Update & Thank You's (By Kim)

Sorry to disappoint you all as this is not your usual entertaining and humorous author. However, I hope you find this entry (by me, Kim) to be heartfelt and genuine.

Bare with me....it's a long one! Don't feel like you have to read all of it.....as this was more of a closure exercise for me and a way to share some of my thoughts for those that are interested. But PLEASE DO scroll to the **THANK YOUS** section and look for your name just in case I wrote something there for you to see. If you know of someone who is maybe not reading this that is listed in that section please let them know to come check it out.

First I must give you the update (this part just might be hilarious....it was to me!) I do apologize for the delay in the update, but really we've just been trying to get back to some sort of "normal" life after 4th quarter 09.

I did go see the ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist) who told me that the lump in my throat and sore throat was.....drum roll please......ACID REFLUX! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Since this was the reason I went to the Dr. in the first place I find this funny. Thousands of dollars later, 3 months of stress for me, my family and all of you, and we learn that I have plain, simple, nothing to worry about acid reflux. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. God's sense of humor reigns again. Now....the ENT did say that the acid reflux could be caused by the "tumor" or "whatever that thing is" that is in my chest. (I'm still planning on sending my reports to a thymic specialist, but I'm in no hurry.) The awesome news is that this is totally controllable with diet so.....I'm still eating healthy, have lost 28 pounds, and feel great! I have a follow-up CT scan on January 22nd to monitor the "thing" in my chest, but as long as it's not growing or affecting anything else I'm good to go. I should have the results of that CT on Monday the 25th.

Now...on to the real reason for my posting......(get comfy.....it's lengthy!)

What a wild ride we've all been on over the last few months! Steve, I and the kids could not have done it without each and every one of you. It was your daily support, words of encouragement, prayers, positive thoughts, positive energy, healing food, cleaning services, babysitting, and financial support that enabled us to get through one more day, and one more day, and one more day, until we were finally able to see the light. I told our pastor the other day that ONLY through God and the power of prayer can one go from "it's a 70-80% chance it's cancer" to "it's just a little thymic fluid and its nothing to worry about." You know...I felt bad (and still do on occasion) that I got everyone worked up for no reason at all......but then I often think about the all the people around the WORLD that were praying for me and I have to believe that were it not for those prayers, the outlook today might be a whole lot different. And then I remind myself that that's why we have friends. To lean on. I only hope that you'll all feel just as comfortable to lean on me when you need it.

My life mantra has always been, "Everything happens for a reason!" At the very beginning of this process I was really struggling to figure out what exactly I was supposed to learn from all this. Here are a few things I learned:

A. It's not all about me! :) You would think that most people learn this at about 8 or 9 right? I thought I had, too. I saw it from a whole different perspective though. When you're faced with your own mortality and you're trying to "figure it all out" you have to know that the people around you are probably going to learn more about themselves than you are going to learn about you. They're experiencing their own process of understanding while they watch you go through a crisis. And THEY will come out better and stronger people in the end, no matter what actually happens to you. God does have a plan for them too, and he put them in your life for a reason.

B. It doesn't matter that there are dishes in the sink and laundry on the floor, in piles, when there are relationships to foster and people to spend time with. Our time here is short. How do you want people to remember you? What sort of memories do you want to take with you? Dishes and laundry? No, thank you! I choose making memories and experiencing life!

C. Life continues to go on for the rest of the world when it seems it has stopped for you. There are still things to experience, like birthday parties, school days, work days, bills to pay, pets to feed, and traffic. As I looked around me the rest of the world seemed a bit surreal, but for the first time in a long time I stopped to "smell the roses" (thanks, Addy-Day) and enjoy those "everyday activities" that seemed like such a chore before. At least I am here to experience them. Now....a month or so later....I'm still trying!

D. I once thought that it was my first priority to take care of everyone else. So I just didn't take care of me. Now I know that if I want to be any good to anyone else.....I must take care of me first! All you moms really need to listen to this one!

E. Self-esteem is only a matter of perspective. God forbid any of you have to go through such a trial to see just how much you are loved and appreciated by so many people. Thank you all for being a part of my life.

