Fern Ridge Review
Creswell Chronicle
Sweet Lorane Community News
February 11, 2016
By Pat Edwards
Those of you who love and respect Debbie Davis as much as I do, will be glad to hear that her craniotomy surgery this past week went well and she is recovering nicely. Her daughter, Anna, said that she was expected to go home last Friday… that’s where healing really can begin! Debbie has proven time and again how strong she is and I have no doubt that she will continue to battle the cancer that keeps trying to sneak up on her and one day she will be declared the winner.
It’s strong courageous people like Debbie and Michael Matchulat who are literally fighting for their lives against cancer that make me realize that this world has some amazing people who are daily showing us how precious life is.
Loranian Michael Matchulat has been very open with his fight against the cancer that has invaded his colon, liver and lungs and his words on Facebook are inspiring others who are heading down the same road. Last night, Michael posted an update about the fact that the new meds that he is on are “way more bearable and have eliminated almost every (bad) side-effect.” When someone mentioned his amazingly positive attitude, Michael immediately responded with what I consider a golden nugget of advice for others and their loved ones who are in the same position: “Just remember one rule: Be sad sometimes. Optimism is often confused with positivity. Don’t make cancer fighters be positive; it tells them their emotions are wrong.” I shared his words with an especially good friend in Montana who has just begun the journey down that road and I know that they are so appreciated.
One of our former long-time residents, Walt VanDecar, passed away on February 7, according to his daughter, Rose. She and Walt’s stepchildren, Susan and Kenny Keeler, went to the Lorane and Crow schools and his wife, Mary Ann, was active with the Lorane P.T.C. for many years. Walt was a sheep rancher and shearer, and after moving from the Crow area, he worked closely with Cleve Dumdi in the Monroe and Junction City areas. Our condolences go out to Rose, Mary Ann and the rest of the family. I know that he will be sorely missed.
Disclaimer: The following is a “proud grandma” alert… I just got word from our son, Rob, that our two Creswell granddaughters, Hannah and Natalie Edwards both came home today with report cards sporting 4.0 GPAs! In addition, Miss Nat was named Student of the Month at the middle school. Congratulations, girls! Grandpa and I are so proud of you both. Hey! How could I NOT brag a bit?
I’ve got a date with both of my girls for this coming Saturday. We’re all going to get pedis, followed by lunch and maybe some shopping in celebration of Hannah’s 15th birthday on February 3. (You Creswell and Cottage Grove driver’s might want to be on the alert!) Actually, Hannah has a headstart on driving. She’s driven the tractor during haying season and has practiced on her Uncle John’s long driveway in Saginaw for the last couple of years. I have no doubt that she is going to do just fine. It’s so much fun being a grandma… and great grandma!
Ok… back to Lorane… The only other news I have right now are reminders of events that I’ve covered pretty thoroughly in the past couple of columns:
There’s a mandatory parent/athletic meeting scheduled at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 for all Spring Sports at Crow Middle/High School.
Sunday, February 21 is the Lorane Christian Church Friendship Dinner at Sizzler’s in Springfield at 5:30 p.m.
The next Lorane Grange dinner and bingo is Saturday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m.
I hope you’ve all been enjoying the sunshine this past week!
All Things Lorane 