Wanted to share something . . .

Below is a cut and paste email from a friend of mine, Jenny D ERRR, Jenny Gerow. I wanted to not just to call her out (I did not even ask her) but to give you an idea of our perspective in all this as seen through those who care about us. This is one of many, but it was one today and it hit me hard. Also, by no means do I mean to exclude all the others who have said, emailed, mailed, and in-person let us know they care. What it shows is that so many are are there for us. That this impacts them too.
This is a quick but sincere thanks to all that have helped us. To our family. To our friends. To our co-workers. To Holly's travel soccer team (we miss you guys so much). To neighbors. To strangers.

To give you a quick background, last year at Breakfast for Santa at Forest Park (which was this morning) Jill and I attended for the kids. It was the weekend of unknown for us. We new Jill had cancer, but not how bad it was or what the treatments would be. At the time, our family knew but the kids did not. It was a challenge, clearly, to do that morning. But even then we wanted to show that life goes on no matter what.



Dear Greg and Jill:

This morning at Breakfast with Santa, all I could think about was that one year ago today, you were sitting in the same room, at the same activity, trying to act as if everything was normal. When, in actuality, your entire world had just turned upside down.

I felt this huge sense of wonderment, that it was a year later, that you had made it through so much, and ended up at the exact same place 12 months later. I can only imagine the difference in your thoughts and feelings today.

It affected me profoundly, so I am sure the moment was not lost of you either. I felt such a sense of relief and happiness for all of you. You still have obstacles and unknowns ahead of you. But you have made it so far and with such an air of positivity and humor. To, me it it seemed like a million years instead of just one. So it had to be infinitely more for you guys.

I remember sitting at this computer and reading the email. Calling Amy Crispin, and crying together with her. It had never hit so close to home for me, and it was a stunning shock. I will never forget the moment. But, what I remember most is the grace and humility you have both shown thoughout all of this. I hope if such a thing occurs to any other loved ones or myself, I can put up such a brave face. I respect both of you, and am very happy to have you in our lives.

In the next few months, please let me know if there is anything I can do. It helps me not feel so helpless while you struggle though your difficulties. I am so happy you are sitting looking from the other side of the battle. I never had a doubt you would beat it, but you scared the shit out of us. :)
Love,