May 17th

We have been busy with the daily tasks that consume all of our time. We are still functioning on a delayed reaction schedule, but are thankful for the ability to do the things that we do. Life often seems overwhelming here and then we remember that life seemed overwhelming before -(perhaps for different reasons, but overwhelming just the same). I often tell people that our schedule may not seem busy to others, but is is busier then we have been in six months and we often find ourselves exhausted at the end of the day. I am not writing this to complain but to explain that our delayed reactions are not intentional. We are happy to be exhausted if it is because we are engaged and interacting in 'life'.
Robert will have another MRI scan on Monday 5/19 and we will meet with the oncologist to review the results on the same day. We were excited about the results from the last scan and continue to pray for more good news. Please pray for the lesion that has been found to continue to decrease and heal and for a positive report. As always thanks for the incredible amount of support that you provide.

May 7th

I had to post to share an incident that happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I - last minute- decided to take the boys out for lunch and to run to the store for t-ball snacks. Once we got to the Quizno's I ordered and went to the register to pay. Once in front of the cashier, I realized that I had left my wallet at home. I laughed and explained what I had done and kindly asked if he could hold the order- while I went home to get my wallet. The lady in line behind me jumped in and offered me $20.00 and asked me not to take the boys home. Initially I declined and she explained that she had a child and that she would like to give me the money and have me mail her $20.00 later. I accepted, thanked her, and promised to return the money quickly. She shared with me that recently her car had broken down and someone helped her and her son and she was happy to help someone else. I got it - the 'Pay it Back Theory' She said, "It's already working" - when she returned to the register to order a sandwich to go - the cashier did not charge her because he had seen her kind gesture to me. I promised to tell everyone this story in the hopes that one day we too- can do something nice for someone else. Robert and I have been so grateful for all of the support that we have received and hope that everyone understands the gratitude that we have. We can only hope that we will be able to help and support others that way that we have been helped.

May 5th

We made it to the finish line at the Race for Hope in Washington D.C. It was the perfect day. The sun was shining - in spite of the weather reports that predicted rain all week, the team members showed up, the team members wore their team t-shirts proudly, and everyone crossed the finish line. Some team members finished faster then others, but everyone supported each other and we traveled together in spirit. That is what friendship is all about - traveling together through good times and bad and supporting each other during good times and bad. The turn-out was great and the amount of people there was exhilarating. They had something like 247 teams and 6-8 thousand participants on race day. On race day they amount of money raised was at 2.5 million and the donations are still coming in. Knowing that researchers will have funding to continue to search for a cure gives us hope that one will be found quickly. It was an emotional and inspirational day that will always be embedded in our minds. We thank everyone who supported us in our efforts to raise money for a cure. We thank everyone who continues to support us with prayers. Thanks!

April 27th

Robert did receive a call from the oncologists assistant, who shared that the last MRI results looked excellent. We were happy to hear the words. Robert had to visit with his internist on Fri. because he thought that he might have 'pink eye' The doctor believes that it was some allergy and has prescribed some eye drops and medications. We are still waiting to speak with the oncologist to make sure that he can safely take these prescriptions. Medications that Robert would have taken without much thought, now have to be approved and taken with caution.
Robert will start his fourth round of chemo tonight and we both get a bit anxious during this time. We hope for the maximum benefit- with the least amount of side effects. Last week seemed so busy with the ball games and Robert's work meeting, and we both were really tired. We just hope to be able to function efficiently and enjoy the week days.
Thanks for the prayers - they are working well.

April 21st

We are happy to report that everyone is feeling well and that baseball & softball games are in full swing. Robert is now the assistant t-ball coach and Bryce was very excited about Robert's new position. Trey and I sit and observe the action from the sidelines. Trey enjoys watching and eating the entire time we are there.
Tonight - Robert and I went to the kindergarten orientation at Bryce's elem. school. We couldn't have been happier and more amused to be there. It wasn't just the tour of the school or the presentations, but more the act of looking ahead at where he will be going everyday and thinking about how much he will learn, grow, and develop. Going together was important and special in ways that we might not have focused on before. The point- I guess- we are not rushing time along but we are enjoying being together and looking ahead to the future.

April 14th

Medically speaking we have no new information to report. Robert has been feeling well and we have been busy with everyday chores and activities. Robert's next MRI is scheduled for April 23rd and we pray that the spot being monitored is healing. We will not be meeting with the doctors on this day and will wait to receive a report by phone or e-mail. We will post as soon as we have any information.

As I talk with others I am constantly being reminded that there are so many strong and inspirational people surrounding us. If we were not going through the journey that we are traveling, we would not necessarily hear or have heard the journeys that others have taken. So many people have suffered or are suffering, and are not only functioning- but living well. They are reaching out and supporting others. We are so thankful to those who reach out, share, and ultimately encourage us to keep fighting. I encourage others to reach out to someone in need. I encourage others to reach out and get to know someone that you may not be familiar with. Listen to others- they probably have a story to inspire you. So many people, so many stories, so much to learn.

April 9th

Robert completed another round of chemo last week and is feeling well. With the doctors permission, he had his first softball practice last week. They play once a week and they will play double headers. He was sore from practice and knows that it will take some time before he is back to his old strength and speed. If I recall correctly- he was always sore after every practice.

The days are filled with the daily activities that everyone is familiar with and the evenings seem to pass so quickly. We are thankful for the moments that capture our attention and allow us to drift into them without remembering the stress and burden of the medical situation that we find ourselves in. The moments that are so precious, funny, and captivating that it is as if we are actually living for that moment. The funny things that the boys do and say, the way that they love each other, and the the way that they teach each other. These are the moments that propel us to keep moving. The thought that so many people are thinking of us, praying for us, and reaching out to us keeps our spirits high and allows us to continue to stay connected to others with whom we may not have even talked with in a long time. The people who we have never even met, who have reached out, remind us that all people are connected and special. Robert continues to inspire people and demonstrate his strength in so many ways. We are thankful for the ways in which so many people have inspired us. We thank you for your generosity and we appreciate the continued support.