A Good Weekend
It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been just about ten days since we found out that the cancer (metastasized breast cancer for those of you who are new to the blog) has spread to Susan’s brain. It’s been the longest ten days of my life. The fear, the anger, and above all the overwhelming sadness left me questioning how I could possibly continue to be strong and positive for Susan and my kids.
The answer, I think, is that I can do so with a little luck, and a lot of help from my friends.
Which is my way of saying that last weekend was really great.
Videoing Down Memory Lane
In my last post, I said I was going to be videoing Susan and me talking about about our memories. I imagined these conversations as gloom-tinged, somber affairs, with Susan and me sadly and reverently recounting her life.
Instead, these have been a huge amount of fun. Yesterday was Mother’s Day, so we talked about the birth of each of the four children. We remembered stuff we hadn’t thought about in years, and we spent as much time laughing as talking.
I had expected it would be difficult for us to talk in front of the camera for more than five minutes at a time, so I was surprised when the camcorder beeped — we had been talking for half an hour, and the 4Gb memory card was full.
Normally, we’re so busy with what’s going on right now that we don’t have a lot of time to look back at the life we’ve been living. Doing these videos is giving Susan and me a reason to think and talk about everything we’ve done together, and I’m realizing more fully than ever what a good life I have had, and am having.
If we keep recording half an hour per night for several months, we’ll have more footage than anybody but me would ever care to see. That’s OK, though. Someday, one of the kids can trim it down into a nice 90-minute video. That’s not my problem.
I Have Great Friends
I have always been grateful for the “Core Team,” my inner circle of riding buddies and friends. What is really getting to me right now, though, is how the Core Team is rallying behind Susan and me with acts of kindness that are incredibly touching.
- Kenny brought us two loaves of homemade bread and a giant print of that Lance Armstrong photo.
- Brad has been bringing us dinner every Sunday.
- Dug is bringing dinner over tonight, and has been bugging me nonstop about letting him help in other ways.
- Bob flew over from Seattle.
- Gary fixed my fence and set up my sprinkler system for Summer.
- Rick M brought over all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables for my family.
- Rick Sunderlage (not his real name) and his wife made dessert for dinner tonight, which I have eaten the entirety of, snarling at anyone who dares come near.
More importantly, though, was that we all went on a ride on Saturday. Everyone I listed above showed, plus Sleepy, BotchedExperiment, Racer, and Arthur. Just a nice, mellow ride on a local trail with my friends on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
It’s hard for me to even describe how great a few hours of normalcy felt.
Oh, and also it was fun to laugh at Bob’s new hairstyle:
I Have More Friends Than I Could Ever Imagine
In addition to the friends I know, Susan and I clearly have a lot of friends we have never met. Hundreds — literally — of you have donated to the fund Kenny set up last week. In practical terms, this means I was able to write a $2800 check to cover some mounting deductibles today, buy Susan a walker, and cover the cost of one sister flying out from NY to help us for a week, and for another sister driving out to help us last week. You guys paid for all of that. Thank you.
The practical part isn’t even the most important part, though. Since this ordeal has taken a turn for the worse, the huge influx of kind comments and email has really given me a boost. And I’ve needed it.
I Saved the Best for Last
What really made this weekend great, though, was Susan. Her mind is clearing and she’s getting back some of her dexterity. She still needs help, of course, but I notice little improvements. Today, for example, when I was taking her to her radiation appointment, she snapped her seatbelt into place on her own — an action that had been beyond her a few days ago. That may seem like nothing to you, but I see it as a reversal of a trend.
She’s walking around better again, not needing crutches to get everywhere. And she’s not forgetting where she’s going or what she’s doing as much anymore.
It’s good to have her back.
Comment by julian | 05.12.2008 | 3:49 pm
that’s great that you had a nice weekend! best wishes guys, and I love to read this blog!
Comment by charliebrown | 05.12.2008 | 3:49 pm
Good friends and good memories! Here’s to them!
Comment by KTBee | 05.12.2008 | 3:53 pm
So glad to hear about your lovely weekend…you guys deserve it!!
Comment by Yukirin Boy | 05.12.2008 | 4:13 pm
This is great news. Here’s to many more such great weekends. Great going by the “inner core” too.
