Home Again!!!

Landon made it home today!  I'm sure he and his weary parents are appreciating some time to rest away from the hospital.... that family has spent more time at Sacred Heart in the last five months than any family should in a lifetime!!!  In any case, I bet they are all so glad Landy Lou is home and doing well.  Thanks for the continued prayers and positive thoughts.

Christmas Wish Pictures

It feels a little strange to post the happiness from yesterday while Landon is in the hospital.  In any case, it helps to see the joy and excitement that surrounded our Christmas Wish experience yesterday.  Thank you so much to 92.9, the Dave, Ken and Molly morning show, KXLY, Yokes, Avista, Sharleen, the elves, Down River Grill, the list goes on..... Thank you to all of you!  OH, and a huge, huge, HUGE, thank you to our photographer, Jennifer Holm.  As always, great pictures!

Waiting for the big surprise!

Taking it all in, watching her boys and my boys enjoying the surprises.

Part of the Christmas Wish crew and friends.

An amazing moment.....

Erin chatting with Dave on the radio.

Erin and Claire.  Amazing, amazing women.

Landon Update

I don't have a lot of information, but I have heard that Landon is out of surgery and doing well.  He is at Sacred Heart, with both parents by his side.  Landon is a strong, sensational boy and will no doubt sail through his recovery.  Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers for this sweet family.

Landy Lou

Well, life just keeps going, one way or another.  Tomorrow will be another big day on this family's roller coaster ride.  Landon is scheduled for heart surgery.  When he was just a few weeks old, sweet baby Landon was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for his heart.  While there, he received an internal pacemaker.  His situation was scary and grim.  His family was told to "enjoy your baby."  I'm not sure exactly what that statement meant, but Erin remembers it was made in response to her questions about what to expect in the future.  Landon turned six years old last month and is doing extraordinarily well.  Tomorrow, in many ways, is a celebration.  Landon made it. Landon's little heart is doing better than ever anticipated and his pacemaker is coming out.  He will be in Sacred Heart hospital overnight, but should come home on Thursday.  I will post updates as I hear them.  Please keep sweet Landy Lou in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow, along with his brave, strong family.  Just like his mama and his grandma, Landon is a fighter.

Christmas Wish!!!!!

Today was incredible, absolutely, positively incredible.  Year after year, one of our local radio stations, 92.9 ZZU, grants fabulous holiday wishes to families who have come upon hard times.  Through a letter, I shared Erin and Claire's unbelievable story and nominated them to receive one of the generous Christmas Wish deliveries.  About two weeks ago, the call came sharing that their wish would be granted.  It took some creativity, a touch of conspiracy, and a whole lot of lying to actually surprise this family, especially savvy Erin.  With many friends in tow, and Nik staged at the house getting the kids ready, we followed the KXLY camera crew and our head elf to Erin's door.  The looks on their faces will be in my heart forever.  Erin thought I was bringing a high school journalism student by to interview her... um.... not quite.  I can only imagine her surprise.  It was so awesome.  ZZU Christmas Wish blessed them with many wonderful surprises as so many friends and my own family watched on.  The sight of Erin's boys snuggled on the couch with my own little men, digging through the gifts cannot even be described.  That moment truly was what Christmas should be about - crazily happy children, enjoying a perfect, cancer-free morning.  Erin's living room positively overflowed with pure holiday joy that could be felt by all.  Thank you so much to Christmas Wish, ZZU, all of their sponsors, and KXLY News.  After the surprise, the news crew stayed and interviewed Claire, who literally woke up in the middle of the mayhem, and Erin.  I'm excited to see their fighting spirit shine through in their segment.  

Once all of the elves and crew were on their merry way, we broke open some champagne and shared mimosas and donuts.  What an incredible, unbelievable morning.  I feel so, so fortunate to share in all of this with my wonderful friends.  Ladies, I just love you and am glad today was a bright spot in this difficult journey.

The recording of Erin and Claire's surprise can be found here: Christmas Wish.  Their wish is #6.  Enjoy!!!!  Pictures to follow soon!

