It's About Family

"Tough times don't last, but tough people do". Another great Robert Schuller quote that has given me hope for many years. My Dad made me tough, 3 brothers made me tougher (bruised & bloody come to mind as well), Rose has toughened me up over the past 24 years and I remain tough to care for my Mom, who remains tough at a spry 88 years old! My immediate family has remained tough with me through this, and that's what family does for each other.

Last night, we had dinner with one of our extended family who was down from Big Bear to rip off a quick 20 miles with me on our road bikes. Neither of us had ridden road bikes for a long time, but we went out late in the day, did a few laps around Puddingstone Lake and got chased back to the house by darkness. Rose joined us for dinner at a very appropriate spot - where he had his 1st date and later proposed to his wife of 23 years - pretty sweet! We have so much in common with them - she and Rose graduated ULV, both big walkers/runners, both caring, beautiful women w/ fiery personalities - he and I are pilots, airplane-owners, cyclists - we both lived in La Verne with roots in Big Bear Lake, and always rallied best around a bottle of wine! Later in life, we shared cancer, but lost her 3 months ago after an amazing battle. But he came down the hill last night from a 3hr r/t drive to ride & dine with us - that's what family does for each other! Love you, man!

It's often said that you find out what people are made of in times of crisis. My Ski Patrol family demonstrates that frequently on our mountain, but I am seeing another side of these amazing people through all this. The notes of support have taken this relationship to a whole new level - the love & caring is so therapeutic. They're here 2x a week to pedal with me to keep me fit and off the couch. One connected me to his Dad, a renowned Oncologist, who confirmed my treatment plan and gave me comfort. And one of our newer patroller candidates made me a blanket, which I used last night when I had to sleep on the couch for a little better breathing position. It's a clearer to me now, that's what family does for each other. I look forward to skiing with them tomorrow!!

And my Church family has been awesome. Their prayers have certainly lifted me up through this. Many of them are reading my blog, unbeknownst to me, and that was my introduction to them last Sunday. God works in ways that are hard to understand sometimes - we call that faith! But their comments were so supportive - thanks! My pastor is coming over for lunch today, but to ride, not to eat, as he's done each week since my diagnosis. He says it's to stay in shape, I know better, and I thank you! We have a new Mom in her 20's who has been battling cancer & has been such an inspiration to me...and I've only met her once. Her story is so courageous and her attitude is so strong - fight on, girl! We're all praying for your full recovery, because that's what Family does.

One more round of radiation today and then a 2-day break. Doctor's are pleased with the results to date and have given me the green light to keep riding and skiing as my energy level will allow - so far, so good there. A little trouble breathing as a result of the inflammation in my esophagus from the radiation, but that's to be expected. I'll just hook a bungee cord on pastor's bike today to keep up! Remember.....family!!