Good News

Jordan's scans were clear today and we are very happy. Thanks for your prayers. We check in Sunday for surgery on Monday and will likely be there a few days.

Surgery and Scans

I hope some of you could listen to that song. It is so beautiful and written and inspired by some of those closest to us during this whole ordeal. It captures my emotions completely. Jordan has a final surgery to correct some scarring coming up in 1 1/2 weeks as well as scans. I am trying to give thanks for each day but admit that I am losing many to fear lately with all that coming up. I keep telling myself that as best as anyone knows, Jordan no longer has cancer, and each day I give in to fear is a day I miss cherishing his sweet little life. It threatens to pull me under, though. I will have to find a way to give thanks for each day. It is the only way not to lose them to fear.

The surgery in Sept. 15th and the scans are Sept. 12th

Song Link

Here's the link to the song that Brian wrote about Jordan if you want to listen to it ( I don't know how to actually make it link, so you'll have to copy it.

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Brian+Coon/track/One+Day+More

Camp

Greetings from Black Butte, Oregon. We got here yesterday from Side by Side camp (a camp sponsored by UPC for families with a child with cancer). We had an amazing time at camp. The kids had "buddies" that were incredible. Each got their own personal counselor to do whatever they wanted during the day. Jordan would ask every morning "where'd my buddy go?", then we'd go find him, they would spend hours on the slide and at the Tully's cart getting cups full of whip cream, and playing in the golf cart. The other kids had a fantastic time as well. They could barely slow down to talk to me, there were so many exciting things they had to do. It was nice for Brent and I to get some time to relax and watch the kids having such a fun time. Last year was a good time, but Jordan was doing iv antibiotics and things were very stressful for our family. So much has happened since then, it seems like an eternity ago. We are so thankful to those that provided such a great week for our family. It couldn't have been better. I think maybe this summer is doing good things for me. Life away from cancer treatment seems to good to be true. I bought wine at Costco yesterday and the checker asked me if I was 21. Now that is very funny. I laughed about that for several minutes. Anyways, we're back next Saturday. Hope you are all having a nice summer!

A Good Week

The best and most amazing news...

Ben's scans were clear. Please see their blog www.caringbridge.org/visit/towne.

To add to the week, they started taking apart our deck. A crane arrives tomorrow to move it to the other side of the house. The kids can't wait to see that!

We leave for Side by Side camp on Sunday. A lot has happened since this time last year.

Party Pics

Well, I've been holding out on party pictures knowing there are some still out there to compile, but thought I would post a few. My biggest selection was from Tate's camera that included lots of pictures of food and his friends making crazy faces. So anyways here's what I could come up with. I think for some (Jordan especially) the bubblegum was the biggest hit. It seems so long ago, but a night we will never forget.

Our summer is going well. A friend asked the other day if I felt like I was just moving on. I told her it depended on the day. There are days that we forget all about cancer and delight in the moment and other days that fear seems to overwhelm me. Hopefully those days will fade away soon. We are incredibly blessed to have a summer full of vacations. So far we have hit Metaline Falls and Spokane, Virginia Beach and are headed to Mason Lake this weekend. Next week is Side by Side camp, then Black Butte and Port Townsend. And also next week, our "extreme home makeover" starts thanks to an unbelievably generous gift. It all seems unreal.

On a little side note, I ran 5 1/2 miles on Monday with my friend Jennie. I haven't done that in 11 years! Just a little bragging moment. Hopefully all the Kidd Valley onion rings will melt away soon.

Best Summer wishes to all of you!

The Extremes of Life

We are in Virginia Beach visiting my sister and brother-in-law and are having an amazing time. The extremes of life are really something. Yesterday while Jordan played on the beach enjoying his snacks, I swam with the dolphins. Really! I swam out and was 10 feet away from a mother and baby who played in circles around me. Can we really be here? 6 months ago Jordan couldn't eat anything and sat in a hospital bed with 9 tubes in him while we worried and agonized. Today we spent 5 hours basking in the sun enjoying the beach and family. I am extremely overjoyed to be here, but also am heavy hearted for those who are still in the opposite extreme. I'm not sure what to do with all that in my mind and heart except be thankful for today.