Sandy,

The picture of you and the girls is just precious.

I found this poem for you that I figure explains why even though you are fighting a battle of your own; you still have the desire and courage to continue to ensure Breanna and Erin are showered with your love for them.

A mother's love is like an island
in life's ocean vast and wide-
A peaceful, quiet shelter
from the restless, rising tide.
A mother's love is like a fortress,
and we seek protection there
When the waves of tribulation
seem to drown us in despair.
A mother's love is a sanctuary
where our souls can find sweet rest
From the struggle and the tension
of life's fast and futile quest.
A mother's love is like a tower
rising far above the crowd,
And her smile is like the sunshine
breaking through a threatening cloud.
A mother's love is like a beacon
burning bright with faith and prayer,
And through the changing scenes of life
we can find a haven there.
For a mother's life is fashioned
after God's enduring love-
It is endless and unfailing
like the love of Him above.
For God knew he couldn't be everywhere,
So He put His little children
in a loving mother's care.

I believe our family had a funfilled day today swimming, eating and just sitting around chatting. I know I sure did. I want to extend my Thanks to Chris and Kevin for making this day special on such short notice. It was a great, memorable day.

Sandy you looked great today but because Erin, Kathy, Breanna and I were whooping Kyle, Brandon, Justin and Mike's butts at water volleyball I never got a chance to ask you how your doctor's appointment went on Friday. Did the doctor express to you how you are doing? How are your white, red and platelets counts doing?

Your family loves you very much and we are all concerned on how your treatments are going? Could you please give us an update on what the doctor's are explaining to you so we can get an update on you prognosis.

We all love you, John, Breanna and Erin very much.

All our love now and forever,
Lori, Jimmy, Otis and Sadie

Lori,
As expected, Sandy's blood count has been dropping due to the chemo. For the past two counts, she has been right on the border line. If she goes any lower, the doctor will give her a hormone enhancer that will cause her bone marrow to create more hemoglobin or red blood cells. The white blood cells and the platelets have been fine.
John

Hi John,

Thank you for the information on Sandy's blood counts. We worry so much about her and we know you are doing everything you can to assist her, but you hopefully can understand that if we don't hear anything on her progress as humans, especially being her brothers, sisters and her mother we can only assume the worst and that is not what we want to do. Sandy is making great progress and we will all continue to pray that Sandy progresses further. Sandy is doing great, she is getting stronger and we are relieved to hear any news of her progress, so we as I am sure you do have faith and hope for better and better news throughout the weeks to come. At times there may be stones and sometimes boulders to overcome, but as a family we will continue to help and pray for her, you and the girls to overcome all the obtacles that may try to get in our way to help Sandy grow stronger and stronger each day. We all have the same goal and that is to ensure Sandy becomes better and better with each passing day. John thank you again for the update on her blood counts and please continue to give us updates, so we are not left in the dark to assume the worse.

We love you all,
Lori, Jimmy, Otis and Sadie

Hi Sandy,

I am still waiting patiently for the photo of you in your Gilligan's hat. I can't wait to see it. I know you have been really busy this week finding time to get Breanna's temps. Hopefully today you were able to get all the paperwork together and she was able to get her temps. I will talk to you tomorrow and we will play our online games. I can't wait, so I will get a good night's rest tonight, so I will be bright eyed and bushy tail so I can beat you. Ha Ha Ha!!!!

Love,
Lori, Jimmy, Otis and Sadie

wow - school - the days of getting up on time, rushing out the door, what to eat for lunch???, a long day away from home, what to do at the end of the day???, and of course, what did I forget to do??? wait...that is like now. except no homework...just bills. but there is a paycheck instead of a report card. and a paycheck will buy a blouse better than a report card ... hheeeehhheeee.

Here are a few rhymes for your first full week of school....
- If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you will have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
- No word in the English language rhymes with month.
- You are more likely to be killed by a Champagne cork than by a poisonous spider.

so what lessons have we learned here? don't drink too much champagne, just trust the whole rhymes stuff, and even though you can heat coffee..don't yell..save the oxygen to smell the roses each moment in your life.

luv, hugs, and kisses
Mike and Sally

Hi Sandy!
I love the photos of you and the girls, especially when they were younger. Hard to believe they are so mature now. You and John must be doing something right! I enjoyed our visit so much the other day. I have to call Kristi and maybe we can both come over for a visit. The rest of this week and next are extremely busy for me, but I will call or email you with a few possible dates for a get together. Then you can let us know what works best for you, OK. Take care and as always, keep the faith!

Hey guys... any updates?

Love you!