Good Day Yesterday
Two things made yesterday one of those really rare, perfect days.
Sixth Grade Graduation
First, a little boasting. Purely for context, mind you. My twelve-year-old son is in the gifted student program in his school, which is awesome on its own merits. The fact that he is also the top student in that gifted students program is icing on the cake.
And because he’s the top student in his class, he had to (didn’t want to — like Susan, he shuns the spotlight) give a speech at his sixth-grade graduation yesterday.
What he did with the speech, though, is what I really want to boast about. He surprised his mom by finishing with a tribute to her. It begins two minutes into the speech (He’s a soft-spoken boy, so you’ll have to turn up the volume on your computer):
A little more about this son. A week ago, when I found that he’s one of the top students in his school, I wanted to do something special for him. I mean, he had achieved this just because of who he is — I haven’t offered any kind of "Get an "A," get a prize" bribe to him. And yet, even with everything going on, he’s continued to be incredibly conscientious about school.
So I told him, "Back when I was a kid, my parents bribed me to get even reasonable grades. But you’ve gotten incredible grades just because it’s the right thing to do. I’d like to give you a reward. Think about something you want, and if it’s reasonable, I’m going to get it for you."
What I didn’t tell him was what "reasonable" meant. Although my "reasonable" went pretty darned high for this kind of accomplishment in the face of pretty lousy circumstances.
Every day for a week, I’ve been asking him, "Have you figured out what you want?" Every day, he’s said no.
Then, yesterday morning, he said, "Dad, stuff just isn’t all that important to me."
How could a dad not be proud of a son like this?
A Talk With the Doctor
OK, now the other good part of yesterday. Each Thursday, Susan meets with a radiation oncologist, where he asks her scary questions about her symptoms. Does she have crippling headaches? Does she have seizures? Is she losing her memory?
Susan’s answering "no" to each of these questions. Further, she isn’t experiencing the overwhelming fatigue most people get after brain radiation.
Susan’s doing, in short, exceptionally well.
So the Doctor said that after Susan’s last radiation treatment, there’s no reason for her to stop by for a checkup for six weeks or so.
Yeah, yesterday was a really good day.
Comment by Lisa B | 05.30.2008 | 10:14 am
Good day? Sounds like an awesome day. Hard to imagine you being a father of a smart kid like that, but there you go – Susan’s genes rule! ;-)
I wore my new Susan jersey on the 7 Hills of Kirkland on Monday and saw one other pink jersey and (besides my husband) one other orange jersey. Since the pink one was on a guy, props to you, unknown dude!
Comment by Boz | 05.30.2008 | 10:18 am
It is indeed a great day when all around you make you proud. After all of the downs, you deserve an up.
Congrats!!!
Comment by Selene | 05.30.2008 | 10:19 am
Hey there,
You don’t know me; but I’ve been reading off and on for a long time; even had a jersey before I really knew who you were. Needless to say, I’ve been following along a whole lot more now, through a lot of tears, especially today. That’s quite a son you’ve raised. I know you haven’t chosen your path; but the bravery with which you are walking down it and the example you are setting for those of us with lesser challenges is nothing short of inspirational.
Comment by monkeywebb | 05.30.2008 | 10:22 am
Yay Fatty’s family!
This is probably directly related to your race the other night. I’m no doctor, but I know causality when I see it. To keep this up you’re going to need to build a busy calendar of completely unprepared race attempts.
Comment by Grizzly Adam | 05.30.2008 | 10:25 am
Excellent Elden! Here’s to many, many more really good days.
Comment by NW | 05.30.2008 | 10:27 am
Boz said it. You deserve an up!
Comment by Heatherann | 05.30.2008 | 10:27 am
Wow that is a great day. I’m so happy for you!
Comment by jt | 05.30.2008 | 10:29 am
Congratulations on your son’s graduation, and on your son in general. He sounds like quite a kid.
If you haven’t already, visit the “Up In Alaska” blog and check out Jill’s shout out to Fatty and Susan, via the jersey she features prominently in the pictures from yesterday’s post.
Sending positive vibes in Susan’s direction from the Valley of the Sun.
