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I had a “date” with mom on Monday. We went to go see a movie downtown, “Blood Diamond”. Then we went out to dinner at PF Changs at Westlake Center. We had a great time! Mom was radiant and beaming. I will try and post some of the photos I took with my cell phone.

We talked a little about her cancer, and she told me that she isn’t afraid to die, she is just sad that she will not have more time with family and friends, especially Nina and Aidan. She told me she does not want sympathy, she does not want people to feel sorry for her. She said she when someone is suffering or having a hard time, it is more important to have EMPATHY for their situation. Mom really just would like more time to be with grandkids and family and friends. Nothing more… is that too much to ask for this Christmas? Time will tell.

Empathy not sympathy. It is more important to walk the journey with someone no matter how difficult, than to feel sorry for them that they are on the journey in the first place.

Mom has taught me so much about life. I would do anything to give her more life. I feel so helpless, because there is nothing I can do to stop the cancer from growing.

Mom had her chemo today. Her nurse was very kind. It is so nice that 99% of the nruses and doctors and receptionists at Swedish are amazingly patient and compassionate. Dr. G’s receptionist Jessie gave mom a long hug today. Not a rushed hug, but one with genuine care.

Mom tolerated the treatment well, and dad and her got hom around 7:30pm… kind of a long day because it started at 10:00am. They then had dinner and watched what they called a “feel good” movie.

I am going up tonight to try and get them out of the condo and enjoy some dessert or something somewhere in Seattle. Depends on the incoming storm though.

Thanks for the prayers!

Love, Michael and family

Well, life has been pretty hectic over the past month or so… sorry for the lack of updates. I know many of you really want to know how mom is, and the fact I have not been updating the site has not helped.

I think the main reason I haven’t updated is because I wish I had great news to pass on.

I guess great news is relative though, because over the past month we have been able to create great memories as a family that a year ago we did not know if we would have, so we are truly grateful.

Sometimes it feels like we are in a coasting mode.

Like the doctor said, Mom will have to get chemo every five weeks for the rest of her life, unless there is either a miracle or a cure.

Mom is strong, and she endures her chemo like a trooper, but the fact remains, that for two to three weeks of those five weeks, mom is suffering. The flip side is that for a couple of those weeks, mom is not suffering as much, and we are able to have fun as a family, or mom is able to travel, or visit with friends, and have a “good time”. I say good time in quotes, because it is what a good time can be for her. It may not be quality of life, asa you or I, might wish for, but to her it is still life, and she enjoys it.

We are able to laugh, and play games, talk on the phone daily, and hug and hold hands still. It is these moments I try and focus on.

Over Thanksgiving, some close friends offered to bring a full Thanksgiving dinner over to mom and dads. It was actually one of the best Turkeys I have ever tasted! It was lonely not having Christine and family in town, but we will make up for it over Christmas.

I am participating on the leadership team which plans the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. In the coming dsays I will post information on how you can get invloved yourself, in honor of all the people in your lives who may be facing cancer.

One thing we have done for our team is to put together a nice 2007 calendar.

I am hoping those of you out there will purchase a copy to help suport the cause.

I will soon post information on how you can do that.

Otherwise, the days go by, and we live the best we can. Thanks for all of your support and prayers! May this Holiday season bring you much to celebrate!