We arrived at our campground in Pigeon Forge on Monday afternoon and were warmly welcomed by Gary and Peggy as we pulled into the site next to them. It’s so nice to have them as neighbors again! After we got set up, Peggy fixed dinner for all of us and we had a chance to visit and get an update on Gary’s condition. Gary has a rare form of skin cancer (mycosis fungoides). He has been treated with radiation and several chemo drugs, but the cancer had progressed considerably since we saw him last. Most of his face was covered with painful lesions, and the swelling around his eyes obstructed his vision. He started a new chemo drug recently and we have been praying that this is THE ONE!
The four of us went to ‘5 Guys’ for lunch on Tuesday and then did a little shopping. Peggy and I especially liked ‘Ten Thousand Villages’, a fair trade retail store that markets items handcrafted by artisans around the world. A nearby tool shop kept the guys busy and happy while we shopped. After watching a demo in a craft shop, Peggy and I both became interested in needle punch embroidery. That may become our next hobby! That evening, Ron and I met Clair and Dave for pizza at the Smoky Mountain Brewery and to the ‘Tennessee Shindig’ show. We had hoped that Peggy and Gary could join us, but Gary was tired and not feeling well, so they stayed home.
We went to HR Wednesday to get my ID and name tag and picked up my uniforms at wardrobe. While we were there, we checked to see if they had found a Fall position for Ron, but there was nothing available yet. We’re hoping we didn’t make a mistake in coming back now instead of last summer. My job is in a location that is open year-round, but Ron gave up his summer job so we could spend this Fall in the Smokies. Hopefully something will open up when the Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration begins later this month.
Peggy was working at Dollywood, so we stopped by to say hello before we went home to check on Gary. His doctor had called in a prescription for pain so, when it was ready, Ron and I went to the pharmacy to pick it up for him. Peggy got home soon after we did and we all had a nice dinner together in their coach. Peggy and I took turns cooking dinner when we were in Florida last winter and we are continuing that tradition here.
We had dinner at our place Thursday night. Gary still wasn't feeling well, so they didn't go with Ron and I to see a new show with Clair and Dave at the Majestic. Clair and Dave are leaving soon, so we didn't want to miss the short time we have with them. We didn’t care for the show at the Majestic last year, so this year’s show was a big surprise! We loved ‘America’s Hit Parade’! It was a good production with some excellent singers.
The biggest news is that we are suddenly seeing some improvement in Gary’s condition! The chemo is making him tired, but the lesions appear to be healing! We’re praying this is the beginning of a long remission, if not a total cure!!
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