I have been away from this blog for awhile. What with medications, side effects, work, family… well, I guess I’ve just been lazy. Overall, the summer has been great! I just finished my HCV treatment and the virus has been “undetectable” for over 20 weeks. They will check the viral load every 3 months (up to 12 months) and, if at 12 months, it’s still undetectable, then I’m considered cured! I’m complicated… I have kidney disease (secondary to liver disease, diabetes, hypertension and the anti rejection drug that I take), but the future looks pretty bright! I have fought against Hep C since I was diagnosed in 2000, so its good to breathe easy again!

I went to my first “men’s retreat” last weekend with about 40 guys from our church. I’ve never had the opportunity to do this, and I think I have really missed out on something important. It was fun, confirming and inspirational, not to mention totally relaxing (in a very nice location). I feel closer to all the men that were there, and feel like some lasting friendships were forged.

This weekend, on spur of the moment, Joey and I decided to go to Austin to see my son and his family. We will have a new granddaughter in about 3 weeks. We are all so excited! My main man, Waylan Thomas, is a joy to be around. He makes me happy, he makes me laugh, and I love him so much. He is really attached to his “Nonnie” and cries when she leaves the house. But he and I get along just fine. We had an afternoon of Toy Story and Curious George and really juicy red grapes. We are leaving in a couple of hours, and I’m going to miss him a lot until next time (probably a week or two).

I’ve said it before, and I’ll continue to say it: “Life’s worth living”!!!