Comment by Uphill Battle | 05.12.2008 | 4:20 pm
Prayers for more good days…
Comment by cat | 05.12.2008 | 4:21 pm
Thank you for staying with us and letting us know how things are in Fatty’s household. So very very pleased to hear they are well. As well as one could hope. If the amount of support you are receiving is any indication, you guys are a shoe-in for heaven.
Gifts are measured with a different scale during times like this.
Comment by bikemike | 05.12.2008 | 4:21 pm
it is, indeed, the simple pleasures in life that we should strive for. the world keeps trying to make life more and more difficult. we all need to slow down, look around and appreciate what we’ve got.
o.k. that’s today’s sermon. we’ll be passing the plate around and singing hymn #14, whatever the heck that is. carry on children and stop picking your nose.
Susan, you rule.
Comment by ms ellie | 05.12.2008 | 4:23 pm
I love what you said about the good life you ARE living. How great that you are making the here and now so happy and love-filled for Susan.
Comment by Rob L | 05.12.2008 | 4:27 pm
I’m glad you can find the positives, put forth those excellent positive events, and spend and enjoy the time you are with her and your nearby friends. My wife and I are keep your family in our positive thoughts and prayers mindspaces.
Thank god storage is cheap! Invest in top quality archival!
Comment by Jodi | 05.12.2008 | 4:44 pm
And may I just repeat you…..your readership is seriously so awesome. I cannot believe how many people on this planet are behind your family.
Shout-out to the comment makers!!
Comment by KT | 05.12.2008 | 4:49 pm
I’m so glad that there’s been some improvement in Susan’s quality of life… and I’m heartened every time I read the hundreds of comments your posts generate.
I’m glad that our posts are helping.
Keep thinking the good thoughts, Elden, Susan. I’m thinking them along with you!
Comment by Undomestic | 05.12.2008 | 4:50 pm
Here’s to many, many, many, many, many more wonderful weekends!
Comment by canknitian | 05.12.2008 | 4:53 pm
Thank God for good friends and great bike rides. I’m glad Susan is having good days and that you’re both enjoying the video project.
Comment by AlicesYellowPorsche | 05.12.2008 | 4:57 pm
Fatty,
So glad you are looking back on all you past experiences, and enjoying it! I hope you have another great weekend, and another and another and another and another… ad infinitum.
Comment by Big Boned | 05.12.2008 | 5:07 pm
Fatty,
That is great news! Good to hear that things have been fun in the “house of fatty”.
Rock on Susan!
BB
Still marking 2:01pm
Comment by Kenny's neice | 05.12.2008 | 5:16 pm
I’m glad that you’ve had such a good weekend. Hopefully there will be many more to come!!
PS Kenny’s bread is good! Especially fresh out of the oven!
Comment by Lori | 05.12.2008 | 5:20 pm
Here’s looking to many more great weekends!!
Comment by guzzijason | 05.12.2008 | 5:22 pm
So good to hear that you all had a good mother’s day!
Yesterday was a good day. Here in Philadelphia, thousands gathered by the Art Museum (just a few blocks from my house) for the Susan G. Komen race for the cure. I didn’t participate directly, however, I did donate for a coworker (and survivor) who participated. In stead, I donned my pink Sutter Home “Bike for Hope” jersey and went for a training ride to help prepare for my first-ever century that I’m doing later this summer as part of the Livestrong Challenge. Mr. and Mrs. Fatty were in my thoughts as I rode… :-)
Comment by Robb | 05.12.2008 | 5:28 pm
awesome to hear of the progress, go Susan!
Also great to hear that you got to ride with your buds, that time is more therapeutic than just about anything I can think of. Keep doing it.
LIVESTRONG!
Comment by ephany | 05.12.2008 | 5:32 pm
Fatty, I’m thrilled for you that you all had a great weekend, that you got to go for a ride, and most of all, that you are making the most of this time and recording your memories. I’m am especially jealous of that last part, since my mom was too busy being in denial to give me that gift. Readers take note–sometimes accepting reality (which is NOT the same as giving up hope), can be a huge gift to everyone involved.
Comment by KanyonKris | 05.12.2008 | 5:35 pm
Elden, good job acting on your idea (video recording)! It sounds like taking this step has dispelled some of the gloom. I’m happy for you both.
