August 31

Well, it's finally here. We leave for Pittsburgh in the morning. We had a "Pre Tailgate" Tailgate since Mark and I will miss the Auburn tailgating. It was great to visit with the group again. We will really miss the tailgating crew. You guys will have to cheer extra loud and have a beer for Mark (I don't like beer, so maybe a soda for me). Hopefully Dr. Bartlett does such a great job that Mark will be rejoining the group before the end of the season. That is our hope.

Father Bill came over tonight and visited with us and did an annointing of the sick service for Mark. It was very nice. St. Michael's is having a prayer service for Mark on Friday morning from 8:30 to 11:30 in the chapel and then mass will start at it's usual time at 12:10. You can come and go as time permits during the prayer service.

Calen is pretty emotional about us leaving. He really takes it hard and didn't want to go to bed tonight. He posted an emotional message on Facebook that made me want to cry. It is so hard. Emily was clingy as well and I know Colton is getting sad. They are in good hands, but it is just so hard to leave them for such a long period of time.

Mark is ready to go. He hasn't been feeling well and I think he is just ready to get going on this as it will be one step closer to getting rid of this cancer. His belly is swollen with fluid and is tight. He gets really uncomfortable if he eats even small portions of food. I hate seeing him so miserable.

Continue to pray for Mark. I will try to keep everyone posted on the progress as we get to Pittsburgh. Mark wants to try a few restaurants he saw on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives from the Food Network on Wednesday. Hopefully he will feel up to it.

Remember Carly Parker in your prayers this week as well. She will have her surgery at MD Anderson this Thursday. God bless!!!!!!!!