Week 51

Since the last update, things have been fairly busy for us. Mom and Dad Sullivan spent some time here with us, then we left for Hawaii on a trip-of-a-lifetime. Hawaii was full of sun, ocean-time, adventure, and wonderful friendship!

In Hawaii, every day brought a new adventure. From beach time to exploring, we managed to fill our days and nights with adventure. Maddie and Eric both went surfing. We all tried our hands at paddleboarding which, FYI, proved much more difficult that on Montana flat water. We all snorkeled and got to see so much ocean-life! Seals, sea turtles, fish, coral, and even rumors of a shark beneath us! We didn't ever see the shark but our boat crew confirmed that it was there! Lots of sunsets and beautiful scenery. It was really a fantastic trip full of adventure, peacefulness, beauty, love, and friendship. 

Shortly after our Hawaii trip, Eric's Uncle Earl and Aunt Leigh came to Helena to visit us from Charolotte, NC. It was fun to show off our town and Carroll College to extended family. In between it all, Eric has continued IV Avastin treatments and using Kevin (Optune device). Uncle Earl and Aunt Leigh were able to take us down to Bozeman while they were here. It's always nice to have a break from the driving and to have good conversation! Uncle Earl went to class with Eric. But most of all, it was a great weekend of conversation and connection!

We have been able to continue to live life, make memories, and practice the belief that "Movement is Medicine"! 

Thank you to each of you who have reached out asking about Eric. It has made me realize that with all of the craziness the past month, I really have not posted much. The good news is that there isn't much to update. Eric is fairly stable and tolerating treatment well. We are adjusting to the new treatment routine well. Eric continues to teach his classes. I continue to work in the clinic when I can and have been able to start seeing a few more patients from day-to-day. 

It's really hard to believe that this week is Week 51. Almost a full year on this journey. Lots of emotions surface when we think about the past year. But perhaps the most prominent emotion we have is an enormous amount of gratitude for all of the love, support, and caring that each of you have demonstrated over the past 51 weeks. Thank you does not begin to express how we feel, but is probably the most appropriate wording. Forever Grateful!