help. She said she is ready for the help of a hospice type service too. Mom is with her this morning and will help her make the calls to set it up. They will be able to help with pain control and comfort level. This service focuses on quality of life rather than length of life.

If you happen to go to the Otoe County Fair this week, take a peak at Kim’s quilt on display in the window on Main Street. It is bright and cheery, just like our Kim.

Jan