Comment by chtrich | 05.30.2008 | 10:37 am
I almost mentioned something yesterday about what a nice speech your son gave, but thought it’d be an odd comment for everyone else to see. Glad you brought it up.
Happy day!!
Comment by KTBee | 05.30.2008 | 10:41 am
Good kids usually stem from good parents. Good job guys, and keep up the great work you new seventh grader!! You even make us strangers proud!
Comment by KanyonKris | 05.30.2008 | 10:49 am
Cancer has certainly dealt your family terrible things, but I doubt your son would have that depth of understanding without it. A drop of lemonade from the dump truck of lemons.
Comment by Flash | 05.30.2008 | 10:53 am
Congrats on both fronts!
Comment by Hamish A | 05.30.2008 | 10:56 am
If one thing has been made obvious since I (literally) stumbled upon your Blog it’s what an amazing Family you and Susan have created. Your son (as I’ve no doubt all your Children are) is a credit to you both. Congratulations to him on Graduating and to you on having such a brilliant child.
Great to hear the good news about Susan! Have a fantastic weekend :o)
Comment by judi | 05.30.2008 | 11:04 am
You have an amazing family.
Comment by mark | 05.30.2008 | 11:05 am
Props to Susan for raising such an awesome son (I’d give credit to Fatty as well, but it would go to his head).
I’ve got a daughter in third grade–in some parts of the world, I’d probably want to begin negotiating an arrangement with you.
Comment by BurkeInTheOzarks | 05.30.2008 | 11:09 am
Fantastic news on both fronts!
Comment by Sarah G | 05.30.2008 | 11:22 am
I’m so glad when I see you’ve had a good day. And that was a great one.
Isn’t it amazing how often our kids are wiser and better than we are? That’s what hope is made of.
Congratulations to all of you.
S
Comment by joel | 05.30.2008 | 11:44 am
‘grats x2. Hope the good ones keep coming
Comment by Cliff | 05.30.2008 | 11:56 am
Thanks for the inspiration to gratitude Elden
Comment by Don | 05.30.2008 | 12:00 pm
Doubly awesome, Fatty! Susan and your family are awesome. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to meet and ride with you guy up in Utah someday. Here’s hoping and praying the blessings continue!
Comment by Don | 05.30.2008 | 12:01 pm
Hey… 2:01!
Comment by regina | 05.30.2008 | 12:03 pm
what a fine young man, and that is great news all the way around, Win Susan. I need some pink duck tape, yes I know I spelled it wrong.
Comment by Bravo Delta | 05.30.2008 | 12:05 pm
I was out rocking my FatCyclist Jersey yesterday… and getting a lot of looks.. some of them bewildered, some amused and some that defied description.. Thanks for another great entry, and bib props to you and the folks over at Twin Six for making such a FINE jersey.. Next one I order will be in Pink!!
Comment by Bravo Delta | 05.30.2008 | 12:06 pm
make that BIG props, not BIB.. LOL really need an edit button..
Comment by AlicesYellowPorsche | 05.30.2008 | 12:07 pm
Yaa!!!! Good for Susan!!! I teared up and your sons speech. You have truly raised an exceptional boy, and you have every right to be proud.
Comment by regina | 05.30.2008 | 12:08 pm
ok I just finished listening to that video, just WOW.
Comment by leroy | 05.30.2008 | 12:13 pm
How many racers thank the domestique for throwing a cat on them to get them up on time?
Not many.
Your son is a class act.
I’m jealous. My kids only tell me how many years of therapy they’re going to need to get over the sight of their father in bike shorts.
But they do think the Fat Cyclist jersey is cool. So there’s hope.
Sounds like a very good day. Here’s to many more.
Comment by bikemike | 05.30.2008 | 12:14 pm
o.k. apparently aliens like to extract moisture from your eyes when you witness something wonderful. i think your son is an alien and he sent them to my house.
Comment by Katie | 05.30.2008 | 12:22 pm
That is a good boy you have. I would bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
WIN Susan!
Comment by Lori | 05.30.2008 | 12:24 pm
What a great family you guys have. Here’s to you!