Great Weekend

This weekend, I had the pleasure of taking Erin and Claire to the Davenport Hotel to see the trees on display for Christmas Tree Elegance.  We had a wonderful time!!!  Between the banter, the really tall college basketball players breezing by us, the seriously short people in the lounge.... we had a ball.  Erin and I giggled loudly every time Claire ran off to leave her ticket in the raffle box for the next tree with a larger cash prize.  It was so, so fun.

After the trees, we spent some time in the glamorous Peacock Lounge.  It was so amazing to visit, share some yummy food, and sip beverages.  Claire made a comment like, "Who knew a simple day out of the house could feel so liberating?"  What a fabulous reminder!  So much to be thankful for.

Last night, the three of us enjoyed a movie, a yummy dinner.... if I do say so myself, and some time to chat.  I loved it.  These two ladies are so incredible.  I have no health updates, but will post as soon as I am able.  While we were relaxing, our four boys were totally crazy.  There *might* have been a touch of squabbling, but mostly we enjoyed their silly giggles and their goofy conversations.  Little boys are simply amazing.

Do you know why he wears a hat???

Tonight, I was lucky enough to visit with Erin and Claire for a little bit.  Thank you, Somer, for another delicious meal.  This time, I stayed for dinner, chatted, and ate way too much, YUM!!!!  Somer is a mom of one of my sweet first graders and has never met Erin or Claire.  This is the fourth meal she has sent in the three months I have known her.  Thank you!!!  These gestures, Somer's and those of so many others, make us all smile and remember the genuine goodness in people.  In some ways, that means even more than the food and care packages.  Thank you!!!!

Erin and Claire were doing ok.  This round of chemo has not been too friendly with Claire.  She and Erin both said today was better than yesterday, but still a tiring, hard day.  Claire's natural spunk and good humor were there, but slightly hidden under a small mountain of fatigue.  Hopefully, as she distances herself from last Monday's chemo treatment, she will grow in strength and energy.  If you would like to encourage sweet Claire, cards can be sent to Claire Bistline, 3118 W Grace, Spokane WA 99205.  Thank you for continuing to keep this loving mom and grandma in your thoughts and prayers.

Erin doesn't have a lot of answers about her own test results.  She has a really awesome oncologist who has traveled out of town to attend a conference about Erin and Claire's specific form of cancer.  I pray she comes back with the right tools to gain ground and defeat their cancer.  Erin will be meeting with her to discuss treatment options as soon as she returns.  If I hear anything, I will update right away.

The part I never realized about these journeys is that normal day to day "life" must go on.  Homework, sleepovers, sports, dinner, laundry, it doesn't stop for cancer.  I guess I never considered that side, especially for a busy single mom of two boys.  During this Christmas season, Erin's guys have been visited by a very naughty "Elf on the Shelf."  While I was there, Landon finally found the evasive elf, Calvin, hiding in the sugar canister.  As Landon was peeking at him, he said, "Hey Kim, I know why he wears a hat, do you?"  I quickly retorted with, "Well, I think he might be a cone head."  Landon replied, "NO, he is an ELF not a CONEHEAD!  He wears a hat because he is a bald elf....."  ....just like Landon's sweet mama and grandma.  As much as life keeps going on day in and day out, cancer threads its way into daily life, too.  While his comment made me giggle and made me proud of his open mind, it also slammed the reality of his life in my face.  He and his brother are so unbelievably brave.  I am incredibly proud of both of them.  They are the light that is shining on their mom and grandma through all of this.  Thank you for continuing to keep this entire unstoppable family in your thoughts and prayers. 

aaaaaaaaggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh

Results.....  Erin found out from her oncologist that the tumor that was removed last week still had active cancer cells.  Damn it!!!  What that means is that the chemo did not phase her cancer at all.  Her tumor did not shrink and was resistant to the chemo treatments.  Damn it!!!!  Whatever Plan B is, Erin will definitely face it head on and fight this stupid cancer beast.  I have very few answers, but I pray that Erin, Claire, and their family will sail through this holiday season with their eyes set on many more happy times to come. Please keep Erin in your thoughts and prayers.  She is simply amazing.  Hopefully, the months ahead will be kind and gentle to our dear friend and her mama.  Damn it, damn it, damn it.

