Life keeps on moving...
Writing here on a Saturday night, I'm missing my oldest, Caleb, and hoping that he has had a good time at camp this week. That sounds strange to me, to say that I'm missing my 11 year old son, but it's true. Both boys are somewhat older than their years, probably more so for Ian, but it's also true of Caleb. And as Caleb has been away for the week, it makes me very aware that even in the best of situations, we only have our kids for a short time. We love them, disciple them, play with them, laugh with them, worry about them, but they are only our "kids" for a while, and then they are on their own. So we try to live life, here, now, in full color, in full energy and in the full grace of God
May God bless parents, and give them the love they need to share their life with their kids, and the ability to savor the moments when they can, knowing that life will keep walking on.
The last PET/CT scans we had for Ian were clear. We praise God, and are incredibly thankful for that, and all the normal summer days we get to spend together right now. We will then miss him when he goes off to camp in a couple weeks. Take care folks.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Sound and the Fury
11pm on July 4th, Pacifica, California. AKA the War Zone.
As I sit here and write, the sky outside is lit by the mortars, rockets, and any other incendiaries that might be named. This year is a little more tame that previous, due in part to the new $5K fine for illegal fireworks, or maybe it's the economy, I don't know, but it hasn't dampened everyone's spirit. Every now and then someone lights off a big keg, that is, about 24 to 36, 2" shells that seem like an entire fireworks show for a small town, or minor league baseball team, all in what seems to be our front yard. The smell, the felt percussion, the way they light up the night sky. It's pretty incredible. This town is different. Good or Bad I don't really know.
We just got back from a really nice trip to Texas where we saw Grandma, Grandpa, Brother Kyle, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It was good, but man was it hot, but not too hot to eat all that food that we miss so much. What was difficult was trying to keep to my training there in the heat. I did, but it was a little painful, and I'm paying for it now. Good thing today is a day of rest. Every one is healthy, and we should get the results back from Ian's scans that were done the week before last. We thank God for this time together with family, for health, and the smell of gunpowder on a 4th of July evening.
As I sit here and write, the sky outside is lit by the mortars, rockets, and any other incendiaries that might be named. This year is a little more tame that previous, due in part to the new $5K fine for illegal fireworks, or maybe it's the economy, I don't know, but it hasn't dampened everyone's spirit. Every now and then someone lights off a big keg, that is, about 24 to 36, 2" shells that seem like an entire fireworks show for a small town, or minor league baseball team, all in what seems to be our front yard. The smell, the felt percussion, the way they light up the night sky. It's pretty incredible. This town is different. Good or Bad I don't really know.
We just got back from a really nice trip to Texas where we saw Grandma, Grandpa, Brother Kyle, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It was good, but man was it hot, but not too hot to eat all that food that we miss so much. What was difficult was trying to keep to my training there in the heat. I did, but it was a little painful, and I'm paying for it now. Good thing today is a day of rest. Every one is healthy, and we should get the results back from Ian's scans that were done the week before last. We thank God for this time together with family, for health, and the smell of gunpowder on a 4th of July evening.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Running to Stand Still
Training is going well, but I don't think I'll ever be a true endurance athlete. I'm up to 6 miles, 3 times a week, plus the long run on Saturdays. And my body is telling me I was just not made to do this type of thing, with my knees being the loudest protester. I had to go into a counseling session at the gym at work after a recent evaluation of Body Mass Index. Seems that the stats are close enough to obese that I am at risk of all sorts bad stuff. Of course, I feel better than I have in years, and can eat almost anything I want.
Contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because of Ian have been great, and I thankful for all. It's time for me to hold up my end of the bargain
Today was a chemo day, and either the drugs, or minor sickness have knocked Ian down. But the resiliency of the little guy is incredible. God be praised!
Contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because of Ian have been great, and I thankful for all. It's time for me to hold up my end of the bargain
Today was a chemo day, and either the drugs, or minor sickness have knocked Ian down. But the resiliency of the little guy is incredible. God be praised!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Rockin in Paradise
Below are some pics from Camp Okizu. The log traverse was Caleb's favorite, especially when they added the leap to get the rag, Ian was happy with a straight climb, but ended up doing the log traverse very nicely.
Of course both boys, and daddy, got a kick from the zip line.
To the left is Caleb after one traverse, and getting ready for another.
The white rag he had in his belt was meant to place on a pulley to jump out and grab. Which he did. Cool.
On the right is Ian for the first on the log
Ian and Caleb ready for the zip line.
Just some foolishness to share. Okizu is a cool place, with a cool mission.
Of course both boys, and daddy, got a kick from the zip line.
To the left is Caleb after one traverse, and getting ready for another.The white rag he had in his belt was meant to place on a pulley to jump out and grab. Which he did. Cool.
On the right is Ian for the first on the log
Ian and Caleb ready for the zip line.
Just some foolishness to share. Okizu is a cool place, with a cool mission.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Well, I really don't know what to say about this. In my attempt to raise some funds to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I have failed in a significant way...
I completely underestimated the generosity of our friends and family. I have been touched by the donations that have come in to the point that I haven't known what to say. I truly thank God for the love shown. To those anonymous donors that I will never be able to thank personally, May God Bless and Honor your giving and give it effectiveness in purpose.
