Donor mailing..

Note to self...Returned to City Of Hope the donor/recipient form...info..
Initially, I feel email is a good start for contact with donor.. we will see what happens thereafter. We can of course, escalate our contact to the pinnacle of actually meeting.  But again, let's see how this goes.. Excited, nervous, ready, reluctant, though only slightly..It will be a great, an indelible moment in this journey to actually contact the person who donated the stem cells.  God Bless, God guide this earthly angel.
Don't know how long it will take for first communication exchange.  Will of course, document it, exclaim it here! 

Celebrate life..

Bill

Talk...

Had a great talk with Abbey, not that we haven't had countless talks..yes, multitudes with immeasurable content, lighthearted to the unbearable soul-heavy... This talk was so nice..we were at the dinner table, which I confess..needed some ahhhh...'love', before allowing two full-on plates to find a resting place, and we commented on having this setting return after a, too long to mention, hiatus.  Funny how the talks change over time..the content becomes even more big issue stuff, yet also threaded with sweet childhood innocence.  Hard to believe how fast the pages of a child's life can turn, but turn they must and it is so fulfilling to see the brightness in their eyes, to hear the excitement in their voice when they talk of the future..when they expand upon what they are learning not only in the schoolroom, but the ever important classroom of life, of relating to others, of how to navigate the minefield of emotions..Listening is my pleasure, my call as a parent and my 'book' to read...

Onward forward.. God Bless...

Bill

Homeplace, UK, Donor!..and more..

Returned approx. three weeks ago from my childhood homeplace in North Carolina.  It was the first return since my Dad passed in January.  Abbey, was of course, with me..A bit difficult to walk in the home this time..yet I can recall a truly fulfilling life in that home, on that land.  This trip consisted of organizing for the sale of various items..it was so surreal.  Indeed, had some tears.  I am fortunate to say my homeplace, my childhood, young adult years and countless visits were a bit "Norman Rockwellian".. my grandfather/mother's home was a quick sprint from porch to porch, and the home where my father grew up was a good 7 iron shot away. I felt safe, secure, loved..I could run forever, fish, sing in the woods, sling a football with all my might in the front yard.. yeah, sounds like a country, simple-life postcard and it was..and I am so thankful for it. I so appreciate the home I had was able to return to for many, many years. My daughter came to embrace it over the years..she loved it's simplicity,..the fresh green grass, the nature, and it was so inviting, so soul-soothing to hear crickets and see the pristine stars.  Time, thought, prayer will be the recipe in deciding what is next with the home..for now, just thinking of the good memories..
AND speaking of GOOD STUFF!  Abbey is now home from the UK..London, then Edinburgh, Scotland.  She had a great time with school friends and instructors.  The primary purpose of the trip was to perform at the Edinbuirgh Fringe Festival for 5 nights..which they did.  They submitted a video and got accepted..it was indeed, a wonderful moment in time for her and the other students. Approx. 15.  She was so fulfilled.  Edinburgh was 'spellbinding' she said..and she went to St. Andrews and thought it was also fantastic.  Abbey even commented how much Mom would have liked a popular show they attended, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo..unique name..that is really an elaborate, cultural, musical immersion...she said it was amazing..and that it would be a the type of variety show Mom would have liked..and she is right..Becky loved things like the Rockettes show which we were able to go to..the Christmas before she got ill.   I am so thrilled for Abbey and all involved on this trip.. A big thanks to her school and her theater instructor for propelling these students to take risks, perform, travel..So thankful for their encouragement.  Abbey is really diggin' the theater arena right now..I think the performing is great outlet for her.  Plus, creative writing..communications..

DONOR!  Wow, City Of Hope called a few days ago and asked if I was interested in beginning some sort of communication format with Becky's stem cell donor.  BECAUSE, the donor is willing to do so..!  The donor is aware of Becky's passing...and I even asked again if they were absolutely aware of Becky's death and COH said indeed they are.  We can begin by simply exchanging emails and they said how far we extend the communication is up to us..We can take it to the ultimate level of meeting, but that is again up to the donor and me.. Well, I think we will start with an email..I am ready. And Abbey wants to do it.   We did receive the sweetest generic letter from the donor just after Becky received her stem cells. So appropriate on the day we received. Becky was having some difficulties.  The donor quoted from Joshua.   I think they/she may be overseas, but honestly don't know.  They could be within miles only. Have  to complete some paperwork before the initial contact, but truly I am excited.  I thank God this may happen.
So Onward Forward...I hope and pray those who are reading this...to be healthy, even if life has minimal or even severe trials..We don't know..we just don't know what lies ahead..Therefore be of courage, strength, humility, and grace. Do not be afraid to cry..when the soul needs to release..and may laughter be heard, echoed in your home and elsewhere..

Much Love,

Bill