And thanks for reporting some of things you’ve done with the donated funds – I’m sure all who’ve donated are pleased to hear that it’s done some good for Susan and your family. But please don’t feel pressure to account for everything – just enjoy each day.
Core team, way to step up! You guys jumped in where I would have worried too much about intruding or saying the wrong thing. You guys have a gift, keep going with it.
Comment by Aunt Mary | 05.12.2008 | 6:02 pm
A wonderful weekend of joy, laughter and memories! Elden, there will be many more for you and Susan and your wonderful family. Prayers are being offered worldwide on your behalf. I have always been strenghtened by the knowledge that God knows my name and knows who I am and He knows Susan’s and each of you and loves you. When this case of shingles is in remission, I promise you an Italian meal straight from Northern Italy! Right now, I cannot take a chance of being around anyone so I will keep in touch this way. We love you.
Comment by aussie kev | 05.12.2008 | 6:07 pm
so happy to hear you had an awesome weekend at the “fat house”
k
Comment by Amy H. | 05.12.2008 | 6:12 pm
I’m a fellow fat cyclist (as evidenced by my blog address), and my husband recently gave me a link to this blog. I feel very touched by your family’s story, and inspired to jerk myself back to reality whenever I feel the least inkling to wallow in self pity at some imagined life struggle. No problem I THINK I have can compare to what you and Susan are dealing with in such an admirable way, and I’m grateful that you’ve been generous enough to share your story. My husband and I both look forward to the opportunity to purchase FC jerseys.
Thanks,
Amy H.
http://pedalyourfatassoff.blogspot.com
Comment by mark | 05.12.2008 | 6:19 pm
When I saw that picture of Bob, I thought you had retrieved some archived photo taken many years ago when he had bad hair. How troubling to learn it was taken over the weekend. Bob, unless you’re growing it out for locks of love, please, think of the children.
Comment by allie | 05.12.2008 | 6:20 pm
As you mentioned that you read the comments to Susan, I wanted to write specifically to Susan. Sometimes the bravery we learn about others makes us dig a little deeper & be better humans. New to the site, PW sent me…I have no business posting on a “cycle site.” My bike has 6 gears, a bell and a removable shopping basket…so, I’m not here for tips on speed & cushioned shorts.
Susan, I love, love the videos you are making. I never got a chance to meet my mate’s father who passed away several years before we met. Needless to say, I’d give anything to hear his voice & hear him tell a few stories. So, don’t leave out any of the embarrassing stuff and don’t forget to tell the camera at least one really good zinger about each of your kids. If I could ask one question of Dave’s Dad it would be: “Share with me what you think Dave needs most in a mate yet will never ask for.” Then, I’d tell him that he raised a hell of a man & I am the luckiest woman.
Today while working in San Francisco, I walked to my favorite cathedral and lit a row of candles for yours and every other family fighting this cancer battle. Thanks to Elden for sharing this journey we’re all a little richer for knowing exactly what “a bad day” looks like and what little victories mean.
Thanks for the update. WIN, win, win!!
Comment by anji | 05.12.2008 | 6:26 pm
I told my hubby about all the wonderful things you purchased and how it was such a help… I couldn’t give lots but – I’m glad to know it went to such wonderful things that really means a lot to you guys. Best money I ever spent, I swear to God.
Thank you!
Comment by Richard | 05.12.2008 | 6:27 pm
Here’s to many more good weekends!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Sprocketboy | 05.12.2008 | 6:31 pm
I wore my pink Fat Cyclist jersey to the Ottawa Bicycle Club group ride on Sunday and received a lot of comments, all positive, about it. I think I persuaded some more people to tune in to this great blog. I had a good weekend cycling out in the sunshine, but I was happy to read about how good yours was chez Fatty.
Comment by 331miles | 05.12.2008 | 6:31 pm
I don’t know Bob (well…or you, or anyone else listed), but I give you my support in ribbing him about his hairstyle. And he should take off last week’s organized ride sticker. Unless it was a race. And he won. Good to hear it was a better weekend for you and Susan!
Comment by jkrunning | 05.12.2008 | 6:34 pm
What a wonderful idea. I think we sometimes take for granted that we will just remember everything, but we don’t. Your children will cherish those tapes someday and I doubt they will every be condensed down to 90 min.
