Mia had another clear scan in Rochester a couple years ago. She also started seeing an endocrinologist and was given a very thorough intelligence testing. I am happy to report that she tested very highly. She does have trouble doing mathematics when it is timed. The doctor said that this is an anxiety problem and not an intelligence problem.

I know Mia is getting stronger, because when I hug her or wrestle with her, I can squeeze her tighter. She also is becoming more agile and flexible, but will probably never reach the athletic standards that her twin sister sets - Grace is in gymnastics and contorts her body in ways I didn't think possible. Mia has returned to her dancing class this fall, and Julie says that she is keeping up pretty well.

Over the last couple of years we've (PH) had a few conversations on why bad things happen to good people, and I've struggled with this all my life because so much of it seemed unfair. I'm not struggling with that question anymore because I think I've figured it out - without all those hurdles - I wouldn't even realize what a truly lucky fuckr I really am.

Oh, and I apologize for pulling out of the October PH 1st reunion in Rochester; but I couldn't get out of work. Mrs. D says I'm going in June or I get my nutz cut off. Let's shoot for then.

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Wait, who said anything about a PH reunion?!

Grats on Mia Troy. I'm happy for you. Kinda a bittersweet deal with me as I'd obviously trade a winless Vikings team for the rest of history to hug and spend 1 more hour with my healthy father one last time. But I'm very, very happy that your family didn't have to go through a loss.

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I am very glad to hear that Mia is progressing so well.
Timed mathematics?.....pffft....I'm an engineer and I would have issues with that.

It is and has been a very tough road for such a little girl and your entire family.

You have done well my friend and you have learned much from this ordeal. As you have stated previously I believe, that it has made your family stronger and more complete.
I wish that it had not taken such an experience such as this, but one deals with what one is given. You've dealt well.

I lost a niece to leukemia many years ago, she was only 14. That was devastating to our family.
The little girl that I used to bounce on my lap, play hide and seek with...
Even after all these years, I often think of Kristen, wishing that she were still with us and that she never had a chance to live life.
I rarely get misty-eyed, but just thinking of her...well....

My very best to Mia and her sisters....and to your lovely wife.


Sadly, it had slipped my mind as well for getting together this month, but next June sounds like a great idea.
Although the term "reunion" infers that we had previously gotten together, I shall let that one slide.[grin1]

Apart from meeting my wife, the most important things that happened to me that turned out positively started out anything but. We grow through adversity.