After the news...

Getting the news of Kimmy's cancer before Christmas was quite shocking. How on earth do you have a merry and jolly Christmas when you know your sister is about to go through the toughest fight of her life? It almost was breathtaking, not in a good way. I'm serious, for me, it was hard to breathe.

I have to say that one of the worst moments of my life had to be when my mom walked in to my home to tell me the news. She didn't have to say a thing, it was written all over her face, I was about to receive terrible news. I will never forget that feeling, I was numb. My mom and dad are superstars. Not a flinch and they were off to Phoenix. 

I want to mention and thank someone who may never see this...Marcia Horn. Marcia is the daughter of my moms former boss and friend, Congressman Steve Horn. We could never have known that putting my mom into the path of the Horn family would bring the ties even closer together.  Marcia Horn lives in the Phoenix area and is the President of the International Cancer Advocacy Network.  All I can say is wow.  My mom was immediately on the phone with her and she has declared her support to Kimmy and that she will be with her every step of the way.  Already, Marcia is translating information, providing leads, and supporting her in a way that no one else can.  She is the voice of reason. She says relax, and we all remember to breathe.  Thank you Marcia Horn. You are a living guardian angel.


www.askican.org 

The Nelsons and my parents drove to Garden Grove for Christmas Day.

I can say that we had the BEST Christmas ever!  No need for tons of details here but my dad has two sisters, one in Tucson and another in Kentucky.  A higher power was working some magic (I think there was some secret Tebow-ing going).  Before the news hit, Kentucky and Uncle Kentucky had made last minute plans to visit their daughter in San Diego, we knew they'd be with us for Christmas.  Two days before the news, Aunt and Uncle Tucson said they wanted to come in and surprise everyone.  Minus two cousins and two grandkids, we had everyone together for Christmas 2011. I can't even tell you when that last happened! We didn't talk about it openly because the children don't know but we certainly had lots of side conversations, all expressing love and support. 

I like to offer images to explain what's going on in my head and this is what I see...a lightswitch.  Yep, a lightswitch. Introducing cancer into our family flipped on the lightswitch.  I feel like we see each other differently, everyone isn't afraid to express feelings, offer up support or use the words I love you. Man, that sure felt good to have that all come together on Christmas Day. Our team has assembled, we've got the armor on and are all ready to stand and fight behind Kimmy.

We were thankful to have the Nelsons and my parents make the 24 hour trip for Christmas.  They left Monday the 26th and on the 27th, Kimmy had an MRI and PET scan.  Results to come in 24-48 hours.  Now the wait.