Comment by Emily | 05.12.2008 | 6:37 pm
Awesome!! Glad you guys are having fun with the project and finding lots to laugh about.
And I’m with 331, I don’t mind the shaggy hair but race stickers need to come off the day after the race ;)
Comment by Philly Jen | 05.12.2008 | 6:51 pm
So good to hear that Susan’s back. The core team sounds awesome — mad props to you all.
(Bob looks good there in Julia Child’s hairdo. Hope he cooked for you while he was visiting.)
Comment by Jennifer | 05.12.2008 | 7:29 pm
Glad to hear of your swell weekend. Here’s hoping you have plenty more wonderful weekends ahead.
Comment by Eric | 05.12.2008 | 7:43 pm
Great job Elden. Thanks for letting us in. I have rarely seen such great insight and honesty.
You are a great example of a man who love his wife as he loves himself. I am sure it is not a role you wanted, but you are performing it well. May God bless you with much love with Susan. in the time remaining.
Comment by Don | 05.12.2008 | 7:55 pm
I can’t say it enough. Thank you for keeping us up on how things are going. It seems very positive this weekend, and that is great to hear! Again, even though I’ve not met you folks I feel as though I’ve known you forever. My family and I will continue to Pray for you guys. God bless!
Comment by dug | 05.12.2008 | 8:07 pm
i’m pretty sure that number sticker is from leadville. i’m also pretty sure that bob hasn’t used his helmet since leadville.
i’m also pretty sure i’m confusing bob with gallagher, the comedian.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI8QxKTw59Q
Comment by isela | 05.12.2008 | 8:30 pm
It is wonderful to read that she is feeling better and that you guys had a memorable weekend. Here is hoping for many, many, many more.
Comment by sleepy | 05.12.2008 | 8:32 pm
It was fun to see all the fat cyclist jerseys climbing around corner canyon. We need to do that more often.
Comment by Susan | 05.12.2008 | 9:28 pm
I’m very glad to hear Susan is doing better now. Adversity brings out the best in people. Reading about your journey reminds me to count my blessings, as I pray for good times and happy memories for you and your family.
Comment by Centurian_Oooyabass | 05.12.2008 | 9:36 pm
here’s to some more happy weekends …rocksteady fatty .. rocksteady.
Centurian ( fife / UK )
Comment by Swedoz | 05.12.2008 | 10:10 pm
Keep on laughing and having fun. If your sense of humour is half of what it is when you’re writing, it’s no surprise you and Susan are laughing in the face of such adversity. Keep it up.
Comment by amie | 05.12.2008 | 10:20 pm
What a great couple you are with so many strengths. You are in our prayers.
Comment by highwaymunky | 05.12.2008 | 11:45 pm
Great News Fatty. Glad you guys are on an up. Keep it up! Prayers and best wishes to you all.
Comment by william | 05.12.2008 | 11:51 pm
great to hear that you are enjoying life a bit more again. Keep up the good work. I hope that if I am ever in your situation, I can be as strong as you are.
Comment by Slowracer | 05.13.2008 | 12:05 am
Hi Fatty.
I had a great 3 hour cycle on Saturday with four pals.
A lot of the chat was about you and Susan and how you are ‘getting along’
We are SO pleased with Susans progress (we had a ring round this morning!)Very glad to hear of you time-out as well.
I’m so chuffed, my Fat Cyclist t-shirt turned up just 10 minutes ago………
Go ride and best wishes.
‘Slowy’ (and pals)
Comment by buckythedonkey | 05.13.2008 | 12:09 am
Respect to the Core Team – HUZZAH!
Does the 801 on Bob’s head mean that he’s some sort of maxi-Clydesdale?
> The practical part isn’t even the most important part…
…and Susan’s WIN Fund can help to keep it that way. It’s good to know that we can help divert focus from the least important things so that you can concentrate on, well, dessert.
> It’s good to have her back.
Brilliant news. WIN!
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 05.13.2008 | 1:18 am
Yep, that’s some funny hair. What would make it funnier would be a late ’70s porno moustache. Dave Zabriskie has the template if you need guidance.
Comment by Dad and janel | 05.13.2008 | 1:30 am
Good to hear that you had a good weekend!! Stay positive!! We are sure there are more to come….