F. Sometimes....when you think you can't.....you actually CAN! I was sure that a major crisis in my life would send me to the looney bin. Now I know that's not true! (Although I'm sure some of you would beg to differ!) I can and will get through it....one day at a time....and with the support of family and friends.

G. People are CURING cancer everyday, on their own without chemo, drugs or surgery. I've spoken to a couple of them and read stories about many others. If you're at all interested in learning more, please give me a call. I would love the opportunity to share what I've learned and where you can find your own information.

H. When you stop and "listen" for the silence. God will speak to you.....and answer your prayers.

If you are like I was.....and knew all these things on a subconscious level already, please excuse my blabbing. All I ask is that you use this as a gentle reminder to never forget.

**THANK YOUS**

There are countless people I want to thank, but there is no possible way to cover you all......but I'm going to do my best. If I leave anyone out, please forgive me! My brain was mush during that time and I know there were people helping everyday that I'm not remembering.

Steve (my best friend and love of my life) - You are the most amazing man I've ever met! You were my rock each and every day throughout this process. I know this was probably more difficult for you than it was for me, but not once did you let your turmoil cause me more stress. You took over laundry, kids, chores, and everything else for me, all the while still working and serving the students, staff and parents of Ferrucci Jr. High. Lesson learned: I truly am the luckiest woman ever! I'm just sorry the third boob never materialized, baby! I really would have traded cancer for a third boob any day! Thank you for all you do for me everyday. I love you!

Mom - I believe you are the most selfless person I know. You took 3 weeks off of work and came down to stay with us to make sure that I was getting enough rest, eating the right foods, getting my kids off to school, entertaining them (are you ever going to play "Go Fish!" again?), and cleaning for us. You also did a bunch of research for me on cancer, tumors, and alternative medicine, since I didn't want to limit my recovery to current medical practice. It was my desire to "throw the book" at it. Throughout this process we've both learned how the body processes food (much more than they teach you in health class!), what foods are better for you, but most importantly we've learned that good food doesn't have to taste bad! Thank you, Mom....for everything!! I love you!! (And Dad, too! I know mom was away from home for a long time! I love you, Addy-day!)

Morgan & Noah - I'm so proud of both of you for the way you handled yourselves these past few months. I know it was really scary for a while, but we put our trust in God and waited patiently for our prayers to be answered. And answer them He did! Now we must offer Him prayers of thanksgiving for making mommy better. Morgan, you've taken charge and become a great big helper in so many ways, but most importantly with your brother. He sees how much you love him, and one day.....he's going to show you just how much he loves you. Keep up the good work, sweetheart. I love you. Noah, you were quite the brave boy while mommy was so sick. You were a trooper when having to spend so much time at Miss Julie's, Dylan's or the Bledsoe's houses while mommy was at the doctors or having surgery. You were also such a good boy about "taking care of mommy" and making sure you were gentle around mommy's neck. You are a very sweet and caring little boy, and mommy loves you very much! I'm a very lucky mom to have two children that make me very proud. Thank you both!

Steve & Marlene Leifsen - The best in-laws a girl could ask for. Thank you both (didn't want to repeat the "mother of the groom" incident here!) for everything! Your support was much appreciated in so many ways. And Marlene...thank you for taking time away from work to sit with Steven at the hospital (both times). It was a relief knowing he had someone there to help calm his nerves. I love you both for all that you do for us!!

Joani Rittierodt - Your coordination of the meal and cleaning calendar was a gift from God. We had no idea what we needed, and didn't realize how badly we needed it. You stepped right in and took charge for us. There were so many people who kept asking how they could help and we really didn't have the energy to stop and think about it. You offered to coordinate everyone and before we knew it we were having meals delivered and our house cleaned. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives! Oh...and thank you so very much for putting money in Morgan's school lunch account! So not necessary....but one less thing we had to worry about. You really took care of everything so we could focus on getting me healthy. Thank you!

Joani & Rebecca Williams - With medical bills accumulating quickly, I was trying to save money where ever I could and had gone without having my hair done for three whole months!! I was beginning to look like a hippy, when the two of you took me to get my hair done. You have no idea how much better I felt when I looked better! What a boost to my confidence and self-esteem your gift was. I can't thank you enough!