Comment by Canadian Roadie | 05.30.2008 | 12:31 pm
Thanks bikemike, I now understand. Freakin aliens. Wow, you have an amazing son. I’m glad you had a great day. I’m wishing you many more. You all deserve it.
Comment by Denise | 05.30.2008 | 12:39 pm
It’s a wonderful change of pace to shed a few tears here and they not be caused by my heart breaking for your family. What an amazing young man you have there. How many kids these days would say “stuff” isn’t important? WOW!!
I know Mark has already got dibs on talks about some sort of arrangement with his daughter but my oldest daughter is the same age as your son, not tops in her class but is honor roll, athletic and quite the looker if I do say so myself (she takes after her father, lol). I’m just sayin’……
Congrats on an awesome day! Here’s to MANY MORE!!
Comment by PeterUK | 05.30.2008 | 12:44 pm
Yesterday was a good day for us too Fatty..my wife, also a survivor, received her pink Jersey, she loves it, she showed it to me and we both read the message inside the Collar, we were both silent as we hugged each other, we didn’t have to say anything, we were both on the verge of tears, it reinforced how incredibly lucky we are..our thoughts are still with you and Susan..
As for your Son, all I can say is that kids arent raised to become what they are by accident, you are incredible Parents. You’re incredible people…
Thank you to you and the guys at T6 for giving us that moment yesterday.
Comment by Nina in Ohio | 05.30.2008 | 12:44 pm
Out of the mouths of babes, the saying goes…sometimes our kids are much wiser than we are – and they know how to cut to the chase.
I can see, through my misting eyes, why you and Susan are so proud. Great news on her front as well – Hang tough Susan!
Comment by rexinsea | 05.30.2008 | 12:50 pm
I knew I should have closed my office door before I watched at work. Tears of joy are a good thing, even at the office although somewhat embarrassing.
Excellent parenting, awesome children. So glad you had a wonderful day yesterday.
Comment by Big Boned | 05.30.2008 | 12:59 pm
HUZZAH!
Comment by Lowrydr | 05.30.2008 | 1:00 pm
Hip Hip Hu-raaah!!!! Way to go smaller Nelson. Psst ask Dad for that Corvette! Or maybe just that Superfly, he doesn’t seem to be using it anyway.
Big big hu-raahs to Susan! We know you can do it.
As always big thoughts and Karma from the Midwest.
Comment by LanterneRouge | 05.30.2008 | 1:11 pm
In 1980 shortly after my grandma died my father was giving me some praise for some inconsequential chore I’d completed. His words to me were similar to what you said to your son. He said and I remember it exactly, he said shaking his head, “You know, when I was about your age your grandma had to pay my brother, Bud, to be good”, and continuing with a great false pride, “but I, I was always good for nothing.” I replied laughing that I always thought I took after Uncle Bud and held out my hand as if expecting payment. He said to me with a smile in his voice, “I’m afraid that you and I are two of a kind.”
I don’t know why, but that little self deprecating joke in which he let me in and made us equals filled me with love and respect for him.
Comment by Marla | 05.30.2008 | 1:15 pm
You have a wonderful family.
Comment by Monkey Wrench | 05.30.2008 | 1:21 pm
Go Fatty Family!
As has already been said several times you should truly be proud. You and Susan are exceptional people and parents. I also think the saying “It takes a village” is relevant here as well. As I follow long daily I am amazed at how strong the web of connections you guys have built around you is. From wonderful family dropping everything to come spend weeks helping, to Brad and Tasha bringing dinner weekly.
Congrats on a great day and hoping it’s one of many to come.
Comment by Clydesteve | 05.30.2008 | 1:24 pm
nice, very and truly nice. Conga-rats on the great day!
Comment by Me (still Kenny's neice) | 05.30.2008 | 2:24 pm
How sweet! All of it!
I almost forgot that Utah does Jr. High, not Middle school…
Comment by isela | 05.30.2008 | 2:25 pm
A wonderful day indeed! May Susan continue to feel better each day. Your son is a wise young man.
Comment by Ann | 05.30.2008 | 3:14 pm
I TEACH 6th grade – there aren’t many like that in ANY school, any circumstances, any curriculum. He has a hard-to-instill character quality – he can rise to the occasion, whatever the occasion. Props to mom and dad for allowing him to develop and use his ability to rise to meet the challenges that he faces. A great day indeed.