With Love, from Ajo

Claire called me today with awesome, awesome news.  She and Terry received a very excited call from their friends in Ajo, AZ last night.  I have never been to Ajo, but Claire said it is a fairly isolated smaller community, with a population of less than 5,000 people.  She and Terry have been spending the cold months there since 1997.  In that time, they have made many close friends, some from the start, and some more recently.  The Ajo community rallied together and scheduled a yard and vegetable sale this weekend.  The Community Support Agriculture Group donated the profits from the sales of their home grown vegetables.  Yard sale items were donated prior to the sale and were sold to benefit Claire.  From what I have heard, the extent of the donated items was tremendous, especially for a smaller community.  Claire and Terry were so excited to hear the conference call from so many of their dearly beloved friends in Ajo.  I believe that call just might have brought some tears of joy.  I could hear the excitement in Claire's voice as she shared the energy from her friends.  I'm also hearing rumblings of more benefit activities in that neck of the woods.  I am so, so excited.  I often worry that as we rally to support this sweet family on the northern end, that I often focus on Erin and overlook Claire.  Due to her kind, caring, and humble demeanor, I know Claire would never complain for a second about my focus on her amazing daughter.  In any case, I am so glad that she has a chance to feel the love and support from her Ajo family.  To all her Ajo friends and family, thank you for organizing this event, sharing your excitement, and sending your energy to sweet Claire.  She needed that!!!

Erin is doing well post-surgery.  She has some soreness at the incision site and is a touch tired.  On the whole, she is faring very, very well.  Of course, we are all on pins and needles for the pathology reports.  Those should come in this week.  Hopefully, the results will show the cancer cells within the mass are dead.  I will update as soon as I know.  Claire is scheduled for her third round of chemo tomorrow - half way!!! I'm hoping that she handles this treatment well and the aftermath is tolerable.  As a mom, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for her to take care of herself  and watch her daughter, too.  It is really so unreal.  Hang in there ladies!!!  I've said this whole community is behind you, but I was so wrong, at least two whole communities (and probably more) are sending you so much love, prayers, and support.  It is a testament to you both that so many people love you, support you, and would do absolutely anything to help out during this journey.  You both are simply amazing.

WAHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin was able to come home tonight!  I am so happy for her!!!!  I spent some time with her, her family, and friends.  Erin is doing really well.  She was laughing and positive.  We had a fantastic time telling stories, joking, and sipping wine.  (Surprise, I know!)  In any case, she was dealing well with her surgical pain and was happy to be home.  I am so incredibly proud of her strength, her braveness, her spirit, and her unending drive to conquer this cancer beast.  Erin's pathology results should be in by Tuesday.  Please pray for NO active cancer cells.  I will post the results as soon as I can.

Erin and Claire,
We love you and cannot tell you how much this whole community is pulling for you. I know I have said it before, but cancer picked the wrong family to mess with!  You will seriously kick some cancer butt!!!  I can't wait for the big post cancer party and perhaps a Hawaiian vacation???  You will be victorious.    I just know it.
LOVE YOU!!!!
Kim and Jim

Out of Surgery

Erin made it through the surgery with flying colors.  Her doctor said it went well and that she is happy with how Erin handled things.  The pathology reports should be back next week  Praying for dead cancer cells!!  At this time, Erin is recovering in the hospital and will be monitored today.  It has not been determined if she will go home tonight or tomorrow.  I will update as I know more.

Change of Plans

Recently, Erin had some tests and scans to monitor the effectiveness of her chemotherapy treatments.  Unfortunately, her scans revealed that the tumor is the same size as before chemo.  Her doctor has shared that this could mean a couple of different things.  It could mean that the cancer cells within the mass are dead and the tumor just didn't shrink.  That would be ideal.  If that is the case, she would continue on with her treatment plan as is.  It could also mean that the chemo is not working and a different form of treatment needs to be investigated.  To know for certain, the lump needs to be removed and tested.  Yesterday, Erin went in for that surgery.  Typically, this is an outpatient procedure and Erin was scheduled as such.  Due to her heart condition, her team has decided the safest place to perform the surgery is in the hospital, probably as an inpatient.  They were unable to get Erin on the hospital schedule yesterday, bumping her to Friday instead.  Erin's surgery will be tomorrow morning at Sacred Heart. It is likely she will spend Friday night in the hospital as a precautionary measure.  Please send your prayers and positive thoughts in her direction as she bravely faces another battle in this journey.  Hopefully, the pathology reports will reveal dead cancer cells. 