We saw a bunch of bike riders dodging cars and immediately thought of you!!
Before taking Susan to Italy consider stopping in Portugal, we know some really narrow back roads, with lots of pot holes and cobblestone streets that go to nowhere. Thanks for keeping the blog updated it helps us to be aware of what is happening there. Hugs to Susan and the kids.
Comment by flossy | 05.13.2008 | 2:32 am
that’s fantastic you had such a great weekend. Stay strong, we’re thinking of you
Comment by Sarah G | 05.13.2008 | 3:39 am
Sounds like a great weekend. So good to hear the joy in your (blog) voice.
Your comments about all the people cooking for you guys and everything made me wonder if you know about volunteer coordination sites like Lotsa Helping Hands: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/how/
Some friends of mine recently had (and then, sadly lost) a very premature baby. This site provided a great and easy way to coordinate meals, rides, medicine pickups, and other things that helped them out. It sounds like you’ve got things covered, but I thought I’d pass along the link.
Peace and love to your whole family,
S
Comment by Born 4Lycra 43 11 N 2 32 W | 05.13.2008 | 4:15 am
Good news – Hi Susan welcome back. Luv Ya
Comment by Beth from The Funny Farm | 05.13.2008 | 4:31 am
I’m so thankful to hear about your great weekend!!
WIN Susan!!
Comment by Suze | 05.13.2008 | 4:40 am
I am so happy to hear that your had a great weekend. I hope there will be many, many more for you and your family to enjoy.
Comment by Kate | 05.13.2008 | 4:43 am
I love Bob’s doo. ha ha ha ha ha!
I am new to your site and thoroughly enjoy reading everything you write. I did go back and read past stuff too. Saw your pictures – you have a very beautiful family.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
If you have time, you might want to visit http://www.chemoangels.com
It’s a place where you can sign Susan up and someone will write to her and provide encouragement/support during her illness. I volunteer there and I know it has been a tremendous blessing to many.
Hope your week continues to bring better things – and that Susan continues to grow stronger – i.e. like how she was able to fasten her own seatbelt. That’s awesome!!
Kate
Comment by Dre | 05.13.2008 | 4:47 am
I’ve never met you but I love you and your family. I cry for you and have prayed for you all numerous times. I even tell others about this blog so they can see it and the testiment to the strength you and your family have. Never give up! (I already know you would never would)
Comment by Georgia Tom | 05.13.2008 | 5:25 am
Elden that’s great news. Good friends are a must in times of need. Susan is a fighter and I’m so proud of both of you. As always your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Tom
Comment by HP | 05.13.2008 | 5:34 am
Bob’s new hair is reminiscent of an early Jerry Garcia. Which can be either a good or a bad thing.
I’m so glad you had a great weekend. It’s wonderful and for that I’m grateful.
H
Comment by Alex M | 05.13.2008 | 5:39 am
Happy to hear that she’s improving. Keep fighting!
WIN Susan!
Comment by Linda from Portland | 05.13.2008 | 5:41 am
I am a new “fan” of you and your family. THANK YOU so much for sharing your life during this time. Susan’s fight and your honesty in your writing is helping so many people-more than you can possibly imagine.
Live, Love, Laugh and WIN SUSAN.
Linda (Bunnyhawk’s Mom)
Comment by richconant | 05.13.2008 | 5:48 am
It was only last year when the doctor told me “Goodbye” due to my cancer. My personal, physical, tremendous pain was felt even greater by my family members and the few who came over to talk with me during this ordeal.
You see, after the doctors did their barbaric acts with chemo and radiation (to no goodness), I put ALL of my trust in God. Sounds kinda corny or like a last act of desparation, right? I realize now that He just wants us to put Him first in our life through our complete acknowledgement and dependence upon Him.
May the Peace of Jehovah Shalom and His friendship be profound upon you, too. rich
Comment by BurkeInTheOzarks | 05.13.2008 | 5:59 am
It has made my day to hear of you two sharing memories and laughter. Thanks for passing on such a wonderful Mother’s Day experience.
I MUST get a new video camera (my old one ate itself) and do this soon. None of us really knows what tomorrow brings.
Comment by justrun | 05.13.2008 | 6:22 am
I admire the strength of both of you and the caring people in your lives. You are in my thoughts.