Comment by TomE | 05.30.2008 | 3:22 pm
Ummmm….your son was using words that I didn’t understand!!!! Way to go!!!
I’ll be sporting my mens pink jersey at the Buffalo Creek Time Trial race here in Colorado tomorrow – first time wearing the new digs!
Comment by Nytro | 05.30.2008 | 3:27 pm
That’s FANTASTIC news! Oh, and you’re son? Wise beyond his years. You and your wife have obviously been great influences on him.
Congrats to both of you!
Comment by Dr Codfish | 05.30.2008 | 3:30 pm
“You have good kids” … Always been the highest praise I could receive, and by turn about the highest praise I have offered. Someting all parents understand.
Yesterday was my B-day, a quiet event around our place, but in the evening I got a call from son-number-one, just a friendly chat and a happy birthday expression. It was a suprise at first, but after a little thought, not so much.
Yr Pal, Dr Codfish
Comment by Rachel J | 05.30.2008 | 3:48 pm
Oh my… Your son’s speech made me weep. What a sweet and special boy he is. It’s tragic that he may be losing his mother so young. I’m sure he’ll be very strong for his little sisters.
Comment by DougG | 05.30.2008 | 4:21 pm
Great speech! Sounds like a wonderful son. Are you sure your the father? LOL Good day here today..got my Fat Cyclist jersey!
Comment by tim | 05.30.2008 | 4:24 pm
cool kid Elden, a great day indeed.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 05.30.2008 | 4:44 pm
That was a great speech. You have a great family mate.
Great news about Susan too !
Comment by Andy | 05.30.2008 | 4:47 pm
Great news & a great kid. will be wearing my NEW Jersey tomorrow for the first time. I am sure I will be a chick magnet, just dont tell my wife.
Comment by sans auto | 05.30.2008 | 5:17 pm
He did pre-algebra in 6th grade? I think I did pre-algebra in college… maybe that was the second time through, but still.
Our prayers are with you.
Comment by winelover | 05.30.2008 | 5:18 pm
Hi Fatty,
I found your blog from Jill’s Alaska blog which I stumbled upon months ago. Your family is beautiful and you all have been in my prayers. My sister was just diagnosed in April with stage IV colon cancer and life takes on a whole new meaning…
praying faithfully for miracles,
winelover
Comment by Evin | 05.30.2008 | 5:21 pm
Fatty,
Glad for the great day your family is sharing.
Best wishes for many more in the future,
Evin
Comment by Hayduke | 05.30.2008 | 5:33 pm
Good day???? You’re being modest… If I ever have a day half as good I’ll be doing hand springs and spitting nickels!
Best wishes and all positive energy to Susan and your entire family.
Comment by Lerjoy | 05.30.2008 | 5:40 pm
Man, when you are not posting something silly you make me cry every time.
Your family is amazing. And your son is nominated for child of his generation. We need more like him.
Comment by Kim | 05.30.2008 | 6:00 pm
A Very Good Day. I’m here smiling with you; celebrating with you. May you have many more Very Good Days ahead!
Comment by harald | 05.30.2008 | 6:00 pm
A well deserved great day for a great family! WIN!
Comment by Lifesgreat | 05.30.2008 | 6:12 pm
A good kid and good news. Definitely a good day!
:)
Comment by Yukirin boy | 05.30.2008 | 6:47 pm
Congratulations on a Great Day !
Comment by Andy | 05.30.2008 | 7:09 pm
Just plain wonderful speech. Goosebumps and tears on this side of the keyboard.
Great job, son, and great job, Mom and Dad!
Comment by Randy | 05.30.2008 | 7:45 pm
That’s a great kid you’ve got there, Fatty. I’m betting all of your kids are just as great. A real tribute to you and Susan, to be sure. You’re rightly proud.
Comment by Wine Dog | 05.30.2008 | 7:53 pm
You’re wrong, Fatty, that was an *awesome* day. And you’re son is amazing.
Wine Dog
former member of one of the gifted minor classes ;)
Comment by Dobovedo | 05.30.2008 | 8:09 pm
I can’t watch the speech yet, cause I know I’ll cry… gotta wait ’til a bit later when I can handle it.
