Emily has informed me that my last post was "depressing".
It wasn't mean to be, really. It was more an effort to reflect the reality of the situation to everyone.
I know that many of my coworkers, who I interact with more frequently than most anyone else, don't really understand. It's easy to see why not. I just disappear for a few days every couple of weeks, and then come back to work. I still have my hair (though I have lost quite a lot). I don't "look like I'm dying" or anything. But one day for some random reason I got into a one hour conversation with a coworker about it all and he was rather surprised at how serious the situation is.
So, hopefully everybody knows now.
It sucks, but hey, what am I going to do about it?
I was amazed at how well you looked when I saw you! Certainly not the "look of dying." In fact, when Rhonda and Trude (Avalon owners) asked how you were, my first thought was how great you looked, especially considering you had just finished 6 weeks of a knock-you-on-your-ass treatment. But I understand your need to make everyone realize the reality. It is easy to pretend, and far more inviting. But I am still comforted by how great you looked and the energy you had and all the smiles and jokes and joy you are still capable of. You amaze me. You always have. I've always felt so honored that you are my big brother:) And I know that there will be many more smiles and laughs and we'll deal with everything as it comes... Like we have always had to as a family. I love you. And I love your honesty.
ReplyDeleteAnd, on a slightly brighter note, we get to see you and Emily in exactly one month!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Ryan it's Michael Vaes, I found this site through Adam Fletcher. You probably don't remember me I was the really quiet kid in HS that always got picked last for the soccer team but you programmed Pong on my computer in 9th grade. Lol. I was the kid that you took a virus of my computer in 9th grade by manually deleting it. HAHA. I still tell that story to people to this day and your name comes up in conversations every so often, you sure left us all in the dust, I'm proud of you. I'd actually like to start emailing you and maybe even a brief phone conversation every 6 months or so. Maybe when your down in FL next time you can some see my little family too! can you send your contact information to MicVaes@ustherapy.com. thanks.
ReplyDeleteDear Son and Daughter,
ReplyDeleteHonesty is the best policy. I can understand what Emily means, but it's important for all of us to have the facts. Emily, you are the bravest woman I've ever met. It's OK for everyone to know what the two of you are facing. I love you both.
Mom 2
Ryan and Emily,
ReplyDeleteHaven't checked this is a while!!! so was surprised to see you posted..........
All I can say is to repeat what everyone else has said. I love you both with all my heart and soul.
You will be here is 9 days!!!!! YIPEEEEEE!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU!!!!! Mom XXXXOOOOOOOOOOO
Your mother-in-law is my dental hygienist. I saw her today and she gave me the info to your blog. "We live in a fragile and imperfect world tinged by brokenness and cloaked in unanswered questions. Some thing truly aren't fair." (Mary Farr).
ReplyDeleteI also saw your wife's blog about her weaving. You both are living your lives with dignity and passion that should be a model for all of us.
Alice Howard
St. Augustine, FL