June 13, 2004

Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else just as ours does for you. 1 Thess 3:12

A good night's sleep. What an incredible difference sleeping at night will make in your day. Friday night I slept poorly due to the joint pain I was getting as a result of my Prednisone being tapered down. However, Saturday night I slept like a baby as I was able to come up with a strategy with my meds to reduce the joint pain enough to sleep well. Often a real balancing act with the evening medications such as Ativan, Ambien, and Orthocodone.



One of the things I have spoken of before that has made this entire process much easier on me and my family has been the incredible support we receive from so many people. I have to share an incredible story about my young nephew, Zac. Zac is 15 years old and he decided he wanted to do something to help. So all by himself he organized a concert called the 'Battle of the Bands' which included five different bands, all of which donated their time, to play at the Liberty Theater in downtown Puyallup as a fundraiser for me and my family. Zac arranged everything. He set up the venue, contacted the bands, advertised, the whole works. Zac's parents, Ken and Kris, and some other parents helped with security, admission, and just overall control of the event. The event drew several hundred people and after splitting proceeds with the Liberty Theatre, Zac raised $771.00 for our family. Amazing! Zac did this out of love and the desire to do something to help. Our family is absolutely overwhelmed by this act of kindness and love, We just want to tell Zac how thankful we are and what admiration I have for you and the type of kid you are. I love you Zac. My entire family thanks and loves you.



After great test results this past week and the fact that I am feeling pretty good, I received the green light to take a little afternoon day trip home yesterday. Other than traveling South a couple weeks ago to watch my oldest son's track meet, this would be by first trip back to my house since arriving here in Seattle on April 31st. I was so excited, yet apprehensive about going home. However, I needed to be with my family today. I have been missing them so much.

My friend Gary came up to get me around 11:00 yesterday and we drove home in style as he picked me up in the Porsche Carrerra 4. Difficult to put into words how much I enjoy riding in that car. Once we were near the house and my home was in sight the emotions were flowing. As the movie says, "There is No Place Like Home!"

It was absolutely wonderful to see my family, back in our home together. All the emotional hugs at the beginning quickly turned to, "Hey Dad! Check out what I can play on guitar? Or "Dad, let's go play some catch! I had a wonderful time just talking and hanging out with Michelle and the boys. We took a walk, played, ate, and just hung out. It was the perfect Sunday afternoon together. Even though leaving was the toughest part, being with my family yesterday completely recharged my batteries and encouraged my resolve to stay strong through this whole process, because the rewards ahead are all worth the short term challenges and sacrifices I am having to make during this transplant.

 

I just thank you Lord for the opportunity to be with my family yesterday, whom I love more than words can describe. Thank you for blessing me with three incredible sons and such a wonderful wife. May our love for one another continue to be strengthened as the Lord blesses us despite these challenging times and circumstances.

Back
Next