In any case… it occurs to me if that kid of yours recognizes that ’stuff’ ain’t important, especially right now, maybe a “good kid adventure day” is in order. Someplace he’d like to go for quality family time?
Comment by joliver3 | 05.30.2008 | 8:45 pm
Awesome kid, awesome news from the doc, awesome day!
(Now ‘fess up, weren’t you hoping he’d ask you for a bike?)
Comment by Walter | 05.30.2008 | 8:49 pm
Elden,
Congrats on both — that’s wonderful news, and you guys really deserve some wonderful news.
Enjoy the weekend!
P.S.: Loved your race strategy piece and follow-up report…
Comment by Jennifer | 05.30.2008 | 9:06 pm
What a wonderful speech by your son. And so glad to hear Susan is doing so well.
Comment by bobbieh | 05.30.2008 | 10:27 pm
Oh, man ~ tears aplenty! Kudos to both of you for raising such a man (NOT a boy!), and many hugs to both of you just because ~
Comment by TW | 05.31.2008 | 1:36 am
We all need good days. Glad to see you’re getting them too!
Comment by SJ | 05.31.2008 | 3:28 am
Thank you so much for sharing your son’s speech and the dr. report. A good day indeed!
Comment by Rox | 05.31.2008 | 5:20 am
May there be many many more “Good Days” in your families future. I’ll be sporting my new jersey out at the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival in Castle Rock, CO for Susan this Sunday. Enjoy your family and your weekend.
Comment by Fan of Susan | 05.31.2008 | 10:02 am
Fatty – looks like you have the makings of another book there, namely “how to raise fantastic children”. Hope the 6-week reprieve from doctor’s checkups is a happy, restful, relaxing time for all. On a side note, my husband and I didn’t make it to the twin six website in the less than 24 hour window for buying jerseys, but my “special project” pink WIN t-shirt arrived this week, and keeps you all in my thoughts.
Comment by Swedoz | 05.31.2008 | 10:07 am
When will the young punk start his own blog taking the piss out of his “fat” Dad?
Comment by geckonia | 05.31.2008 | 10:50 am
Go Team Fatty! You’re all winners in my book.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 05.31.2008 | 11:42 am
What a marvellous speech on top of a brilliant achievement. Well done young Nelson! HUZZAH!
Comment by Robyn | 05.31.2008 | 12:06 pm
Wow, that’s wonderful! You have an amazing family and you all deserve many more great days like that!
Comment by Richard | 05.31.2008 | 1:36 pm
Hey Fatty; I hope you and your family have many more good days. A while back you mentioned that you were going to raffle some items off as part of the triathalon and you asked if people had other things to give away. I sent a couple of e-mails volunteering to send some boomerangs (I used to own Colorado Boomerangs). Now, I know you are busy with family etc. and your website said that you may not resond to e-mails, so I’m just making one last stab at this. If you want to send me your address, I would be glad to donate some wooden sport boomerangs (the best made)for your raffle.
Take care, and the best to your family.
Comment by Don | 05.31.2008 | 3:54 pm
You have a wicked cool kid, Fatty! You should be extremely proud!
Comment by UphillBattle | 05.31.2008 | 5:56 pm
Elden, Continue prayers for many more good days for the family of Fatty!
Comment by Christy | 05.31.2008 | 7:48 pm
Awesome Fatty! Truly awesome! I’m so happy to hear that you guys have had an incredible day.
Wore my pink fatcyclist.com shirt today. Thinking about you guys and saying a prayer.
Comment by Julie | 05.31.2008 | 10:13 pm
The glance over to Mom was priceless, what a sweetheart! Thanks for sharing! :-)
Comment by Tina C | 05.31.2008 | 10:58 pm
Yeah!!! For ALL of you!!
Comment by KatieA | 06.1.2008 | 7:13 am
Yay for Susan’s doctor’s appointment, and congratulations to both of you for raising such a well spoken young man. Get little tears in my eyes at his speech, and I just know he’s going to be a fabulous adult who contributes a lot to the world.
After all, look at his parents.
:) Much love to you both.