Aileen Baxter, Lynn Rosellini, and the Ferrucci Jr. High Staff - Where do I begin? The meals, the gift cards, the money, the hugs, but most of all for your understanding, support and friendship for Steve. It's not everyday that a woman gets to send her husband off for a day of work and wonder if he'll want to come home. :) Steve loves working at Ferrucci, and it's because of all of you. I know he was gone a lot for my Dr. appointments, and I know how frustrating it can be when a member of your team isn't there to pull his/her weight. You were all very supportive of him supporting me and that is what makes this school and this district one we hope to be a part of for a very long time. Who knows....maybe some of you didn't miss his odd sense of humor or "awesomeness" in the slightest little bit and were more than relieved to have the break from his presence. :) Why do you think I send him to you most days. :) All kidding aside, we are very happy to have each and every one of you in our lives and thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for us. God bless you all!

Steve Pennak - There's nothing like a boss, colleague, friend (I'm really not sure what to call you these days) who when called three days before a major training session I was supposed to do, took the whole project completely out of my hands and told me to focus on healing myself. Although you went into it a bit blind, you are more than qualified and I had complete faith in your abilities. It's nice having a teammate you can count on when you're not 100%. You've always been a huge support, a wonderful mentor, and I'm proud to call you my friend. Thank you!

Susie & Brad Buscher - Thank you for the referral to Sherry Fry! She has changed my life and that of my family's forever. We are all eating more healthy and LOVING IT! And thank you for the flowers too! They were beautiful! It's nice to know that my parents have such wonderful neighbors.

Sherry Fry - What do you say to the person who makes you feel better than you've felt in 10 years! Your insight and guidance has been transformative. Thank you from myself and my loved ones!

Sandy, Dale, Ryan & Jacob Holway - Thank you so very much for the meals, the flowers and for just stopping by to give me a hug when you found out, Dale. It really touched me that you turned around and went out of your way to let me know you care. Thank you!

Michele, Chris, Quinton, Alec & Isabella Bledsoe - It's such a relief when you have to drop your kids off in a hurry to know that they are excited to be dropped off. Thank you for the countless occasions, especially at the last minute, for watching Morgan and Noah. You even went out of your way to make sure Noah was dropped off and picked up from pre-school. You are truly great friends. Michele....thank you for the humor I so desperately needed, the long discussions, and the friendship. It's nice to know there's someone who is just willing to listen....even when in her mind I know she's thinking....."Seriously?" We love you all!

Lori, Steve, Skyler & Dylan Groenier - Thank you, also, for watching my children on numerous occasions and for dropping off and picking up Noah at pre-school. As I mentioned to the Bledsoes....it's good to know that when you need to have someone watch your kids that they enjoy going there! Thank you so very, very, much!

Julie Stutz & Family - You also watched Noah and Morgan and dropped off and picked up Noah from pre-school. God blessed us with the most amazing neighbors when we moved into this house. Your friendship is cherished! Thank you!

The Ayala Family - More amazing neighbors given to us by God! Bob and Landon....and I think Nolan, too.....you have no idea how much stress you relieved from Steve's shoulders by taking over the lawn and yard work. His plate was maxed, and he would come home to find the lawn already done. How awesome is THAT? Thank you, thank you, thank you! Karen....you were a lifesaver for coming over to be with my kids as they woke up on the day of the surgery. It was sooooooo early in the morning and you did it with a smile on your face. What a trooper! And then to be my chauffeur for Noah when I couldn't drive. You are all a God-send! We love ya! We WILL NOT, EVER, let you move!

Nicole Parrish - Thank you so very much for the gift card. What a thoughtful gesture!

Cindi & Leslie - Thank you for the gift card and the amazing dinner, full of amazing and healthy food! You two need to be chefs!! Good food, good friends, good fun. It was nice to just relax and enjoy the evening with you two when the stress level was so high. Thanks for the relief. Steve and I are very much looking forward to the next cooking lesson!!

Scott & Charlynn, Aksel and Anders Leifsen - Thank you for the flowers and the game. The flowers were quite possibly the most beautiful bouquet I've ever received. I had them sitting on the table at the end of the couch (where I spent all day and every night for 2+ weeks!) so I could just stare at them. Thank you! And we love the "Ticket to Ride" game. We've played it a couple of times now and think we're finally getting the strategy down. What a great and thoughtful gift for a family who really couldn't get out to do anything. We love you guys.

