The heartbeats in between
Forum Communications
My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in my surgeon’s office on the fourth floor of Mayo Clinic, almost 700 miles from the oak tree on the ranch in western North Dakota where we were married 14 years ago when I was on the edge of turning 23. We vowed for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as if we really knew what that meant at all.
But we never know what’s coming, do we? We’ve sure learned that lesson in these 14 years, watching our plans try their hardest to fly out the window while we hang on for dear life. Turns out, even when you think you might never come up for air, there’s always the surface, the other side of the hard things. We just have to wait for it.
And so we treated our latest visit to Rochester as if we already knew the news. Eight weeks out of a sternotomy to remove a cancerous tumor attached to my airway, I was feeling a bit more like myself, a bit more like laughing, a bit lighter from the weight of pain easing. After dropping the kids with the in-laws we took to the road like we were going on vacation. Because why not? We were together. We were OK. We were driving along Interstate and highway surrounded by sunflower fields reaching toward the sky and corn taller than two of us stacked up.
We spent the five days between doctors and tests eating as much as we could and finding shelter from the rain and sun under Minnesota trees and patio umbrellas. Once, as we were indulging in a 2 p.m. cocktail and late lunch, the woman a table over stood up to tell us that we really know how to live. We didn’t know if it was the calamari, the drinks or the loud laughter, but we decided it was the best compliment we could have received.
To know how to live.
I’ll tell you now that the doctor, on our 14th wedding anniversary, told us I am going to be OK. He said he couldn’t have done a better job repairing my airway. And that the cancer? Well, he got it all.
Life will now look like a big scar down the middle of my chest and a CT scan every six months for the foreseeable future to make sure the cancer stays gone, moving it to the back of my mind, instead of the center of our worries.
And for that we are the lucky ones.
Fourteen years ago I carried sunflowers in my bouquet as I walked down the “aisle” in that cow pasture, toward the man who would become my husband that day. Little did I know that it takes so much more than a wedding to make a marriage. Little did I know that the only thing you can really count on is that things go wrong.
And then, right again.
As we headed west out of Rochester and toward the rolling buttes of home, I imagined those fields of sunflowers waving us on into a new year, a new season, spectators with encouraging smiles, reminding me of the love and support we’ve received from our family, friends and community during these past several months.\
Reminding me that life is just a series of triumphs, roadblocks, joy and heartache. But my favorite times have always been the millions and billions of heartbeats in between.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch... 
So happy for all of you! You sure know how to bring tears to a person’s eyes!
Seriously? BEST news of 2020. Happy tears for you and yours.
I knew you would come through! You are in good hands, you are strong, and have loving family, friends and community. Keep living life to the max! 🙂 ❤
So very happy to read this one! The answer to alot of prayers for you. Keep on singing and writing, looking forward to the new cd and many more stories from out there!!
Your always positive outlook. Your constant show of LOVE! Your simply beautiful husband and children. Your friends and family- all nourished by you. You are a winner, Jesse!
Could not be better news. Good news is a blessing and especially for your family. ❤️
Awesome news!! Carry on!!
CONGRATULATIONS! You did it Girl! I am crying tears of joy for you, your family, your life, your doctor. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
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Thanks for the inspiration al blessings to you and your family 🌵😄🔥🌎🌎🌈🌈🌊🌀🌀🌏🌄
On Mon, Aug 24, 2020, 9:02 AM Meanwhile, back at the ranch… wrote:
> Meanwhile, back at the ranch… posted: ” The heartbeats in between Forum > Communications My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in my > surgeon’s office on the fourth floor of Mayo Clinic, almost 700 miles from > the oak tree on the ranch in western North Dakota where we were marrie” >
Oh, praise God! I have been praying for you. I am currently awaiting word regarding my latest cancer diagnosis and your positive and honest words about life are exactly what I needed. Thank you.
Sending positive vibes and prayers your way Laurie for the best possible outcome
Good work Jesse.
We have ya’ll on our minds.
Peace.
Glad all is well. Love to you and your lovely family. The power of prayer does work.
So happy to hear your good news – God is so good!! What a beautiful family!!
Best. News. Ever. Onward and Upward!!
ALL THE FEELS~ so glad to hear this news and could there be any better feeling on your wedding Anniversary. Praise GOD!! MJ