Ah, titles. . . .Sometimes thinking of yet another one just seems too much. Too much. Please excuse….
Thank you so much for your very kind, thoughtful, and supportive comments on yesterday’s post. I know my sister-in-law read them as well, and I believe she took strength from knowing that people are moved and are sending encouraging thoughts and prayers.
Because I know that some of you also went to the GoFundMe site, read their story, perhaps shared it, perhaps even donated funds, I’m sharing the photo that my nephew’s wife, Carly, posted on Facebook on Monday, along with her words of gratitude and appreciation and hope.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read our story, shared it with friends, or donated to help us. The amount of support we have received from family, friends, and members of the community has been overwhelming! Ryan has a big fight ahead of him, but he is more confident than ever that he can kick this cancer’s ass! I am amazed daily by his strength, determination, and bravery.
I am forever grateful to everyone who has supported us in our time of need.
Love,
Carly, Ryan Schmidt and Adelyn Rose 
https://www.gofundme.com/
I commented on Facebook about Carly’s punctuation. Her mastery of the comma delights my English prof’s soul, truly. I’ve taught academic writing to hundreds of students, and I’ve rarely seen any wield an Oxford comma so consistently and effectively.
As for me, I’m rallying, feeling considerably better (although I woke from the strangest dream this morning, with the words “The Great Depression” figuring significantly, ominously — uh-oh!). We’ve been indulging in some Netflix binge-ing, which I justify by watching with French audio and French subtitling — Témoins (Witnesses) — very good, if you can handle intense suspense. Ditto for the Belgian show La Trêve/The Break which we also watched in French.
Today, we’re heading over to Vancouver Island, although not all the way to the little island where we used to live. Still, I have visits scheduled with good friends, and while I may have lost my voice by the time I come back, I know my heart will be full.
What about you? What are you up to? (And isn’t that a good-looking family above? I get to meet that little baby on Sunday, can’t wait!)
Such a beautiful family portrait!
Everything will be good
Enjoy your Island visit
Dottoressa
Thank you, K
My response to your previous posting disappeared into the ether but I am sure that others have expressed my thoughts much more eloquently. I can say nothing more but add that here is another who has you and yours in her thoughts.
And on the Oxford comma – I so love it too.
Thank you so much, fellow Oxford-comma lover. . . .
It's good that you are visiting old friends just now & recharging your batteries . I've heard that Vancouver Island is very beautiful . We are decorating inside the house , so I don't expect you are envious . And yes , that is a very good-looking family .
Wendy in York
Vancouver Island truly is beautiful, and although it was tiring to visit so many friends in such a short time, it was rejuvenating. And nope, not too envious of that kind of work, although it's always fun to see ideas coming to fruition, isn't it?
Natures first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower,
But only so an hour.
So leaf subsides to leaf,
so Eden sank to grief.
So dawn goes down to day,
nothing gold can stay.
Robert Frost
I always find comfort, solace, and peace in this poem. All any of us have promised is this moment. Take joy in your surroundings and friends and restore yourself.
Yes, this is a poem (and a concept) worth returning to, again and again. Thank you.
Enjoy your time on the island, Frances.
Thanks, Sue!
You are incredible! Spreading knowledge wherever you go. I had never heard of the oxford comma before, now I know…
Very wise of you to get away from the noise for some time and refill your emotional cisterns. Have a wonderful time.
With such different syntax, I suppose commas will be used quite differently in German. The Oxford comma is very much a stylistic choice, but for me it's the only choice, if clarity matters.
Thanks for sharing this Frances …my thoughts are with your nephew, his wife and their new baby as well as you the rest of his family. Thanks also for sharing his "gofundme" page. Take care and enjoy your time on the island.
Rosie
No, thank you, Rosie!
I just read both posts about your nephew's situation – your situation – and I send my virtual hugs and support. Having dealt with grave health issues within our family for the past 6 months, I know first hand that this can be overwhelming and draining. Please know that your words here need not always be bright and shining. We are here – however remotely – to lift each other up during whatever may be happening. I don't know the attribution, but a favorite quote is "we are all just walking each other home." Sending thoughts and prayers for you and the little family.
Beverly in Texas
Your kind words are much appreciated Beverly. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing the link. Keeping a positive thought for you and your family.
ceci
Again, it's me who should be thanking you — but that link is so heartwarming for me, to see so many strangers pitching in, along with friends and family.
One little family, one big hurdle. But they aren't facing it alone and that is the important thing. Enjoy the visit.
Thanks Anne. They do have abundant support.
I was very sorry to read about your nephew's illness at a time which should be filled with unadulterated happiness for him and his whole family; it is so terribly unfair. I am in awe of his wife's positivity, love and determination at a time when she is getting to know their brand new baby. I do hope that the medical treatments are successful. Enjoy spending precious time with friends and family. We are currently appreciating a visit from my brother and his family who have travelled across the world for a holiday with us. Wilma D
Isn't she inspiring, so much strength?! Have a lovely visit with your brother's family.
Thinking of you and yours today. Thank you for sharing such a lovely family portrait. Enjoy your visits with family and friends.
Thank you, Beth. All this positive energy must make a difference, I know!
I don't think I commented on your immediate past post. There are no words for this situation. My heart hurts for your family.
Thanks so much for caring, Maggie.
Thinking of you and your family. Times such as this put into perspective what is really important…..
Enjoy the Big Island.
Ali
So true, life has a way of refreshing our priorities.
Thanks.
What a lovely family – and I am so sorry to hear about your nephew's serious health concern. I am keeping them all in my positive thoughts. I know that miracles happen – I see them all the time – and I cannot dismiss the likelihood of just such an event for your nephew. There is nothing more life-affirming (and health-inspiring) than a son or daughter. xoxo