The Summer of Cancer and Other Maladies

I recently learned that one of my uncles had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He has been given only a few months to live. He's had respiratory problems recently and finally went to a doctor who referred him to a specialist. Then the bad news.

Mrs. Rocker has had an aunt that has been living with cancer since at least last year. She's only been given a few months as well.

Mrs. Rocker's best friend at church recently underwent breast cancer surgery. She is scheduled to start chemo soon. My wife and her had big plans this summer since they both teach and have their summers free. While they still plan on trying to do as much as they can, their plans have been altered regardless.

Today, Mrs. Rocker was called out of town to be with other members of her family as an uncle battles complications from diabetes. He has been in and out of the hospital over the last few months, and it just might be his time to go home to be with his Father.

Mrs. Rocker's mom will be undegoing surgery this Friday. While we definetly want the surgery to go well, everyone was concerned earlier that we might be dealing with the C word again. While it's not present, she will be home for about 6 weeks after the surgery to recover.

While the summer is supposed to be a time to take weekend trips and time off work to spend with friends and family, this isn't how we anticipated spending our summer. Of course, our friends and families feel the same way.

At any point in time, Mrs. Rocker or myself could be called out of town to be with our own families. Sometimes, God's timing isn't in sync with our plans, but yet, his timing is still pefect, and he will provide.

Manram and TO

Manny signs with the Dodgers. Told ya so. Almost identical terms that he had refused - 2 years, $45 million - but no deferred money. The Dodgers knew he would do this, they were just trying to help their own pockets a little. They are better off giving him the 2 years guarenteed.

And Terrell Owens gets released by the 'Boys. Football fans, this is going to get real entertaining. The fun has only just begun. Soon (maybe), TO will have a new team and a new quarterback to disparrage. Personally, I can't wait for the reporters in his driveway again. Raiders, you are on the clock. Because I can't think of anyone else that would sign him.

Manny and the Dodgers

Attention all baseball fans. Manny Ramirez will play for the dodgers in 2009. The two sides are almost at an agreement as far as the terms. But the Dodgers aren't putting that spin on it. Instead, we are being told that the negotiations are starting from scratch.

Which is just a creative way to say Manny will be signed late in spring training, but before the season starts. Manny hates spring training. Duh. By saying negotiations will start from scratch, the Dodgers have an easy out when they agree to terms with Manram that will be very similar to terms they have already offered.