[Monday, July 02, 2007]

Hi Everyone,

Well, my extended time up north with Shelsi, family & friends has come to an end. Today it was back to the "job-that-pays-the-bills". The last two weeks have been incredible while literally living out of a suitcase with birthday celebrations, beaches, the Griffith Park Observatory, meeting new family in Nebraska, and ending with a three day adventure with my two grandsons, A.J. and Tony, while their mom and dad, (Kira and Andrew), went on a retreat to Palm Springs. Although I'm completely exhausted, it was worth every single minute to share such quality time with those special little boys and my other kids and friends, while enjoying the beauties of nature, the ocean, the sand, the stars, the birds, the dolphins, and all the new connections I've experienced lately. Thanks so much Lisa, for the use of your home, bed and shower, thanks Ric for letting me and the boys crash for the night and use your couch and pool.

Shelsi is looking healthier and feeling more energetic every day. She still doesn't know when radiation will begin, but it should be soon. They're still having difficulty regulating her Coumadin - her blood isn't thinning enough. So she has to go in to get blood work done every week. Because of the Coumadin she can't eat green leafy vegetables so that part of the new diet regimen had to be put on hold. She does use the juicer every day though, and is getting lots of other good nutrition.

I've been asked to hold off closing out the fundraiser for a couple of weeks, so we are extending it. Now that it's getting hot Steve REALLY wants a hair cut! We have exceeded the $3,000 mark and still counting. THANK YOU!

This challenge is giving me an opportunity to truly grow in understanding of how Spirit works in us and through us. I have thought about the future and imagined a time years from now when this is behind us and how deep my love and appreciation for everyone who has participated in this drama will be. The appreciation I feel now is immense, and from past experience I know that it will only grow deeper during reflective moments.

Again, with my deepest gratitude and blessings - Thank you!

Sheri

Shelsi is the daughter of Sheri and Ric Hancock, and the wife of Eric Stolworthy. On Jan 25th she was diagnosed with "Diffused Large B-cell lymphoma" -- in other words, Cancer. It manifested as an 14 cm mass in her chest that was pushing on her heart and constricting the blood flow to the rest of her body. She has completed her Chemotherapy treatments and has begun Radiation. All indications are that she is doing much better and is well on the way to full recovery. Her husband Eric, her parents Ric & Sheri and all the rest of her family and friends thank you dearly for all your prayers and support!