Happy New Year to all. We hope that this year brings happiness and good health to our family and all of our wonderful friends. Without all of you, our lives would be meaningless and empty. Thanks for making our lives so full with your love.
Our last posting detailed why we were not returning to Costa Rica this winter. For those who may have missed it, Deb’s mother was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer last fall. We knew we couldn’t leave with her mother facing what in reality was a fight for her life. Without any treatment she was facing probably 3-6 months of life. She is 87 years old, and this had to be considered. She decided she wasn’t ready to die, but was ready to fight to the death if necessary. The treatment involved 5 days a week of radiation, and one day of chemotherapy mixed in with that. It was 7 weeks long, and ended shortly before Christmas. She was tired, lost about 15 pounds, and had trouble swallowing because the radiation caused swelling of her esophagus which caused lots of pain. If it was successful, the expectation would be for up to 2 years of quality life for her before the cancer would take over again. The tumor was inoperable, so treatment was her only option and only hope.
The results were better than any of us, including the doctors, could have expected. The tumor was reduced to about half of it’s original diameter, and it now has a big hole in the middle of it. Instead of an additional 2 treatments of triple dose chemotherapy, she is now undergoing immunotherapy. This is much easier for her to tolerate physically. So the expectation is for her to start eating with no pain, and probably gain some of the weight back. Her strength isn’t what she would like, but that too should return in time with her eating better. Instead of hoping for 2 more years of life, she can now look forward to at least 3 years of quality living, maybe even more! This is not just the best news, it is better than the best!!
While this was unfolding, Deb and I became grandparents again!! Our son Erik and wonderful daughter in law Alyssa brought into the world a new baby boy named Harvey. He was born in late October, and has added even more love to our family. Deb and I were at the hospital, as were Alyssa’s mom, a sister, and brother in law. We all got to hold him, hug each other, smile, and shed a couple of tears of joy. Even though we are in Eau Claire most of the time, we have been able to be back in the twin cities a number of times and have gotten some “Harvey Kid” time. The three of them came to Eau Claire for Thanksgiving, which was very special for all of us, especially Deb’s mom.
In addition, we have been in contact many times with our wonderful friend Laurel. She is the woman from whom we rent the beautiful house in Costa Rica. We plan on returning to Costa Rica next November, and Laurel is offering us the same house again. We can’t wait. Winter weather sucks. Period. Snow. Sucks. Sleet. Sucks. Cold temps. Suck. We miss Costa Rica. That being said, we would stay in Minnesota/Wisconsin again under those same circumstances. But we definitely plan on being gone for 6 months starting November 1st. Laurel, we can’t wait to see your smiling face. And The Porch. And the vultures. And the butterflies. And the Blue MotMot. And even the rooster that wakes us up way too early. We can’t wait.
That is it for now. Many good things happening in our lives. Stay healthy and happy everyone. That is our wish for your 2020. Keep love flowing.
Pura Vida.
Deb and Tim.
Deb & Tim's Adventure 