Heather's Turn

Oh, the lessons we learn in life! As many already know, Heather's place of employment closed its doors on Monday, June 8. The people who have been so supportive, so flexible, so everything - Ted and Kathy Baer - could not keep the doors open. Heather felt - and still feels - so sorry for them. They are the hardest working people she knows, other than Bob Sitzman (who will be a part of this in a bit). I think Heather felt as bad for Ted and Kathy as she did for herself not having a job - and of course, INSURANCE! OK - panic for a few days until we found some insurance that she cannot afford, but mom and dad can. Because the doors closed and the business is no longer, COBRA was not an option. Now, Heather is pounding the streets - well, sort of - to find another job. She has had two interviews for the same position and will know next Tuesday if we can celebrate. Otherwise, there has been little to no activity. YIKES.

But, once again, we look at this situation as just another curve ball. Life is filled with them and it is how we react to those balls that make us who we are. Laughter, togetherness, commitment, prayer - they all work wonders, especially in times of need. How does this make it "Heather's Turn"? Jon's best friend in the world and our girls' "second dad" - Bob Sitzman - is going to go through his cancer battle again. He survived mantle cell lymphoma treatment - a chemo cocktail and bone marrow transplant almost 5 years ago. But today, he received the diagnosis that it has returned in his stomach. Bob and Robyn have been there for us and for Heather every step in our journey, much like we were there in Bob's last journey. Bob gave Heather the courage to fight her cancer and the support of knowledge about treatment. It is now Heather's turn to support Bob again, but this time she knows so much more than she did before. He has been her mentor; now she must show him what she has learned from him. Their bond is strong.

Jon and I know so much more this time around as well. Where we may have fallen short last time, we will not fall this time. Morning - noon - night: we will be there for Bob and Robyn!

As Heather begins her next round of chemo on Wednesday, she and Bob will be facing it together. As we pray for Heather's success, we also pray for Bob's. Both of these people deserve to share their special gifts with the world for many years to come.

Now, for some brain cancer information:
Gliomas arise from the "gluey," or supportive tissue of the brain. There are several different types of gliomas. The type of glioma is determined by the cells that give rise to the tumor. Astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma, oligoastrocytoma are all examples of gliomas. Glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, and higher grade oligodendrogliomas are referred to as "high grade gliomas."