27 Comments
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Daniel Hettenbach's avatar

Paul. I am 81 lbs. less. My body is busted. I understand is my point. That grandchild is all. I'm glad that you get to know them.

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Jen D. Clark's avatar

“You..Shall..Pass…..your cancer scans!” I love that Balrog! So glad it worked out. My brother had multiple myeloma last year and is now on the road to remission. The anxiety at bloodwork and other tests was its own special hell. And kids and babies always remind me of “Beginner Mind” - to be open and not ashamed of awe and wonder at learning and discovering the world.

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Kirsten's avatar

Good news!!

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Rosemary Taylor's avatar

So glad to hear that your scan was clear. I’ve had all my fingers and toes crossed for you. I get that sense of wonder from watching the bees and the birds in the back garden. Sometimes all we have to do is really look.

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Jenn's avatar

Congratulations on a clear scan! I can say that s anxiety can still present itself in all its finery even 10+ years later. I nearly had a panic attack when the pumps started for mom's chemo last fall. And, every day this side of the grass is a good day.

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

Thank you, Jenn. Appreciate you taking the time, especially since I know you’ve been through the wringer yourself. <3

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Phoebe's avatar

Rog the Balrog, your grandson and especially clear scans made me smile. Thank you for sharing.

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Maggie Bennett's avatar

Yay!

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

I haven't quite figured out if you've been married to Jenn forever and it's that kind of love, or it's the recent blush hasn't left the rose type of new love. Don't tell me. I don't want to know. Either way, I really like what we get to see of your relationship. And again, congratulations. Exhale.

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Toni Jeffrey's avatar

Beautiful essay, and wonderful news that your scan results were awesome!

My favorite small thing is playing with bugs with the youngsters (truth be told, I sometimes play with them even when no youngsters are present). I love watching the "roly-poly bugs" (pillbugs) roll up in a ball, unfurl themselves, then resume their lives.

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

I love watching insects. <3

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Stanley Stocker's avatar

Aw, man. That's just a delight, Paul. Glad that particular news is good. The whole thing though reminds me of that native American saying I came across once, something like, Beauty ahead of me, Beauty behind me, Beauty to the left of me, Beauty to the right of me, I'm on the pollen path. Sounds like that's the path you're on.

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

It's a good path, my friend. Appreciate it.

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

This right here IS how we do things. ❤️

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

Let it be so, always <3

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Nicole Peattie's avatar

My late mom suffered from scanxiety for 15 years, and it’s such a helpless feeling to watch someone you love go through that. I cannot even imagine the breath holding, but I’m glad you took some good drugs (this is exactly what they’re for!) and had Jenn and Rog by your side. I know those feelings of fear never end, but I’m glad you hopefully get a break. Take care of you and your heart ❤️❤️

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

Thanks so much, Nicole <3

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Laury Boone Browning's avatar

We're not going anywhere.

My husband is still being treated for stage four cancer. I've already been on my journey. His scan is coming up next week, and we're so relieved to hear your news.

Consider yourself hugged, hard and awkwardly long, by a grandma who breathes love In and out when my daughter's mini-me enters the room.

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

I’ll be thinking of you and your husband! <3

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Mary Varner Hutto's avatar

So happy for y’all. ❤️

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Maureen's avatar

I'm happy for your positive results. There are small, good things that matter!

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Susie's avatar

Your news is righteous and good and the balrog and the grandson are brilliant! You make me smile, good sir. No matter the subject matter. Such heart. 💜💜💜

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

Smiling right back at ya, Susie-Q, a name you probably hate but when I say it I hear the first few funky bars of the CCR song <3

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Susie's avatar

At 62, SusieQ is perhaps too youthful for me, but I dig it just the same. 🤓

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