8.24.2008

Where has the summer gone?

Wow! I can't believe that it is the last week of summer vacation and the boys will be starting school again. But I have no complaints as this has been a truly amazing time for us. We have had many great experiences together. The boys were able to travel to Hawaii with my sister and their grandparents, travel to Quebec to see their dad's family, take a camping trip to Lopez Island, spend 3 days sailing in the Gulf Islands, swim at the pool, spend a week at horse camp, and play with their friends. It makes me tired just to write it all down! 

Kyle has been able to maintain this crazy pace even while continuing his chemo. He is so tough. When he gets frustrated that he isn't performing athletically as well as he would like I try to remind him that most people who are taking a single chemo, let alone 3 at a time, are too tired to even try. Yet here he is, riding horses, swimming in the pool, riding his scooter. Sure he struggles more now than before, but he is relentless with his effort. He competitive spirit just doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. And his brother is just as amazing. He is kind and patient with Kyle. He looks out for him when they are playing with their friends. He encourages him when he gets frustrated. He goes to sleep in my bed with him because Kyle doesn't want to sleep alone. I couldn't be more proud. 

We are heading to Children's again this Wednesday for yet another MRI. If the MRI is still showing Kyle's tumor as stable he will begin the next round of chemo Wednesday afternoon. Please keep Kyle in your prayers. Each of these MRI's seems more important yet more uncertain as we continue this journey. 

I would also like to ask that you take a moment to think positive thoughts for Mara Adams as her parents find themselves at a crossroad in her battle with DIPG. Heather, Mara's mom, has been a wonderful friend since I met her this winter. It is a blessing to have someone to talk with who can really understand how crazy this whole mess really is. We are continually faced with choices that no parent ever wants to have to make, and Adam's are facing one more of those moments. 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am thinking good thoughts for Kyle and the MRI tomorrow. Reading about your summer adventures has made me tired - and jealous! It sounds like it has been a fun time. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Love and hugs!
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Thinking good thoughts and sending lots
of prayers your way for tomorrow.

Love to you all

Sheila Clark said...

Kyle and Nicholas I am so proud of you both and so happy to hear of all your summer adventures. My Alex and Emma have become snuggle bugs this summer too and really enjoy falling asleep in my bed. I love it. It's a treat every time I find them there all warm and drooly. My husband has mentioned that they keep "sweating up his spot." A reasonable price to pay to get to find them there, tucked in like bugs in a rug.
Kyle, try not to let the chemo get you down. I was watching a show about extreme athletes one time called Eco-challenge. These competitors went all over the world biking, running, swimming, and climbing amazing distances. They were amazingly strong. One of the athletes had battled a bump of his own and he talked about the race and said the only thing harder that he'd ever done was chemo. You are amazing. It may slow you down a little, but nothing stops you. Stay strong!
Have a great start to school. I will be thinking of you all on Wednesday.
Love,
Mrs. Clark

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle! Thanks for letting me come over to your house. It was fun playing at your house and going down the zip line, even though I got stuck. Painting rocks, totally rocked. I will be praying for you and that you do well with the MRI. I am really glad that we are friends.
Your friend,
Carson

Anonymous said...

HEY Kyle and Nicolas,
This has been such a great summer. I am so glad I got to share it with you guys. I can't wait for swap day. Good luck at your MRI Kyle. I will be praying for you.
Love you guys lots!!
Your friend Andrea
P.S Everyone says they love the earrings you guys picked out for me. Good job. :)

joelle said...

Christin, Kyle & Nicholas - I think of you so often - sending good thoughts your way. I love to read about all of your amazing adventures - you are such a strong family and so lucky to have each other. I'll be sending my prayers your way. Love you!

Joelle

Greg Johns said...

Hey Kyle,
Sounds like you've had a great summer! I can't believe it's almost school time. Which means football time, too! Hope you get a chance to watch Jake on TV on Saturday down at Oregon!
I still smile every time I think of that day last year when I got to hang out with you and Jake at Husky Stadium!
Have a great time with school and say hi to your mom and brother for me!

Your sports writer friend,
Greg

Anne-Marie said...

It sounds like a wonderful summer for the entire family. If you want to cap it off with some fun at Lake Samish, our inner tubes are always ready to have you two visit with your Mom. =)

Love,

A-M & Chris

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle,
Can you believe we made it into the same class?! We are going to have a fun year together. My mom loved seeing you all dressed up in your police uniform. For some reason she thinks police officers are pretty cute. :) See you on Tuesday.
Your Friend,
Carson

Kayley Westra said...

Hi Mate, we feel so lucky that we got to share part of our summer with you. You and your brother are two of the coolest kids we know. You rock!
Love,
Kayley, Captain Fabulous, Ryan, Savannah & Anders

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