Comment by Liz | 06.1.2008 | 11:46 am
That was possibly the most wonderful thing I have heard a child utter in my life (and I have three of them…).
Congratulations on a great son and a great day.
Comment by MG | 06.1.2008 | 12:28 pm
You have an awesome son!! Congrats!!
Right on for Susan, you GO GIRL!!
Comment by Robb | 06.1.2008 | 2:02 pm
great day Elden, congratulations on all accounts.
what a great speech by your son!!
Comment by TrEmLo | 06.1.2008 | 4:33 pm
You guys kind of rock. I’m happy for your day and hoping you have many, many more like this.
Comment by Born4Lycra | 06.1.2008 | 5:03 pm
great stuff all round.
Comment by Undomestic | 06.1.2008 | 9:48 pm
What an amazing son you have…a true testament to yours and Susan’s parenting I’m sure. Wow! As a middle school teacher, I would feel so priviledged to be teaching your son!
Comment by mike | 06.2.2008 | 7:26 am
ACE ACE ACE ACE ACE!!!
Did i mention thats ACE!
Glad to hear this kind of stuff Fatso!
ACE! [:D]
Comment by Daddystyle | 06.2.2008 | 8:40 am
Stand proud, all the best to the family, Cheers.
Comment by Ka_Jun | 06.2.2008 | 10:00 am
Hey Fatty, try this. Ask your boy if he wants something for someone else, maybe he has a pet cause, something that spoke to him, the earthquake in China, stray animals, literacy or helping kids do well in school. See if he wants you to make a donation to do something for something he cares about. Good kid.
Comment by Jody | 06.2.2008 | 10:18 am
Great speech! Great news! Great day! My prayers are with you.
Comment by Trudester | 06.2.2008 | 10:55 am
I’ve been ready your blog and following your story for some time. However I haven’t actually posted a comment before. After watching your son I feel compelled to write something here.
I just wanted to say that you and your family are truly inspirational! I have read though your blog and feel humbled by the bravery you all are showing during this troubled time. Your son’s speech brought tears to my eyes. He’s growing up to be a fine young man.
I look forward to wearing my Win Susan shirt with pride over here in (not so sunny) Scotland.
All the best.
Comment by Pioneer Woman | 06.2.2008 | 11:21 pm
If that isn’t the most beautiful kid I’ve ever seen. Sakes alive.
When he flashed Susan that glance and that smile toward the end…I melted, cried, and died right there on the spot. What a kid.
Comment by Donald | 06.3.2008 | 6:03 am
What a great son! You should be very proud and Susan no doubt gains strength from the children. Great to hear the good news about the doc check up. Smile and carry this positive feeling with you.
Comment by FliesOnly | 06.3.2008 | 9:41 am
As usual, I’m late to the party. Nonetheless, I just wanted to add that I too think you have an amazing family. That speech would have been incredible for a graduating High School Senior, let alone for a young man in the sixth grade. You must be about the proudest parents on the planet.
Comment by KT | 06.3.2008 | 11:51 am
Wow, Fatty, are you sure he’s your kid? :) I’m kidding, of course. He’s a great speaker, and that was a great speech. Congrats, Son Of Elden!
And Susan– AWESOME news. I’m hoping your Army’s continued spiritual/karmic/vibe-ic sendings have helped. Keep it up!
Comment by Miz Booshay | 06.3.2008 | 9:37 pm
Smart and kind and thoughtful….wow! what a great young man.
You must be so proud of him….and thankful.
Comment by Jack | 06.4.2008 | 2:50 am
I think the boy is so clever. I love this boy.
Comment by Heidi | 06.9.2008 | 9:32 am
Here by way of Schmutzie, and really enjoying your site.
Go, Susan!
And, your wise, wise son has learned at an early age what some people don’t learn in a lifetime–stuff doesn’t matter. How wonderful!
Comment by Bikerette | 11.6.2008 | 6:51 am
I was searching your site for a particular post when I came upon this one. I’ve had a ROUGH year (not nearly as rough as yours and your family’s) but for the past few months I’ve been unable to cry. Until I watched your son’s speech.
You have a beautiful family. Kudos to you and Susan!