Comment by Joi Gem | 05.13.2008 | 6:41 am
So glad to hear you had a wonderful weekend! Here’s to many more wonderful weekends and fun, laugh out loud videos!
We wish you the best!
Comment by buckythedonkey | 05.13.2008 | 6:49 am
Born4Lycra, where are you mate? South of France?
Comment by Daddystyle | 05.13.2008 | 7:04 am
Here is to family and friends.
Great to hear some positive news.
Comment by regina | 05.13.2008 | 7:22 am
good news, great weekend, that is awesome. Very glad to hear your laughing. I do not have to stretch my mind very far to think that sitting and chatting about everyone you love, and the things you’ve done, and laughing and joking is very far away from praying, I think he likes it when we laugh. that is why we are so funny.
Comment by NK | 05.13.2008 | 7:47 am
Again, I will say, you both are amazing people. I don’t know your family personally, but I am happy to read that you’ve had so much fun making the videos and going over your great memories. And, I was glad to read that some of Susan’s functioning (seat belt, etc…) is showing through again! I definitely think of your family daily and wondered how Mother’s day was for y’all. Glad this past weekend was a good one. Also, what cool friends you have!
Comment by Heatherann | 05.13.2008 | 8:19 am
Hooray for small improvements! I know that they can mean the world and that it means that things are going in the right direction. I’ll continue to pray for more “good weekends”. Win SUSAN. God bless.
Comment by chtrich | 05.13.2008 | 8:28 am
Thanks for the update. Glad you’re able to find happy times in spite of the many troubles.
Great outlook.
Comment by Liz | 05.13.2008 | 8:59 am
Indeed. I don’t think we appreciate the normal days until we don’t have them.
I pray that you have many more normal days, Susan.
Be strong.
Comment by Kingfisher412 | 05.13.2008 | 9:00 am
I think this huge beam of love, hope, prayer, encouragement and good wishes that is aimed directly at your family from all over the world is doing every bit as much good as the radiation, don’t you?
Keep on keepin’ on…we’re with you.
Comment by Lisa B | 05.13.2008 | 9:03 am
Glad to hear things were good this weekend … and that you’re continuing to demonstrate your superhero skill of eating.
Many cheers for Susan and the entire family!
Comment by Clydesteve | 05.13.2008 | 9:17 am
Elden & Susan,
Thanks so much for the update. I am really pleased to hear of Susan’s improvement, and it is great that you are doing the video memory thing and enjoying it.
For clairification, you have actually consumed ALL of the desert Rachael and Rick (not his real name) made for TONIGHT? Isn’t that cheating?
Still praying a 2:01 PST everyday, and other times as well. It is wonderful to hear of God’s gracious answer.
Steve
Comment by kawika | 05.13.2008 | 9:21 am
continue to be strong, and live every moment for what it is, easy and joyous or ardous and painful. it is so good to hear of susan’s progress.
Comment by ricky | 05.13.2008 | 9:55 am
i never believed the wayne and garth integrated hair and ball cap kit would cross over to cycling. leave it to bobby for getting the first one on his block. what a gorgeous picture.
i enjoyed being a small part of the weekend. the ride was fantastic and knowing that susan had a better day made saturday spectacular.
stay strong and WIN Susan!
Comment by Mocougfan | 05.13.2008 | 10:08 am
On Mothers Day we played 20 questions together. What is your favorite color, book, movie, song, candy,…etc. It was awesome to be with family. I’m glad you all are doing that as well. Seriously hope the best for you. I started wearing my LIVESTRONG bracelet again at work. It brings up a bunch of questions (I’m a dentist). Good to raise awareness a little bit.
My family loves you and yours.
Chad
Comment by Dutch Girlie On a Bike | 05.13.2008 | 10:26 am
I was hoping that Susan would have a good Mother’s Day — and it sounds like she did!! WTG Elden and family!
Comment by Mocougfan | 05.13.2008 | 10:28 am
An addendum to my 20 questions comment about favorite things. Candy is bad (dentist). I never eat it. Just wanted to make sure everyone knew that.
Comment by april | 05.13.2008 | 10:29 am
What a wonderful way to look back on your lives together and share memories. I wish you all the best and will keep you and Susan in my prayers.
