March 23, 2008

Happy Easter Everyone,

We got back from our trip to Hawaii last night. Thanks to everyone who "anonymously" put this trip together. We had so much fun which was greatly needed and appreciated by all of us. It was nice to escape reality for 9 days and just enjoy each other and have fun. We stayed on Molokai but went to Maui for one day. Molokai is very laid back and no one gets in a hurry. We stayed in the only Hotel on the island which only had 10 guest + us. The island only had 1 taxi and the taxi driver gave us a tour of the small town. There was no shopping, no attractions, only swimming, snorkeling, shell searching, strolling on foot, sunbathing, and things along that line. We met a nice family of 4 there and their kids we the same age as ours. We spent a day with them - they picked us up and we had lunch at their house then went boogie boarding, snorkeling, shell searching and learned about the island. We attended a Luau and it was awesome! Lots of fun.

We are back home now and that means back to reality. Joe has made the decision not to have the additional chemo treatments that I told you about on March 10th. Joe said having the chemo this time just did not feel right and he wants to have a good quality of life for whatever time is left. Only God knows when Joe's time will end and I wish it was never, but I also understand that it is in God's time - not ours. We are not giving up because we still have hope but it does hurt. Please keep our family in your prayers.

God Bless,
Crystal

March 10, 2008

Hey Everyone,

The race yesterday was awesome! We had somewhere between 350-375 people registered plus all of our smile/cheering squads. It was so much fun to be with all of our friends and be part of something bigger than us. Joe had fun talking, greeting, and firing the gun. Stephanie Barnes really did a great job organizing the race and volunteers. "Volunteers" - thank you because without you this event would not have been possible. The 5k had ages ranging from a couple of months (being pushed in strollers) to a young 80 year old dear friend. If you have ever run on this course this is a big deal! People were pushing their kids in strollers and I don't know how they got them up those steep hills. Amazing! Thanks to everyone that was able to be a part even if you could not attend. Praise GOD and keep passing on the blessing each day.

Now to the news for today. Joe went to the doctor and it was not the news we were looking for or expected. The chemo has not helped the cancer at all. In fact is has grown larger (all the tumors are twice the size now) and they told us that the chemo regiment that Joe took was the most effective for the cancer he has. They want him to consider doing a "Plan B" with 3 different chemo drugs and putting in a port. We are going to take some time to pray about it. The doctor has already scheduled the appointment for March 25th. Joe has a scan on his brain April 1st so we are not sure if there has been any additional growth there yet. Please keep praying for a miracle!

Spirits are still high here and will continue to be because this is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

God Bless,
Crystal

ps. If anyone has picture from the race I would love to have some. I had my camera but I was working the registration table. my email is crystallent@peoplepc.com

March 6, 2008

Hey everyone,

The race is 2 days away and we are very excited.

Here is a link to the registration form for "Passing on the Blessings"" http://www.40dayblog.com/5k-run/5k-run.pdfThe forms are also located at Bob's Bikes, Trak Shak, and Mountaintop Community Church. You can pick one up, print one from the link, or pick one up at the race. They will have registration and packet pick-up open at 12:30.

The 5K/1mile fun Run/Walk will be on Sunday, March 9th. The 5K will begin promptly at 2:00 @Veteran's Park (in front of Spain Park High School).

God has put so many things in place for this race that it is a blessing to be part of it. There will be cheer squads along the course to keep us motivated to finish the race (even though it is not a long race). Just like everyday experiences we need faith to stay strong to be able to finish the races we enter. When we have faith in God he is our cheer squad that keeps us strong and carries us over the finish line - every time!

Joe is still not feeling very well but he is strong. He enjoyed spending time tonight with friends just talking. Joe is a true blessing to me an many others!

God Bless,
Crystal