Oct 22

Today is our 16th anniversary and JD has taken a 5 a.m. flight to Boston to attend a conference on Pediatric Oncology. I just attended a friend's 40th birthday party which made me reminisce with JD about mine--a long weekend in Bermuda...just a few years ago, but in many ways a lifetime ago. Recently I came across this Native American saying "sorrow shared is halved and joy shared is doubled." That is the essence of marriage, and of good friends. Since I don't have any nice photos of JD and I, here are some happy Nantucket sheep.

We recently enjoyed a trip to Nantucket with the Hubbells -- a repeat for me -- and a treat for us all. The kids loved flying in a 9 seater plan from Boston over to Nantucket, and the weather was perfect. We attended the Cranberry festival which featured sheep shearing and cranberry bog flooding, we walked on beaches -- empty except for the seals-- the men fished one day (bluefish) and caught scallops the next. A wonderful memory to hold us over the winter months ahead.





















Clay has caught a few bugs but otherwise is holding his own. He and I are quite a site each morning taking our naturopath-inspired potions, but they seem to be doing the trick. His next MRI is early in November. Please pray for positive results so he can stay on this protocol which he is tolerating well.

Gone Fishing

Unfortunately the photographer (me) did a lousy job of getting a photo of Clay with his 12" croaker fish, but I love the expression on his face after reeling in the big one. 

Notable news on the home front is that I have left my position at The Washington Post.  The .com division where I have worked for 8 years was "absorbed" into the newspaper, and most of my close colleagues have already departed.  It was a great place to work and I am fortunate to have had the experience, but now I am looking forward to a break.  One less ball in the air to juggle sounds good to me. 

I have started working with a Naturopath doctor, and am eager to have the time to focus on alternative remedies.  The doctor at the clinic this week reminded me that we are at week 25 of a 26 week protocol. That means we have gone to the clinic every week for 25 weeks. 

Clay is feeling well and is enjoying the independence of going to school each day.  He has charmed the teachers and he tells me he likes to just visit the nurse sometimes (and not because he is feeling badly!).  Last weekend was Grace's 8th birthday, and both Grandmas came to celebrate.  One morning at the breakfast table with JD, his mom, and Clay,  Clay quietly says, "Daddy... are you just so happy because your mom is here?! "   He is a special boy, well beyond his 4 years in so many ways.