I have only had brief opportunities to visit with Claire lately, but she seems to be handling things well.  Her next bout of chemo will be next week.  She is enjoying having Terry here.  I know the two and half months of separation was difficult for both of them.  While he has been here, they have enjoyed some great visits with friends and family.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, for her own journey and as a devoted mom caring for her incredible daughter.

A Fabulous Weekend!!!

A few weeks ago, Erin found a deal for a night at the Ramada by the Spokane Airport.  This hotel has an indoor pool and a tall water slide - heaven to any boy!!!  She booked the night for her and her boys and told me about how excited she was to get the guys out of the house for a little down time.  Like a true friend, I invited my family along and booked the room across the hall.  Erin's childhood buddy and my favorite new chum, Wenona, came along, too, spending the night in the room next door.  It was such a blast.  The boys were crazy little men, while the grown-ups relaxed and visited.  We spent some time poolside and even ventured in the water with our gaggle of guys.  So incredibly fun!!  Of course, we endured a few jokes about my husband, Jim, and his harem, who supplied him with a flock of sons.  Hysterical.  The whole hotel adventure was incredibly fun, and something I hope to repeat soon.....  although, next time I hope to get two coats of nail polish on my toes while sipping wine poolside.  Everybody needs a Wenona!!

Four Bathing Beauties

Hot Tub Time

Landon educating Wenona on the finer points of his video game.

Who knew Spiderman stays at the Ramada when away from the bat cave???

Gamers

Thankful

I am so thankful for all of the acts of generosity and caring that have been extended to our friends, Erin and Claire.  On this day of thanks, I am thankful for all of the time, money, cards, food, care packages, phone calls, every single act of kindness that has made its way to Erin and Claire.  I am amazed and humbled by the generosity of our community and the character of so many incredible individuals, families, and businesses.  I cannot believe how people have rallied to support this family.  Thank you.  Thank you for following their journey.  Thank you for the prayers.  Thank you for the well wishes.  Thank you for the meals.  Thank you for every ounce of your support!!  While my heart is burdened with shards of their struggle, it is also overwhelmed with gratitude for the selfless acts and kindness of so many.  It really does take a whole village to fight cancer and this village is rallying behind two amazing women.
From my heart, I sincerely thank all of you,
Kim

Landon's Big Birthday!!!

Yesterday, Landon celebrated his sixth birthday!  His super fun party was at Jump and Party in Spokane.  Landon and his friends had an exhausting, sweaty, amazing time.  The day was filled with love, birthday cheer, goodies, and tons of giggles.  Erin and Claire were our beautiful hostesses who also enjoyed a little jumpy time.  Thank you to Jennifer Holm for being our official party photographer.  Enjoy!!!

Christmas Ideas

I was contacted by some sweet friends of Erin's about a Christmas List.  What a fantastic idea!!!  Of course, our little Miss is quite reluctant to share her needs.  She told me that people have done so much already and wouldn't provide me a list.  So, how about gift cards?  I know Erin enjoys shopping for her boys and could go get the kids exactly what they need.  There is a Walmart near her home and a Target close by. We do have a Toys R Us in Spokane as well.  I know from my own little family that groceries are getting spendy, too.  The nearest grocery store to Erin and Claire is Safeway, but there are Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and other grocery stores.  Erin also shops on-line, so Amazon cards would work well.  The other thing that might be nice is restaurant gift cards. Then, when the family is up to it, they can go out to dinner.  I'm not sure of Erin or Claire's favorite restaurants, but I know they like all kinds of food, with Asian food being a staple for them.  Claire has some unique dietary needs, but definitely enjoyed the Mongolian Grill where she could put exactly what she wanted in her bowl.

