A Heavy Sadness, A Weightless Feeling of Hope

My brother Matt continues to struggle with his cancer treatment. We never expected it to be so harsh. He just completed his first round of chemotherapy, and is slated to continue treatment this week. His plans to start the second round were put on hold, however, due to an emergency in Paris hospitals, which bumped him out of his bed for the week. My mother is out there visiting him, which is good and also probably stressful...both for him, and her. For him, her presence is another responsibility that he must handle, in-between coordinating with doctors, specialists, government officials (it is Socialized health care, after all), and also while trying to find a job and get a work-permit Visa. My mom is also probably a little stressed; seeing your firstborn son struggle through the side-effects of chemotherapy is not the most pleasant sight I can imagine. He is losing his hair, but he just went ahead and shaved it all off. As a guy, he is afforded that one luxury. Plus, apparently he looks pretty good with the new 'do, so I think that has boosted his ego a little and bolstered his spirit. Nice to know that even during chemo, people think you look pretty hot.

Once this round of chemo finishes, he'll be done with the worst of it. Then starts the tedious maintenance of his treatment...the monthly CAT scans, the bloodwork every three months. Settling into life post-cancer. Finding a job that allows him to stay in France, with those he loves, doing what he loves to do. Keep the struggles he faces in your prayers. He has appreciated so much the prayers and warm wishes of everyone, and loves to get emails, cards, and packages (if you are so inclined). Still, a nice email is so welcomed by him. Let me know if you want his email address.

As for me, I've moved into the new place and have been there a little over one week. I like it a lot so far. I start my "new student orientation" at UCI on August 26th, I turn 26 on August 27th, and I start school on September 28th. So many changes. What will my 26th year bring? A new school, a new apartment, and many golden oldies like my friends and family. I have a tremendous hope, which feels so good, as it has replaced a deep sadness I felt not too long ago. I hope for my brother, my mom, the rest of my family, and for you all as well. As I mentioned before, changes are in the air. Be open to them.