Paula Gillespie - Thank you so very much for the candle. You know how much it got used while I was laying around just staring at it! You rock!

Cindy Anthes - Thank you so very much for the awesome gift basket! Believe it or not the eye pillow worked perfectly for my incision site. It was the perfect shape for that spot. We kept it in the freezer and used it to keep the swelling down and for pain. The t-shirt is adorable (I wear it to remind Steve who is in charge) and the lotion is divine (I use it every night!) I am still waiting for you to come up so we can use the pedicure gift certificate together. I know....with the birth of Claire I'll have to wait a while. I can be patient. Now.....I can be patient. :) I love and miss you more than you'll ever know!

Deirdre Davis - Thank you so very much for the Marlene's gift card (I so wish we had one in Puyallup so we didn't have to go so far!), the tea (it's great!), the candle and the spa bath. Perfect for relaxing. I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity. I'll have to remember to call you before I head to Marlene's to see if you need anything!

Christine Kruse - Thank you for the amazing dinners and the wonderful cookbook! I absolutely LOVE the cookbook! We are using it weekly! Thank you so very much!

Jennifer (I don't even know your last name, which makes this even more amazing!) - Thank you for the beautiful "Joy" scrapbook. It's absolutely a work of art and sits on my desk in my office. I pick it up and look at it often. I think everyone needs one of these! And to think that I don't even know you. I hope that some day we get a chance to meet. My dad really misses working for you.

Manar Chaaban - Thank you for the babysitting! We truly appreciated the alone time after such a stressful few months, and were able to get some much needed Christmas shopping done. And thank you for letting me sit in on your Yoga Club. I really do love it, and am looking forward to finally getting the hang of it. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Danielle, Marc, Hailey & Chase Gessford - Thank you for the wonderful box of natural and organic food! It came at the perfect time. Right when we were trying to come up with new and exciting things we could eat while still staying healthy in our choices. Thank you so very much!

Dave Slott, Jane Murray & Jeannie Duer - My new cleaning team! You guys can come back ANYTIME!! I can't tell you how nice it was to know that my family wouldn't be living in squalor while I was laid up. You all did a fabulous job! I can't tell you how hard it was to be sitting on the couch while you all cleaned my bathrooms! A very humbling experience I can assure you! Thank you all for being so gracious! And no, Jeannie and Jane....I didn't put an end to your services because of the quality of your work. :) I just couldn't stand to have you cleaning while I was sitting there! I love all three of you! Please know that you can count on me to scrub your toilets if need be.

Taylor Vetter - Your coupon for an hour of babysitting was such a thoughtful gift and I promise we'll be taking you up on that offer soon! You are such a sweet girl, and your parents should be very proud!

Lynn Massey and Family - Thank you so very much for giving up valuable time with your juicer so that we could try it out and determine if we're the juicing type before sinking our life savings (okay...maybe that's a slight exageration.....but not much!) into purchasing one of our own. Yes....we definitely want one now! Thank you all!

Following is a list of all the amazing cooks in my life. Each one of you provided one (or more) meals to my family and I, and I can honestly say there wasn't one bad one! Thank you for the meals and the extra groceries you all provided so we didn't have to make runs to the grocery store. They were all delicious and very much appreciated!

The Rittierodt Family
Rebecca Williams
Christine Kruse
Lynn Massey
The Dykman Family
Kristi Woolley
The Meads
Cindy & Leslie
The Holway Family
Donna Snyder
The Klem Family
The Perrin Family
Mary Rose Sprague
The Mains Family
The Vetter Family
Teri Denton
The Shoup Family
The Watt Family
The Voss Family
The Nowik Family

Thank you EVERYONE.....for EVERYTHING!!

In summary....a lot was learned, and I am more determined than ever to live the statement, "LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE!" And I owe it all to all of my amazing friends and family, both here and far away for "standing by me". For that I will be forever grateful! I love you, all!

If you get a chance check out this wonderful video.....it's exactly how I feel as you all "stood by me."

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

Love & Blessings,
Kim