Feeling just Ducky, thank you!

The University of Oregon Ducks will square off against the Cardinal of Stanford in Palo Alto this afternoon. The Ducks are ranked number three in the AP poll and find themselves in pretty heady company with only perennial powerhouse Alabama and the Georgia Bulldogs ahead of them. 

As a confirmed Monday morning quarterback, I have to say that in spite of their 4-0 win-loss record and rather impressive final scores, the Ducks' actual play this season has been, shall we say, less than stellar. One could argue that they have done what they needed to do when they needed to do it, but in my humble opinion, they need a lot of improvement, if they are to be contenders in the final four playoffs. 

It is interesting that the Ducks played well against #4 Ohio State while away from home, but have had some struggles in their three home games. As I contemplate my next visit to Club Sunnyside, it occurred to me that my own situation is somewhat analogous. In this, my third round of consolidation chemotherapy, I am currently feeling quite good and probably will throughout my stay at the Club. When I get home after the infusions of chemo, that is when I will begin to struggle and falter. 

At home I am in that part of the cycle where my blood counts plummet, my immunity takes a nose dive and I deal with the consequences. At home, I have been light-headed, have had my knees buckle on more than one occasion, have had to go in for transfusions and generally have not performed well. Granted this is all expected, as my body, which is actually quite healthy aside from the leukemia, keeps fighting back in spite of a turnover here or a less than stellar performance by the offensive line there. In the end I have done OK.

So, I am hoping that the Ducks will be in a similar phase of their weekly cycle of preparing for and then executing a game plan. What I mean is, although they have had their struggles at home, I hope they have worked their way through the low blood counts and light-headedness and buckling knees and are functioning in top form, now that they will be away from home. I am hoping they will take their medicine in Palo Alto while performing well and save the struggles for when they are at home where there is amazing support and comfort from the home fans. 

I know for me the amazing support that I get from Jill and the prayers and well-wishing of friends and neighbors when I am at home, not to mention the comfort of knowing that God will never leave me nor forsake me, will carry me through this ordeal, in spite of the struggles. May the Oregon Ducks football squad be as blessed as I am!

"...be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Comments

  1. Bob SOctober 3, 2021 at 10:48 PM

    Poor Ducks! At least they lost in overtime and it wasn't a slam dunk. Bob and I are praying as always, but especially as you head to Club Sunnyside. If I remember correctly you only have two more of these visits until you are through with this phase of your healing process. It has got to be a good feeling knowing that you are this far along. That last statement almost sounds like you are pregnant. :-) Any way, we send you well wishes and we are pulling for you and Jill the whole way. I know you must be getting tired of all this, but I also know you see an end to it all. A goal and hope are wonderful things to have. God bless you both!!!! Donalynn PS...Mike Daly has his hip replacement operation tomorrow morning at 7:30am. I know he and Jane covet your prayers also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TomOctober 4, 2021 at 6:08 AM

      Stanford is always a tough opponent for Oregon. I didn't know Mike was having a hip replacement. He and Jane will be in our prayers. Love to you and Bob.

      Delete
  2. MichaelOctober 4, 2021 at 2:14 PM

    The lost this game badly. Thye gave it away. They had the game won with 2 minutes to go. Two players kicked out for spear-heading in one game! The needless penalties killed them. So sad.

    ReplyDelete

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