Thank you for thinking of this dear family at this special time of year.  The awesome side of this horrible journey is watching the generosity and good in people unfold.  It really is inspiring and incredible.  The other day, I was talking with Erin and Claire and they were discussing getting a turkey for Thanksgiving.  Within ten minutes, no exaggeration, my cell phone rang.  It was my sister-in-law telling me that another family at the Taekwondo school Gavin attends wanted to bring a Thanksgiving meal to a deserving family.  She wanted to know if Erin and Claire would be interested.  How strange is that?  It was honestly kind of eerie.  In any case, I heard from Erin that a 20 pound bird showed up from that family yesterday.  That is awesome.  I know their home will be filled with family and that turkey will definitely be enjoyed.  Thank you!!!

Destruction and Boobs

I'm sure that living with cancer has got to be frustrating, to say the least.  I'm only living it through Erin and Claire, and I know my emotions run the gamut.  Well, the other day, Erin sent me a text saying she just wanted to break stuff.  I totally get that.  With struggles I have personally had in the past, I have broken things and found it very primal and cathartic.  So.....  I came home that day and started scouring the cupboards for things we could break.  A while back, my hubby was laid off in a yucky way from a company he had enjoyed for eleven years.  He has moved on and is much better for it, but I am still terribly bitter about how it all went down.  Sure did find the two mugs with that company's logo on them!!!  I also found some other glassware that I never use.  I grabbed some bags, took a test run of my idea, and headed off to Erin's house.  We wrapped the glasses and mugs in brown paper lunch sacks and then double wrapped them in grocery bags, because while destruction is fun, clean up is not my style.  We smashed the hell out of those little bundles on her patio.  It was awesome.  Primal, cathartic, and simply amazing.

Like a huge dork, I even had a short soundtrack for our destructive feat.  I found Melissa Etheridge's version of Janis Joplin's hit, "Piece of My Heart."  Melissa Etheridge performed it on the Grammys with Joss Stone after her battle with breast cancer.  It was her first performance since her treatment.  I remember my hubby and I being in awe of her strength, her beautiful baldness, and her energy. Awesome, awesome story and song.  I'm sharing a link to that moment, as it still gives me chills:  Grammys performance.  Enjoy!!! 

So Erin and I listened to her awesome, determined voice blaring from my phone and just started smashing.  My favorite part was that Erin and I were laughing so hard, we were completely testing the outer limits of our bladders.  So hysterical and a night I will never, ever forget.  I have another new destructive idea and can't wait to test it out with Erin!!!

On a different note, my six year old asked me why every time he hears about "breast cancer" someone says "boobs."  I asked him if he knew what breasts were.  The sweet little darlin' said yes and pointed at my chest while saying, "those things."  Ummmm........ yep.  I asked him if he knew what boobs were.  Again he said yes and showed me he knew exactly what they were.  Then he said, "Mom, the proper name for them is breasts.  So, why do people say boobs when they are talking about cancer?  Shouldn't they say breasts?  That would be the right way."  Wow....  who would have guessed a six year old had that in him.  I told him that sometimes we say boobs or boobies to kind of lighten the mood because breast cancer is a very, very serious thing.  He was happy with that and ran off to wreak havoc on our cats or something.  Love it.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for Erin and Claire.  If you would like to donate a meal, please check their meal calendar.  Thanksgiving dinner has already been generously covered by a fellow taekwondo family.  Thank you to them!!!  Also, Erin and Claire's fund is at Spokane Teachers Credit Union under the "Erin Broughton Hughes Benefit Fund."  I know many people have made donations to the account in the names of family or friends as gifts.  This is a great idea for Christmas presents for loved ones!!!!  Thanks!!!

Guest Writer

Recently, I was contacted by a man, Cameron, who shared with me his hard journey through cancer as a caregiver for his wife.  He asked me to share this story as it is poignant to the road the family and friends of people with cancer travel.  All of our personal stories are unique with regard to Erin and Claire, but many of us will identify with feelings, thoughts, situations, etc, with Cameron, our guest writer.  The following is his family's story.

