Sad day for The Lange Family

Yesterday evening our sweet Chocolate Lab, Chief, passed away. He was 14. Grandfather, Sir brought Chief down to San Antonio on Tuesday so that he wouldn't be left alone in Midland while he is going through his radiation treatment in Houston and he was staying at my brother Matthew's house with his Chocolate Lab, Beau Jangles. Chief was a dear member of our family, he was the last puppy from the last litter that our beloved Hershey mothered. He was born my Freshman year of High School and I've always considered him "my dog." His favorite thing was to get the paper every morning and was able to do that yesterday morning (even though my brother and his wife don't actually get the paper delivered - maybe he got the neighbor's??). He will be buried down at Grandma Eunice's Ranch. Shane took Ryan and I over to my brother's yesterday - we were trying to get there for Chief's last few moments - we were about 5 minutes too late. I'm glad that I was able to see Chief (on a very temporary reprieve from bed rest) though our hearts are still heavy this morning. It was interesting to see my brother's children deal with death - Max (almost 7) was very mature, he was visibly saddened but coped with it better than I did, petting Chief and assuring Beau Jangles that everything would be okay. Juliette (5), the dog lover like her Aunt Becca, was just crying and crying, like her Aunt Becca. Alexis (3) was somber and just hugged me for a long time while I sat in front of Chief. There is such comfort in children, I'm so proud of them, and I'm grateful to have spent the time with them.

Update on Grandfather, Sir: Dad got a tooth pulled yesterday morning in Houston and is recovering well. He and mom came back to San Antonio yesterday afternoon. He will be back in Houston on March 17th to be fitted for a mask that will guide the radiation and also be fitted for a device that will push his tongue as far away from the radiation as possible and also to meet with the group of doctors that are working on his case for the the final "plan of attack." Progress is slow, it seems, and MDAnderson doctors don't seem too concerned about life outside of MDAnderson. There is never more than one appointment in one day (even if it's just a consult) so Mom and Dad have had to "waste" most of the days waiting for one appointment and then the next day do it again to meet with a different doctor - not very efficient and VERY frustrating.

Update on me: I got news yesterday that I am NOT diabetic (thank Heavens!) so I don't have to restrict my diet like I thought. Today I am 27 weeks pregnant, so we have 9 more weeks to go! This week I had a lot of helpers while Mom was in Houston with Dad. Emily Middleton came over again this week - she spent more than 12 hours with me on Wednesday - we had so much fun! She showed me her handmade cards and I taught her how to make bows! Thursday, my cousin Mishial came over early early, and then Shane's Aunt Phyllis came over for the rest of the day. She helped me make some decorations for a baby shower (yes I can do that laying down) and we just enjoyed each other's company - laughing mostly and then crying together when I found out about Chief. I know I've said this before but we are so blessed to have such special people in our lives. Thank you thank you. (And thanks to everyone who brought food over this week - Scott and Sarah, Emily, Phyllis, and Matt and Lisette. That takes such a burden off of all of us - and it has been very enjoyable.) Also, thanks Grandpa John and Grandma Belle - the cleaning service was FANTASTIC - our house feels so clean!

Until next time,
Becca