Comment by Formely Bent022 | 05.13.2008 | 11:55 am
I love the idea of doing the videos. I wished someone had given me that suggestion when I was taking care of my grandfather. He hated to ‘burden’ his granddaughter with taking care of him in his last months, but other than the whole cancer thing, I enjoyed myself. I would drive him for daily radiation treatments 45 minutes each way and he would talk about his childhood, stories I had never heard. I feel sorry for my sisters and cousins who did not have time to spend with Grandpa in those last months, they missed a lot.
Susan, you, and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Comment by Bob | 05.13.2008 | 12:09 pm
I want my hair to look like Anton Chigurh’s in No Country for Old Men, but it keeps curling up. It’ll look a lot better at Leadville. I promise.
Comment by Kellie | 05.13.2008 | 12:15 pm
I just came over today to your website. First of all, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Secondly, I just read a couple of entries, but the one placed earlier regarding the videos really hit home with me. My husband died unexpectedly (age 51) eight months ago, and I would sell my house if I had RECENT videos of him and recordings of his voice. I found a personal recorder that he used with business, and there is a taped conversation with a client. I have played that countless times in the past few months since I found it – his voice brings me comfort. I also treasure the most recent pictures that we had taken a couple of months before at a beach vacation. I don’t know the ages of your children (haven’t read that far yet), but I would maybe suggest recording your children having conversations with her, if that is possible. I think that will mean so much to them. Hang in there – I’ve often wondered what would be the hardest – knowing you are going to lose someone and dealing with that information, or dealing with that pain and emotion if they left you suddenly, as my husband did. Fortunately for me and my kids, we were very vocal, said what was on our mind, and made sure that we said I love you – every day. So I take comfort that even though I miss him every single day, I don’t have any regrets of anything unsaid. I will continue to drop in and check this website and check on you and your family. Hold on tight to each other. God Bless.
Comment by bikesgonewild | 05.13.2008 | 12:43 pm
…folks like you & susan & my friends sorelegs & the chickenhawk teach all of us about our own inner strengths…
…thank you & stay strong…
Comment by Mike Roadie | 05.13.2008 | 2:26 pm
why don’t my posts show up?
Comment by Mrs. Coach | 05.13.2008 | 2:28 pm
Just a suggestion, get a fire safe box and put a copy of all your videos in it. If you have old pictures that are not labeled or in albums do that too, scan them in, and put a copy in the fire safe (and waterproof) box.
I know it sounds lame and kind of geeky, but those are more precious than any documents or valuables that you would protect.
Comment by Conejita | 05.13.2008 | 3:24 pm
I dont know if this is something that you would be interested in or not but it sounds like you guys have a lot of great stories to share. And that maybe other people would be interested in seeing too? Its just a thought but I think if you had the means (read someone who knows someone) to turn your nightly videos into a documentary it would be a great way to raise awareness and possibly make money for the lance armstrong foundation or whatever you wanted to do with it. I dont think Ive ever seen a movie that really told the story of someone who was suffering from a terminal illness in the way you guys are doing it and I would bet there would be other people who would be interested too. I know that these memories are really personal and so you may not want to share them with the whole world, but, no matter what the outcome you will be able to have them forever.
Comment by juliem | 05.13.2008 | 6:35 pm
Such fantastic news! So glad that you had such a happy weekend, here’s to many, many, many more. Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date.
Fight on Susan and Fatty!!
Comment by siouxzi | 05.13.2008 | 6:45 pm
The memories you are both enjoying now aren’t selfish. They’re giving her something wonderful too. Being able to laugh and smile as you remember all the reasons you love each other is a wonderful treat for every member of your family, not just you. I’m so thrilled you took the idea to record them too. Since my mother’s passing I have often wished we’d just taking 10 minutes to sit down and talk.
Here’s to many many more good days.
Comment by bud | 05.13.2008 | 6:57 pm
be strong !
Comment by Born4Lycra | 05.13.2008 | 8:04 pm
BuckeytheDonkey I’m well south of France I’m downunder in South Australia.
Fatty and Susan here’s hoping the great weekend just continues on into a great week, month and years.
