Holiday Blessings Everyone! It’s been too long since my last update.

Amelia continues to be disease-free. She is happy, healthy and growing big and strong. (Over 11 kilos!) Her nose continues to run as it has since her first round of chemo 21 months ago. Her appetite is huge. She still loves my beef bbq. Her hair is beginning to fill-in pretty well. She likes to ride her new trike and swing “popcorn high” on the swing out back. She talks a lot and likes doing most things by herself. Pooh bear is still big. She’s two and a half now. She continues to have monthly check-ups and quarterly scans.

Kathryn and Ben are working out a lot of feelings and challenge me daily. I know with time we will learn to get along better, but for now things are rough.

Kathryn is playing violin in this year’s holiday program at school. She is very enthusiastic about music. She is also enjoying gymnastics and perfecting her handstand. She is into anything American Girl or animal. She really wants a pet.

Benjamin was recently diagnosed ADHD. His biggest problem is oppositional defiance. He is presently being medicated and it seems to have had some impact. Ben is enjoying Kindergarten. He is beginning to read and write. He has always loved books and it has been great watching him read to himself. He also loves to draw. Ben is into anything superhero. He seems to think he can grow up to be one. He has great muscle strength and really enjoys gymnastics. He is my “Spiderman”.

My knowledge and experience with cancer has come in handy this fall as my best friend Joanne was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She has two children 7 and 2. I never thought I would have to watch my dear friend fight for her life. I am glad I am able to help her through this. I didn’t think I’d know what to do for her but my instincts have served me well. I think I have made a difference.

Cancer continues to effect people I care deeply about. I have an ongoing prayer to God for them along with that for Amelia. Ultimately it’s all in His hands.

Thank you for checking up on us. Please sign the guestbook or drop me an email to let me know how you are doing. Happy holidays and Happy 2005!