Fr. Tony Update: There's No Place Like Home
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wacky and Wonderful new friend in Arkansas...

Great New Recipe! Homemade Mouthwash!!!

PitterPat: OUR FATHER TONY

Fr. Tony Update:

By lunchtime today (Friday), Tony was at home and a very happy camper! Although he was a bit tired from the little sleep he got, I'm sure he'll make it up over the coming days. Chemo finished about 1:30am. The nurse (Amy) came in, unhooked everything, then ordered everyone to let him sleep. She's a goooood nurse! Unfortunately the vampire staff in our Ruby Resort didn't get the orders, and a "Brunhilda" type showed up at 5am, banged on the door, then stood at attention next to Tony's bed, ordering him to wake up so she could take blood.

As the morning progressed, I was home frantically trying to round up his clerical garb and accessories (whoops, forgot black socks! Oh, well, the beige socks from the previous day matched the brown belt from previous day... since I also forgot the black belt!). I would have made it to hospital a bit earlier, but spent over an hour looking for the little oil stock thingy he needed.... the same little oil stock I had in my hot little hand while on the phone with Tony, just after he woke me up.

I was sure I had knew where I'd put it... I KNOW I had it in my hand, but where did it go? I searched every room I'd been in. I searched every stitch of clothing I'd put my hands on. UP and down the stairs I went... nothing! After searching every possible place "I'd" been, during the short time I'd been awake, I decided maybe the dogs got it! Hmmm... That opened up a whole new level of possibilities! ugh When searching all possible places the little pups could have put or hidden it, I then focused on Harry, who was outside! So, out to the backyard I went, searching high and low.... Harry thinking I was SURELY outside to play with him, and would not help in the search!

As I was ready to make the call to the "guys in white coats", there it was... sitting next to where I last recalled having it in my hands! ugh So, back to original mission... Get Tony's stuff to hospital so he can go visit a parishioner, our dear Jack Frost, who'd had a stroke the day before.

I headed to the car, got it started, then thought.... "the phone, where's the bloody phone". Flung door to car open.... stomped back up the walkway.... and began yet another search of the house.. looking high and low for the cell phone. When I finally stood still, threw my hands in my pockets to think ------->THE... PHONE!!!! I had it in my pocket the whole time! hrumph

Back to the car, which fortunately hadn't been stolen, since I left the door hanging wide open, and the engine running. "Hey, any passers by.... free car!" OY

Finally arrived at hospital, got Tony's things in order for him to shower and get dressed to go see Jack and Alice. The nurses we've come to know so well didn't recognize Tony in "his" uniform, but I think they were all pleased, proud and impressed.

Tony then took the longest walk he'd taken in a few weeks, from his hospital room to Jack's. Tony teased Jack about it not being necessary to go to such an extreme to get out of a lecture! They both giggled, which was nice to see. Tony then said prayers with us all, and anointed Jack with oil. Jack seemed very happy to see Tony, and I know the feeling was mutual.

Saturday: Tony awoke feeling quite run down, so the day was trying to rest, in spite of the residual steroids attempting to force the opposite. By late morning he was running a fever, but according to the oncologist, this was to be expected. He wasn't able to eat much, except for his favorite, butter and marmalade sandwich (his cure all). We managed to keep the fever at bay, and he drank lots and lots of fluids.

Wacky and Wonderful New Friend in Arkansas

Normally it wouldn't be noteworthy to mention I have a new cyber friend, who hales from Arkansas, but Julia is a character.... and then some! We met through an African Grey email group. Not many months ago I discovered she was also the caretaker of a "special needs" parrot (or 2, 3, 4, 5.... let's just say, "a lot"!), and was getting ready to rescue/adopt a blind Timneh African Grey. Because we have our little toeless wonder, Mikey, Julia became a wonderful resource.

This past week she shared with me her "log", a cartoon/sketch diary... I've enjoyed viewing it so much, I decided I needed to get back to doing more sketching. So, as often as possible, the graphics included in the blog will be my version of a sketch diary. Below is one sample of her log. She's been at it since the fall of 1999!

