Life Experience - Not Vacation

We just booked a trip to Puerto Rico for spring break. A vacation in this economy sounds crazy to most. For those of you close to us you will realize that this is not a vaction. Instead this trip is a much deserved life experience for Justin and our family.

Justin has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and has already lost significant strength in his legs. It has crushed our souls as we spend countless hours at University of Washington conducting various genetic tests and muscle biopsies. Justin should be enjoying his senior year on the basketball court not battling this terrible disease. Unfortunately his athleticism has been compromised for the remainder of his life.

For this we are all suffering but none more than he. Needless to say we have all been struggling with this terrible life-challenge. I know he is hurting more than any of us can imagine but I am proud that he has handled it much better than expected. Fortunately he is a young man with many wonderful attributes and life has continued.....just in another fashion.

Justin is an amazing musician (guitarist and pianist) and jazz has consumed his life and presented a much welcomed distraction. He also is back at work teaching young children how to swim and parents love his work. At 18 years old he has displayed a maturity in dealing with this disease that displays a lot of hope for his future. After all we know how much trouble 18 year olds can get into and even with this rediculous pressure he has managed to exceed my expectations as a young adult. I may not always tip my hand to him but he is figuring it out.

Life for Justin and our family has changed and will continue to change over the years. We are taking this opportunity to appreciate life experiences. It is too easy to get caught up in the daily grind. We all take our health for granted and we should remind ourselves to slow down and experience life.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder?

I am working in Dallas the entire week and the abscence of my family is tough. I know they say my heart is supposed to grow fonder but.......it seems my anxiety to get home is all that is growing. Perhaps my heart was plenty fond before I left? I am thankful I still have a great job to go to at this time but I definitely can't wait to get home.

The Perfect Wife

"A perfect wife is one who doesn't expect a perfect husband."

Everyone knows I am far from perfect and have had my fair share of disappointing moments. I have the perfect wife in Amy because time and time again she is there to pick me up. Amy I have THE PERFECT WIFE - I Love You!