****************************************
 

How I Survived My Wife's Cancer Diagnosis

As her caregiver, my wife has said that she cannot imagine how I felt after her mesothelioma diagnosis. Its been difficult to share some of my experiences with her, but I hope to use this forum to share more.

Our first child, Lily, was born three months prior to my wife’s diagnosis. We went from experiencing a time of great joy to a time of immense fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis. When she was diagnosed, I looked into my wife’s eyes as she was crying, and I wondered, “How are we ever going to get through this?”

In the midst of her diagnosis, I was on the verge of a mental breakdown myself, but I managed to snap out of it when the doctors asked me questions about her future medical care. This day marked the first of countless days that I would feel overwhelmed. Despite my feelings, I had to make difficult decisions with my wife.

When she was diagnosed, my range of emotions included anger, rage and fear. I did not know how to control my feelings of anger. Many times, my communication style included needless expletives. It took a while, but I learned to control my emotions. I had to learn because I needed to be strong for my wife and daughter. They depended on me to be strong. In every situation, I had to be a source of optimism and stability. This was much easier said than done.

After the diagnosis, I often had long “to-do” list. The lists consisted of work action items, travel arrangements and other events. I was overwhelmed, but I learned how to prioritize and select the most important tasks first. During this time, I had to learn to accept help from others when I was overwhelmed to avoid feelings of despair. I am not sure how I would have cared for my wife without the help of these people. Many days, I was still overwhelmed even with the help.

For a two-month period following Heather’s surgery, I struggled immensely in her absence. Heather and my daughter were in South Dakota recovering with her family. She was also preparing for her next phase of mesothelioma treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation. I was only able to see them once during this time period.

One Friday, I drove through a snowstorm for 11 hours to visit my wife and daughter. I slept for a few hours in the car waiting for the storm to clear. When I arrived Saturday, I was exhausted, but I spent the rest of Saturday visiting with my family and some time on Sunday morning before starting my journey back home.

I do not have regrets about making the decision to be apart from my family, or any other decisions I made during this time. I was simply happy that my wife was still around so that we could make these choices about her care. During this time, I learned some valuable lessons. I learned to accept help from others, and to be grateful for the opportunity to make the choices. This gave me comfort during a time of uncertainty. Through all of our struggles, Heather is still here and still healthy over six years later.  I hope that our story can be a source of hope and help to those currently battling cancer.

Sale Recap and Shirt Order Info

I am trying to wrap my head around this post, but I am truly a huge tangle of emotions. There is no possibility that words can do these last few days justice.  It was all so amazing.

Erin's friends devoted so much time to her.  Jennifer Walker and her family bent over backwards to make our sale possible.  Thank you, Jennifer.  This was all your dream.  It was incredibly inspiring to watch this huge event unfold.  Dyanne, Su, and Laurie worked endlessly at the pay station and straightening the sale items.  My dear friend, Bonnie, folded clothes all day long.  Her husband brought us a big "Joe to Go" from Starbucks at just the right time.  My own student, Dylan, and his friend, Mason, sold vintage candy and made over $90 for the fund.  I cannot tell you how proud that makes me.  The compassion from these two young men truly comes from their amazing families. Thank you so much!!! Wenona, Erin's childhood friend, helped all day long, staying for the extensive clean-up, even though she had to drive back to Priest River.  Another student of mine, Natalie, came with her mom and sister.  This family, who has never met Erin or Claire, has already sent three meals to them and came to the sale.  Thank you!!!  My neighbors, from my beloved Alice Avenue, brought me coffee, shopped the sale, bought raffle tickets, and warmed my heart with their caring.  One of these sweet neighbors even left a small care package on my porch, reminding me to take care of me.  So, so, so thoughtful and kind.  My student teacher came with her daughters, bringing another coffee (thank you, Wenona was in a desperate need!) and taking advantage of some awesome deals.  My work friends came to shop and support our cause.  Erin's current work friends, and coworkers from long ago stopped by.  My folks loaned me their truck on Friday for donation pick-up and clean-up yesterday, as well as saving my behind when I forgot to get the change for the cash boxes.  Thank goodness their bank was open until 6:00 on Friday!  My sweet friends, Bob and Tracy, took our kids all afternoon, made donations to the sale, and came shopping.  Roz and her mom helped us get the shirt orders going.  Erin, Claire, and David came to the sale, spent a long time thanking people, chatting, and even posed for a picture with our sweet Junky Munkey candy vendors.  Your presence was the inspiration our tired bodies needed to keep going.  I hope you were able to step back and soak in the love that radiated from our day.  I wish I remembered all the vendors that were there, but sadly, my brain is too tired.  Just know we so appreciate you.  I am extremely thankful to the businesses and friends who sent items for the raffle and silent auction.  We made quite a bit of money just by selling raffle tickets.  Thank you!!!  And, finally, a huge heaping of gratitude to my sweet husband.  He walked in the door with a pizza just when Wenona, Jennifer, and I were needing some more fuel.  He has gone above and beyond watching our boys so I could help out the Walker family with this sale.  He has been my rock and I am so grateful.  Love you, Jimmy!!!

