Happy Birthday Kathlin and Carolyn!

This weekend is both Kathlin’s and Mom’s birthdays, with the added bonus of Mother’s Day thrown in the mix. Kathlin’s parents have flown out to spend some time with Kathlin, Kevin, Mom and Dad, so we hope Santa Cruz and its weather will be on its best behavior for our VIP visitors.

Kathlin continues to be an amazing individual: strong, patient and willing to learn. To say that she’s been a huge help is a wimpy understatement, but I can’t even begin to explain all that she’s done for Kevin and us. Her love and support is an incredible inspiration. She can understand almost everything Kevin says, even if it’s something completely out of the blue and poorly enunciated. She can suggest that Kevin do something and he’ll often comply (or after some arguing, they’ll reach an agreement), which is no easy feat with Kevin’s stubborn personality. She’s just as stubborn as Kevin, which we're finding is a helpful trait when involved with Kevin's fight against cancer. Furthermore, she’s an optimist. Our family is not very optimistic by nature, and she’s been a positive light that reminds us to hold out hope, even in the darkest moments. We can’t thank you enough, Kathlin, for all that you’ve done. Happy Birthday!!!! You deserve an amazing day for superwoman dedication and hard work.

In honor of her birthday and Mother’s Day, I’d also like to write some words of thanks to Mom for all that she’s done. When we were living over the hill close to Stanford and Santa Clara, Mom was the one organizing the living situations and food (thank you again to everyone who has shared with us your wonderful dishes—your food has kept us going!). Essentially, she made sure the rest of us stayed alive, nourished and healthy. Mom and Dad continue to contribute emotional support, planning, brainstorming and problem solving every day. They have stood up for Kevin’s strength and abilities countless times, and this has allowed Kevin to have a chance to fight. Mom—Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day!! You’ve been a wonderful Mom for Kevin and I our whole lives, and you continue to live up to that every day, no matter what new unwelcome surprises jump out at you.

Kevin has remained in the skilled nursing facility at Santa Cruz for this week. The head doctor decided that Kevin could benefit from one more week there while his energy level is continuing to recover. Next week, he may move to the acute rehab side of the facility, where he’ll get a few more hours per day of therapy. Kevin is working hard in the couple hours of therapy he does receive now; with a lot of assistance and support from therapists, he’s been practicing standing, kneeling and taking very small steps. He’s also making a strong effort to sit up for several hours in the chair each day.

Thank you to everyone who’s continuing to keep up with Kevin’s progress! He still has a long road ahead of him, but that road will be much easier with support from friends and family. Happy birthday to Kathlin and Mom, and happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!