i apologize for the gap in between posts but there is a reason i haven't been typing lately - i've been out and about!!! that's right - this cycle i went back to work earlier and although i didn't feel great the first week, i've felt alot worse in past cycles. since i last wrote to you all i have done 120 crossword puzzles (i watched the documentary "wordplay" and decided crosswords were a great way to keep the noodle going) and this new pastime is thanks to cousins tyler (and his md shields clan), tracy, wally, megan, colleen, and irene - thanks a bunch for your brain teaser care packages to which cousin kelly and her fam just added to last week.
we had another positive interim check-up with the doctor and i got all fired up talking about rasing the intensity of exercise during these last 2 cycles and carrying that right on into the radiation treatment. unfortunately, as my energy level rises so does the temperature outside - so i can't stress enough how important the bike is starting to become for my mental and physical well being. i was touched to find out last week that my father's good friends had gotten together and decided that they would be the ones to buy me the bike. i want to take this time and thank a group of guys that have always been there for me - i mean john colen is the man who introduced me to architecture (he gave me a lead pointer for christmas back in 1988). we've had fun running turkey trots in sub-zero conditions, playing volleyball at ge company picnics and of course who could forget uva football on a beautiful autumn afternoon. so a special thanks to steve, john, kc, al, mike, ken, and kevin. i look forward to thanking each of you personally at a uva game this fall. the bike represents alot of things to me metaphorically but most importantly it provides an outlet for a guy who has to spend a decent amount of time with a buffer to the outside world. i can't wait to get this baby out on the open road in the fall.
speaking of that buffer, it ain't so bad - jenny has created an oasis on our balcony for me (see pic below). filled with lush plants, grass-like carpet and bistro chairs, it's the outdoors in a controlled setting. her creativity and hard work (along with jess, mimi, and colleen from my office) turned a postage stamp of exterior space into a magnificent observation deck. i am overwhelmed everyday by all that she is doing to make this an experience of growth, not 6 months of trying to hit fast forward.
so smiles all around - enjoy your weekend, i know i will.
7 comments:
Well done, buddy!
Nicely put - we are so very grateful to all of those you mentioned this go round.
Once again thank you for sharing your thoughts with me this cycle - it is a privilege to just be with you.
Love,
Mom & Dad
Hey, Bryan,
Nice observation deck! It should win an award for square-foot gardening, as they call it. I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. Keep up the good work. And hi to Jenny, too - you're both inspiring so many people, I hope you know that.
xoxo,
Sarah (Scheckter)
Hi Bryan,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you for some time, and Mike McD proving your dad’s made it so easy with the “guest” ID inspired us to try out this blog comment capability as well. Actually, we’ve got your website on our favorites, and we check it daily – we are inspired and thankful for your progress. We think of you each night in both Ryan and Meghan’s prayers at bedtime – we normally bless family members and pets, and cover everyone else in the general category of “heaven, earth and space” (Meghan made that prayer ending up quite a few years ago)……now we always mention you by name.
It’s so amazing to see your support in the shear amount of people using the blog. I can’t imagine a stronger family and set of friends. Glad to see you are back to work – but for those days at home, we’ve sent you something that you should receive in a few days. I knew the cycle would be a huge hit with you – again, your dad’s friends are the best as well. Keep up the good fight – and know that we will be thinking of you always.
Love, The Finley’s
Steve, Debi, Meghan and Ryan
Bryan,
We're so happy to hear you're doing well. You truly are an inspiration to all of us.
Love,
Jen Mal, Ray, and Siena (our cat)
I never knew they were called bistro chairs!
Awesome report.
Hey Bry - glad you are doing so well this time around. Almost there! You are much in our thoughts.
For a funny movie, try Knocked Up! I guarantee it will make you laugh!
Love Aunt Christine and Uncle Paul
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