Monday, January 2, 2012

Our Christmas...

An ornament from our tree...which contains the stories of our life


The Reaney Christmas was wonderful and painful. The four of us (Jud, Kat, her boyfriend, Ashton and myself) had a very nice time.


Katie pretending she is meeting Iver, whom she knew since she was born.

It was colored with sadness, as our dear friend, Iver, died on Christmas Eve Day. Iver has had multiple myeloma for six years and lived an incredible life. It was only months ago that he was active and I mean active. He and Di hiked, biked and spent hours a day, working in their organic garden. Iver went through many difficult treatments to live a full life as long as he could...including two autologous stem cell transplants (his own cells). We will miss him so much.

Jud got news that his tumor marker test had again shot up. Way up. We will be leaving the Mayo clinical study and going to Johns Hopkins to consult about another trial which involves the cancer vaccine.

Joy and sorrow seem like unlikely companions but they dwelt side by side at our house. We had a lovely prime rib dinner with Megan, Iver's daughter; Drew, her significant other; and Dregan; their magical baby.

Jud got sick during the weekend and was unable to keep food down. We were all concerned that this was part of his cancer but it has passed and seems to have been the flu.

Jud and I have both read a wonderful book during this month. I have about twenty pages to go and don't want it to end.

A really terrific book

I really encourage anyone who loves fantasy, mystery and total escapism to read it! The word-pictures are fantastic and I feel like I know the characters intimately.


Katie and Ashton, world travelers


Katie and Ashton are in South Africa! Ashton's cousin is getting married there and his whole family is attending. They were nice enough to include Katie. We can't wait to hear the stories they will bring back. After the wedding, they have plans to stay at a game preserve. If I weren't so happy for both of them, I would be jealous!

I hope you all are enjoying this quieter time since the holidays. I am sitting by the fire with my new electric fleece warming blanket, a gift from my dear in-laws.  I send you all lots of love and thanks for supporting me during a very difficult year. Your kindness has helped carry me and I am so grateful.

15 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to hear that sadness was woven into the Christmas holiday Suz. I wish you and your family bright days ahead in this new year. Much love, xo nat

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  2. Still keeping you and Jud in my prayers Suz. And so sorry about your friend Iver. Big hugs and many blessings in the new year.

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  3. sorry to hear about your friend suz. seems so unfair at anytime, but especially at the holidays.
    I hope this new Year brings many unexpected super blessings for you and Jud!
    xoxo
    vivian

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  4. Joy and Sorrow together are extra bitter sweet. Very sorry to hear of your friend Iver passing. Prayers continue for your family and Jud's healing. Blessings and Hugs...

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  5. Suz,
    I hope you know that I love you more than words can say! You and Jud and the rest of your family are always on my mind.

    As I'm typing this, I'm sending up prayers and wishes for you ALL!

    I'm glad that you can both "escape" in a good book! There were times, frankly, in my own life, that I couldn't....I was so depressed, and I missed it SO! Nothing like escaping in some good literature when you can!

    Love, Hugs and Prayers for you and your Family!
    Ohhhhh Sweetie, a BIG Noisy BUS on the Cheek and the Biggest Hug EVER!
    Shell ( I wish I was closer!)

    I have a little Giveaway,,,it might make you Smile.....stop over if you have a minute!

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  6. Okay,,,,have to let you KNOW???? My Publishing Password was "Blessed."

    Usually they are just babble,,,,or nonsense.
    "Blessed." Psssssst past it on!

    Shell

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  7. Oh, Suz. I am so very sorry to hear about your friend, Iver. I know he and his family are so dear to all of you.
    Glad you are finding some quiet moments and that Jud's illness has passed. Every day is something to behold, isn't it?
    love you, friend!
    lynn

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  8. Dear Suz,
    I'm so sorry about your friend Iver.Hope the new Year will be good to you and your family.
    Sending love,hugs and prayers,
    Marie

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  9. Suz, Just wanted to stop by and wish you the best in the new year. I know the last year was tough, but you and Jud handled it with such gusto and grace.

    I AM jealous of the adventurous Kat traveling to South Africa- and I'm jealous of your electric fleece blanket :)

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  10. Dear Suz,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. He sure had a brave fight...My love to you and your whole family and wishing you joy in the New Year. Sending (((hugs))) your way,
    xo
    Cindy

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  11. it is an honor to share your Joy and Sorrow dear Suz...my heart aches for you and yours and rejoices with you too

    Iver's passing on Christmas Eve leaves me without words

    take care sweet friend and know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers!
    oxo
    p.s. so happy for Katie being on a great adventure!

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  12. My dear Suz, I am so sorry I have been so absent here with you this past year. It has gone by so fast. And, I am so sorry for your lose of such a dear friend. I read your words and hear such beauty, even in all of your sadness. Take care my friend....

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  13. Suz, you must have known I was thinking of you and Jud today. I come home open my Email and their you are!
    I'm so sorry to hear your friend lost his battle, Especially on Christmas. But knowing he is no longer suffering will hopefully bring some Peace to the family and friends.
    Pray everything goes well at John Hopkins for Jud, They were a big help to Vic.
    katie is a lucky girl, an adventure of a lifetime.
    Hugs and hoping 2012 is a better year for all!
    Lynn

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Suz...it sounds as though your holidays truly were bittersweet. Just makes you appreciate every moment. I am glad to hear Jud's nausea has passed and am praying the trip to John Hopkins is fruitful for you! Sending love and prayers! XO

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  15. Oh, I am so, so sorry for your loss, Suz.
    Love to you!

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