We did not succeed in getting out our traditional Christmas newsletter. Maybe it will go out after the New Year, assuming we come back from Costa Rica. Here's our current draft:
2012 was a life-changing year for our family:
Ken (50) has been diagnosed with and treated for Stage IV bladder cancer, including chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. See kwbcancerblog.blogspot.com. Ken is winding down his legal practice, and is focusing on family, friends, and faith. His sense of humor is still flourishing in the form of awful bladder puns. He's taking the family to Costa Rica over Christmas, and to Europe next summer.
Jennifer (49) continues to be the family's primary caregiver and is the anchor of the family. She's working on her Master of Social Work degree, learning that she's a digital immigrant, while the kids are digital natives. Jennifer finds solace in art therapy. She takes life one day at a time, savoring joy in the journey, and hikes in the woods with Nephi, our faithful standard poodle.
Chelsea (24) and Josh Slade (30) live nearby in Arlington, VA. Chelsea is in her third year of medical school, and plans to specialize in family medicine. She spent a week in Nicaragua on a medical mission in March. Josh is in his third year of law school, is leaning towards a criminal law practice, and currently works part-time as a DC public defender. We enjoy occasional family meals with them when they come up for air from their busy lives.
Spencer (almost 22) attends the local community college, where he's discovering a greater interest in physiology and nutrition. He was asked by the college's writing center to tutor other students. Spencer also works part-time as a peer mentor at a counseling and wellness program for young people in recovery, and does his best to keep our fridge empty.
Kirsten (almost 18) is in her senior year of high school, taking a heavy load of advanced classes, and applying to colleges across the country. She has discovered a passion for cosmetology and creating art, and continues loving bass guitar and reading. After Kirsten dyed and bleached her hair too many times to count, she now has grown to love an unexpected pixie cut.
Garrett (almost 15) is in his freshman year of high school, enjoys math and science, and is a percussionist in the school band. He's planning his Eagle Scout project, recently got braces and grew eight inches in the past year, towering over most of his family. When not playing games or reading, Garrett can be found playing more games.
Hello Ken and Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI tried to email this to you, but the email addresses in your Christmas letter bounced back.
We were sobered to receive your Christmas letter and hear of Ken's diagnosis, and send prayers your way. I have browsed briefly through your blog and admire your attitude and approach to what I can only begin to imagine is so scary and overwhelming, to say the least.
2012 was an eventful year for us, as well, though in good ways. John (our third child and only son) graduated from high school and went to BYU-I, Emily (22) was married, and Charlotte and her husband made us grandparents (which really is as awesome as everyone tells you is it). Oh--and we moved into my Dad's house (he moved to Texas to live with my brother and sister-in-law). Whew! Here's hoping 2013 is a little less eventful.
So good to hear from you--may God bless you in the coming year.
with love,
Denise