As for Erin and Claire, I had the immense pleasure of showing them all the moolah from our sale.  I walked in the door with a pink (of course!) bag, full of cash and checks.  I handed it to Claire, told her that it was for them.  She felt the rolls of quarters stretching the bottom of the bag and the bundle of bills inside, all while having no idea of the bag's contents.  I wish I had a video of her face when she peeked.  That look made it all worthwhile.  Claire was obviously in shock by the generosity that money represented.  When Erin had a chance to take a gander, she audibly gasped, and maybe even murmured an expletive or two at the size of the sale profits.  Thank you to EVERYONE who made that possible.  I know it wasn't easy, but we all appreciate every act of generosity, no matter the size.

As we visited, we were watching Lawrence Welk. (David had the remote!!!  ha!!!)  Claire joked about our huge Saturday night, watching Lawrence Welk with the folks.  I wouldn't trade that for anything.  David made sure I saw L.W. tap dancing in his Fred Astaire tribute show.  Who has ever seen him without a baton in hand, let alone dancing???  We watched some of the Osmond family's guest performance and marveled at the huge hair on the ladies.  David told Claire and Erin they should try out that style.  And, true to my smart ass nature, I made sure to give him hell for telling his bald and balding gals how to do their hair.  How insensitive!!!  David, thank you for letting me tease you and thank you for teasing me in return.  LOVE IT.  We also listened to Erin share the childhood stories of how she terrorized her little brother.  She has been sneaky and secretive from the very beginning.  Alex, it is a wonder you are a successful, functioning adult.  Sorry my friend was so rough on you!!!

As we look forward, past the sale, Roz and I would like to invite you to order a BooBees shirt to benefit Erin and Claire.  Orders will be taken for both t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.  Please e-mail Roz at rozalindk01@gmail.com.  T-shirts are $20 and hoodies are $35.  Please add $5 for orders that need shipping.  Shirts come in youth sizes S-L and adult sizes S-4XL.  The last day to order shirts is this Thursday, November 15th.  Thanks!!!!

A Little Verklempt

Our benefit sale for Erin and Claire was a HUGE success!!!  We had a great turn out, lots of help, donations, everything.  My sincere thanks to Jennifer Walker and family.  This whole event was Jennifer's idea and I know she put so much time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears into today's fundraiser.  I am so glad it was so successful.  At times, Jennifer and I both talked about how overwhelmed we were by the generosity of others.  I cannot count how many times Jennifer came up to me, with tears in her eyes, sharing the latest amazing story of  a generous donation.  It was unbelievable.  There are way too many stories to list, but today really did highlight the good in humanity.  I'd like to thank everyone involved, from the friends who volunteered to help, the awesome vendors who shared their finds, my Alice Avenue neighbors who represented our awesome block quite well, the numerous educators who came to support my friends, everyone.  I cannot name them all.... my brain is tired and my eyes are drooping.... just know that we are so, so, so grateful for your time, help, generosity, and positive enthusiasm.  I'm hoping to post more sale details soon, but definitely need to go rest my weary body.  Jennifer, you should be so proud.  This was an amazing, amazing day.