Updates

Our mailbox got trashed last night.

This morning Susan asked me if I had heard anything strange around four A.M. Even though I did not sleep well last night I must admit that I completely slept through it. Some guard dog I would make.

There was a time in my life where this event would have angered me, instead I only feel sorry for the “dumb ass, or asses” who purposely destroyed our mailbox and newspaper holder. It was a poor job to say the least, I won't have to purchase a new post, I can straighten out the newspaper pole and can use a mailbox that mysteriously appeared at the end of my driveway months ago. (Sorry to whomever lost it to in the first place). Is there no pride with those who vandalize these days, or was this simply the work of cowards, afraid to spend adequate time for a job well done ? We may never know.

The past two weeks have been difficult for our entire family as my mothers condition grew steadfastly worse. The drugs she had been receiving caused the horrible fatigue that I managed to avoid. In addition, the impact on her GI tract was such that during her waking hours she felt horrible. Last week a CAT Scan revealed that the drugs were simply not working to an extent which justified a continuation.

Kids with Mom and Dad this Past Weekend

Each of us has a Public and Private persona which might be incredibly different from one another. To say my mother has an incredible Public persona is without a doubt an understatement of the fact. It's her Private side I hope will bear up well as the months progress. Mom has reassured us that she is accepting, grateful and content with the events as they have evolved. This is typical of my mother, never one to complain and always one to reassure.

As for me, ..... well I have been at a point where I've actually been telling people who ask, “Mike, how are you doing?”, more then they really cared to know........... It's how I cope.

With less then a month before JFK I have managed to pull or tear something in my abdominal region. I did it on the “Knuckle Buster Trail”, a windy mountain bike trail I run quite often. Rounding a turn my left foot slipped and stretched underneath me, I felt a pop immediately. That was ten days ago, it is a constant discomfort which seems to lessen after I start running, so far it does not appear to get worse with miles but I'm certainly not running fifty. I am going to back off my training somewhat in an effort to heal it as much as possible.

We are at "Peak Color" here on the Mountain, it is a beautiful reminder of what is good, even though challenges lay ahead ............. Mike