Livestrong
Comment by Jim Masters | 05.13.2008 | 8:34 pm
God bless you and your family…it has been a rough ride reading about your situation the last few months…
Comment by Liz | 05.13.2008 | 9:01 pm
Hi. You don’t know me, but I feel I need to tell you that God still heals today. I usally don’t share my faith with people, but if anyone needs the healing touch from Jesus right now it’s your wife. If you would like a list of healing scriptures or wish to learn more about healing for today please feel free to email me. Liz
Comment by Bertus | 05.13.2008 | 10:01 pm
Good to hear about the positive news about susan.
I will keep on praying for you and yours.
Comment by swami | 05.13.2008 | 10:39 pm
Seems I can always count on you Fatty to say what needs to be said.Especially,lately.I maintain that we are the lucky ones to have someone who can bring forth in words,tears and humor what it is important in our lives.Frankly I`m tempted to grab for the brake lever but I think we can all ride this one out. My best to you,Susan and the kids………..P.S your following here in Alaska is HUGE.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 05.14.2008 | 1:11 am
B4L, that’s what I thought. Your lat and long (43 11 N 2 32 W) would put you near Carcasonne…
Comment by Born 4Lycra 43 11 N 2 32 W | 05.14.2008 | 3:41 am
Bucky I’m reasonably confident it puts you smack bang in the middle of the Orbea factory at Mallabia in the Basque Country – the Heart of the Pyrenees. I just include it so my bikes don’t get homesick.
Comment by Pammap | 05.14.2008 | 3:48 am
Thanks for the great news! My 2:01 prayer yesterday was sprinkled with praise for your good week-end.
Here are more happy thoughts and prayers for Susan’s continued strength and healing. Much love to you and your wonderful family and friends.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 05.14.2008 | 4:31 am
Time for bob to update his “review of my hair”
http://randomreviewer.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart&partqs=amonth%3d6%26ayear%3d2006
Bob’s review was a sequal to Elden’s review of his hair, which can be found a little below Bob’s review.
Comment by TomE | 05.14.2008 | 4:59 am
Fatty,
This is TOTALLY random, but not really. Since you are going down memory lane with Susan…I started to go down memory lane with your website. I re-read your Open Letter to Assos and couldn’t stop laughing. Well – I went to their website (www.assos.com) and guess what…COMING SOON…NEW WEBSITE. Please tell me that you are soon to receive your consulting fee!!! They even have “models” that look like “riders”…although they are mooning me as I look at the site!
You will absolutely cherish what you are doing with Susan. I did this with my grandmother and have 2 hours of audio tape about her life. It is SO great to hear her voice!!
Tom
Comment by Joni | 05.14.2008 | 7:17 am
God Bless your family! Just happened upon this blog and it literally stopped me in my tracks. May you all find the strength that God has for you to continue to enjoy each and every moment He gives you and for making these memories for your family for years to come. And I think that your children will cherish the videos as much as you will. It has made me aware that we really should be cherishing and celebrating each family member in this way everyday as we really never know what is ahead for us. Thanks for sharing and many many blessings to Susan and your family from Muskegon Michigan. We are preparing for our Relay For Life in June and I will be there to celebrate the 4 cancer survivors in my family! Praise God for each day we get. We will decorate a special bag for Susan and keep her light burning! Be blessed!
Comment by judi | 05.14.2008 | 4:24 pm
I am so glad it was a good weekend.
Comment by Adam | 05.15.2008 | 4:14 pm
Thank you for sharing you and your family’s very personal feelings, reactions and tribulations. I’m especially touched reading your efforts to document your lives together along with the deep openness and honesty you’ve expressed. I think it’s beautiful that your wife, your children and friends are being so conscious about your time to connect with one another in a meaningful way. It doesn’t always go that way, and that’s a shame as fear and denial robs people of that very stark but powerful opportunity. I’ll mention that I know of one person who received the “month’s to live” diagnosis who survives and is healthy today – (not through a bunch of hearsay, but someone I was with when he was going though this). His doctors opened him up and found he was laced with tumors. They told him to make right with his family and all. He did get some experimental treatment, but he also spent a great deal of time being consciously tender with himself and going inward. It was a surprise to everyone, including him, when his cancer receded and went away all together. I hope you can read that without it being mind sabotage, but I mean well. Different cancer, different situation. If you’re interested in talking with him, I can track him down for you. I wish you and your wife and family all the best and cherished time.