I'll write more about it later, but I guess I have really do this now. I did my first run with the group today under clear blue skies at Crissy Field and I felt good. My knee is holding up, but we are just at the beginning.
Also, Caleb and Ian won their playoff game today, with both boys getting a hit. I wasn't there to see the joy in faces, but from what I hear, they acted like they had won the world series. Again, God be praised.
I completely underestimated the generosity of our friends and family. I have been touched by the donations that have come in to the point that I haven't known what to say. I truly thank God for the love shown. To those anonymous donors that I will never be able to thank personally, May God Bless and Honor your giving and give it effectiveness in purpose.
I'll write more about it later, but I guess I have really do this now. I did my first run with the group today under clear blue skies at Crissy Field and I felt good. My knee is holding up, but we are just at the beginning.
Also, Caleb and Ian won their playoff game today, with both boys getting a hit. I wasn't there to see the joy in faces, but from what I hear, they acted like they had won the world series. Again, God be praised.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Spread your arms and hold you breath and always trust your cape
This weekend was blur, but a good blur. We were blessed to experience something that Ian had last year when he, as 7 year old boy, went off by himself for a week long camp about 5 hours from home.
We spent the long weekend at Camp Okizu. This is a beautiful, Sierra mountain camp run for children, their siblings, and families that are experiencing, or have experienced cancer. Last year Ian spent a week with about 100 other children who were going through, or had gone through a similar experience. They were no longer the odd, child with cancer. They were among true peers.
We shared stories, cares, worries, and blessings with others who were in, or had been in the same boat. This weekend we were no longer the family who was dealing with childhood cancer. We were just a some of the folks there to have a good time and share experiences.
We paddled canoes on a mountain lake, shot arrows at imaginary deer and enemies, climbed trees, and spent what was too much time on the ropes course and zip line. Caleb made it across the 25' high cat walk and up to the 50' flag, and Ian spent his time doing spiderman and trying to do the superman on the zip line. And despite the mosquitoes, poison oak, and high pollen counts, we had a really great time. God be praised. It's time for some rest now before work. Take care.
We spent the long weekend at Camp Okizu. This is a beautiful, Sierra mountain camp run for children, their siblings, and families that are experiencing, or have experienced cancer. Last year Ian spent a week with about 100 other children who were going through, or had gone through a similar experience. They were no longer the odd, child with cancer. They were among true peers.
We shared stories, cares, worries, and blessings with others who were in, or had been in the same boat. This weekend we were no longer the family who was dealing with childhood cancer. We were just a some of the folks there to have a good time and share experiences.
We paddled canoes on a mountain lake, shot arrows at imaginary deer and enemies, climbed trees, and spent what was too much time on the ropes course and zip line. Caleb made it across the 25' high cat walk and up to the 50' flag, and Ian spent his time doing spiderman and trying to do the superman on the zip line. And despite the mosquitoes, poison oak, and high pollen counts, we had a really great time. God be praised. It's time for some rest now before work. Take care.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sunshine in a Bag...
For any who may be following this...
Today was a beautiful day in Pacifica. Temps were in the 80's, the sun was shining, and the mountains were still green around us. It was a good day for baseball, and my boys were shining. Caleb and Ian are on the same team this year, and Kathy and I are the team parents.
They were hitting well, and to see the joy in their faces as they swatted the ball was amazing. I was watching from the dugout as each boy took their turns as bat, and for maybe the first time, I focused on the batter, instead of the hit ball. I watched as they first connected, then realized they made contact, and then understood they had to run. It was pure joy on their faces as they made it to first, second, or third. Now understand, we expect chemo to continue for the year or so, but we continue on, and are thankful in life that is given us.
God has granted us a season of joy, and I pray they appreciate it. I know I do
Also, I have done it. I have committed to doing the Nike San Francisco Marathon in October in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I must raise the funds and do the marathon. We have benefited from this organization tremendously, and we must give back. I pray that the efforts lead to progress. I have never done anything like this before, and I am unsure and nervous about the effort, but I will see it through. God give us strength, and I will update on the efforts. The link for giving is:
Scot's Marathon
Today was a beautiful day in Pacifica. Temps were in the 80's, the sun was shining, and the mountains were still green around us. It was a good day for baseball, and my boys were shining. Caleb and Ian are on the same team this year, and Kathy and I are the team parents.
They were hitting well, and to see the joy in their faces as they swatted the ball was amazing. I was watching from the dugout as each boy took their turns as bat, and for maybe the first time, I focused on the batter, instead of the hit ball. I watched as they first connected, then realized they made contact, and then understood they had to run. It was pure joy on their faces as they made it to first, second, or third. Now understand, we expect chemo to continue for the year or so, but we continue on, and are thankful in life that is given us.
God has granted us a season of joy, and I pray they appreciate it. I know I do
Also, I have done it. I have committed to doing the Nike San Francisco Marathon in October in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I must raise the funds and do the marathon. We have benefited from this organization tremendously, and we must give back. I pray that the efforts lead to progress. I have never done anything like this before, and I am unsure and nervous about the effort, but I will see it through. God give us strength, and I will update on the efforts. The link for giving is:
Scot's Marathon
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