If the text is too small to read, in the image, simply click on it and the image will appear larger, in a new window. :)

Great New Recipe: Homemade Mouthwash

Our Tony's an avid mouthwash user, and now that he's enduring chemo, it's particularly important for him to use it OFTEN! This could get very expensive, so I began looking for a recipe for homemade mouthwash. Plus, have you ever wondered what's "in" that stuff? During Tony's last round of chemo I did some experimenting, and the results came out great. My mouthwash aficionado approved whole heartily!

If anyone is interested in making their own homemade mouthwash, drop me a line. This stuff is great, even if Tony says I'll probably be arrested for making spearmint moonshine! hahaha

PitterPat: Doin' Some Thinkin'

Believe it or not, my mind does have some time to wonder, even in spite of what seems a very chaotic and stressful time of our lives. During some recent mind wondering moments I've been particularly focused on how proud, amazed, inspired and in awe I am of my husband....
Tony's known fondly by so very many as:
A Far away friend
An Inspiration
A Mentor
A man completely devoted to his calling
A Leader
A lover of his family in Christ
A man who can always see the forest for the trees
A Gifted Theologian
A Kind, Caring and Trusting Soul
A man who doesn't mince words
A forgiving man
A man full of faith, wisdom, and knowledge
A Yorkshireman (nuff said!)
A man content with the bare essentials (books, email, and a good cup of tea!)
A man who many fondly call, "my priest" (and even those who still call him "my bishop")
"Dad"
"Son in law"
"Step-Dad"
"Husband"

Though all of the above can be said about our Tony, what stands out the most is his selfless devotion to God and the people he's been called to minister to. In spite of what we all may consider an incredible burden (Cancer), Tony continues, above all else, to LIVE this calling, not allowing himself to be overwhelmed or burdened by the emotional or physical toll this new experience may take on him. Whether he's having a good day or bad, he's at his prayers, morning, noon and night. He communicates with Episcopalians and Anglicans round the globe, daily. As he's able, he does all he can to try and keep things flowing in the parish. He feels the burdensome weight the Church is presently enduring, and knows the pain God must surely feel as a result of all the nonsense.

Some would think it better for Tony to back away from his ministry, for however long, to focus on the cancer and getting better, but then I really thought about this and wondered what it would do to God's very devoted servant. Having cancer is not like having an illness you simply take a pill for, then rest for a week, and it's all over with. Probably the most difficult part to accept with cancer is all the unknown! I should think this especially frustrates folks who like to "be in control".

I suppose what a lot of folks don't understand is Tony has endured "cancers" of many different shapes and sizes, mostly at the hands of people calling themselves Christians, and has remained faithful throughout. Any priest worth his weight in gold has faced these cancers, and stayed true to his/her calling. Having said this, I have giggle when I hear of ANY Christian (Episcopalian or not) believing the devil does not exist! POPPYCOCK! If any Christian has not come face to face with the devil, then count your blessings, and pray your luck holds out! I guarantee you, the day you stand face to face with the devil, you'll know it, and you won't forget it!

Pastor Matthew's Easter sermon hit home with me, especially when he said that giving into our aches, pains, is simply giving into the devil! He continued by saying that every illness and setback is simply the devil's devious way of knocking us down a peg or two, because he's eternally angry having lost us to God, through our baptism.

Our Tony's gifts and talents are immeasurable. His love for all of you, even those who would wish him ill, is true to the end. His devotion to God and the Church is undying. THIS is why I'm so very proud of him, and hope you are as well. If anyone were to think it in Tony's best interest to be away from what he's called to do, this would be akin to asking the sun not to shine, or even worse.... asking Christ not to hang on the cross.

Maybe, God has found yet another way to use his good and faithful servant, Tony, to teach us all another valuable lesson in "living"? So, as Tony prepares to enter his 67th year, please say a special prayer for this very wonderful gift we've been given, OUR TONY CLAVIER.