Thanksgiving 2008

At Thanksgiving we pause to reflect on what we're thankful for.

All too often, people don't realize how much they HAVE, until they are suddenly faced with what they don't have. This year, my reflection began with David's health and our lack of TIME!

David and Leo - Thanksgiving Night

While it's easy to bemoan the time we don't have, I would rather embrace each day as we always did......Date Night, woo-hoo! AND continue to discuss (as always), all the wonderful things in our lives that we have, and are still thankful for.

• For each other, and our special love and very close friendship we've shared for 30 years.
• For our Love of God, and our Faith in Him.
• For our precious family, closest friends who became 'family,' and all our dear friends.
  
• For our children; the joy they bring to our lives, the lessons we learned from them, and the growth in OUR character from those lessons.
• For our granddaughters, and the blessing and JOY they bring to our lives!
  
• For the ability to love and be loved.
• For the ability to forgive and be forgiven.
  
• For the times we were able to help others, and be helped by others.
• For the many people who crossed our paths during our life's journey, and who touched our lives tremendously.
• For the miracle of life that we were given, and for our time and purpose here on earth!

It is time, experiences, relationships and love that I'm most thankful for. Each experience creates a part of our character, which in turn becomes a part of our soul.

Time provides those experiences, and during each experience, both good and bad, great or tragic there is a measurement of how we react during that moment in life; AND it is who we become in the midst of those experiences that is what's most important. Those experiences become a sum total of every moment lived, every choice we ever make & it's consequences, and every way we act & react during that situation! Through those experiences our souls learn many of life's valuable lessons, one of which is how to truly love.

Love is the most valuable and most powerful treasure anyone could possess. If you know love, and give love, then your heart and soul also have learned sadness and pain; juxtaposed feelings that can't be known without the other. But, once a heart knows love, it becomes overflowing with happiness and joy. And, whether you are on a mountain top, or in a valley, a heart that knows true love is empowered and can stand up for, or against anything that comes it's way. We 'Mama Lions' know that one quite well!

I truly believe that if your heart and soul are full of love,
then that is the most precious possession you will ever have,
and the most priceless gift you will ever give.

So, as I reflect on what means the most to me in my life, I would have to say that everything I am truly thankful for are things that reside in my heart: love, relationships, memories, joy, peace and hope. I wish you all the experiences in life that touch your soul, and bring you to know true love.

With Love,
Linda

Bear now has a twin brother.

The BEARS on Thanksgiving!

A Match Made In Heaven

David & Linda - November 22, 2008

How We Met!

While some of you know this story, there are many more of you who don't, and have asked me to tell you how we met. So, I thought this was a good time to share our incredible and miraculous love story!

At age 22, I was a reluctant divorcée, with two babies, ages 1 3/4 and 10 months old! A few years later, a MIRACLE happened!

We were living in Eugene, Oregon at the time. My younger brother, Lance who lived in the same town I did, went skiing one day, and met another skier when they both yelled out, "single" to get on the chairlift. Now...I had NEVER gone skiing, because I don't do COLD! I had no idea about skiing, or yelling 'single,' or anything.... But, that was what they do, so I'm told.

My brother and David who were both excellent skiers riding the BLACK (advanced) chair lift up, and then skied down together; then back up again, and so on. My brother was only 15, and David was 26. David would listen to his stories, and then one story piqued David's interest. It was one about ME! He told David that I was single, looked like Farah Fawcett (I wish), and was really nice. Okay, well I was two out of three - single and nice! Back then we all donned the Farah Fawcett 'hair style,' which admittedly ages me! Yes, I was from the 'Charlie's Angels' era!

Back to the story....

So, David who had a car offered my brother a ride home from the slopes, and said, "sure I'll meet your sister." Mind you....David was only passing through Oregon, visiting his Grandmother during the holidays, and then was going back to California where he worked.

At this point in time my children were 3 and 4. With Eric and Michelle in bed, I cleaned house and started my work-out. Around 10:30 PM a knock on the door startled me, and it was my brother. I barely opened the door, and said "shhh...the babies are sleeping, and I'm doing my work-out, what are you doing here?" To which he replied, "I met someone today, and I want you to meet him."

I told him, "Are you crazy? Go home!"

"No, you really need to meet him; he's a good guy! And he gave me a ride home."

I may have been a nice person, but I wasn't feeling very nice toward my brother at that point, and told him, "GO HOME! Absolutely NOT!"

My brother wouldn't take no for an answer, so I said, "Alright! Go away for 10 minutes, let me comb my hair and freshen up, and then you can come back."

Ten minutes later...a MIRACLE happened. And the guy that I prayed for, who would have to literally come to my doorstep, actually did!

When David walked in the door, it was truly love at first sight! We talked forever that night. The children were asleep, and my one bedroom apartment was spotless, so he had no idea I had children. I slept on the pull-out couch, because I couldn't afford a two or three bedroom apartment, and so I kept the living room as a living room, with no toys, or anything; those things were all in the kids' room.

I had purchased a guitar, because I wanted to teach myself guitar, and it was in the living room. Later that evening, David picked it up and started playing it! Oh my goodness! He was quite a musician (literally had been in a professional band), and I was quite taken with his talent as well as his mind (he IS a genius), and his incredibly sweet heart.

Finally my brother was tired, and asked if they could leave. David asked me if we could go to dinner the next evening to which I agreed. The next evening when he came to pick me up, I told the babysitter to stay in the bedroom with the children, because I didn't want him to know I had kids just yet; until we went to dinner, and I could tell him then...

JUST as we were walking out the door, the kids ran out of the bedroom for one last kiss. AND... well, my cover was blown! I immediately hugged and kissed them both, said my 'good-byes' once again, and as David and I walked out the door, he looked at me and said, "You've got kids! COOL!"

WHAT, I thought! Cool? I was a package deal, and he thought this package was 'cool!' I had met a few men over the course of a couple years, but NONE measured up to the kind of man David was. I needed a GREAT man, a gentleman, a man that loved me, my children, and God. One who was smart and kind, and you know...'perfect!'

David called and quit his job in California, got a job in Eugene, and we were married 6 weeks later!

A match made in HEAVEN!!!

So, MIRACLES do happen! David and I were most certainly meant to be together! I would never in a million years have met him on the slopes, because I have never even given skiing a second thought! AND...to think that he was only traveling to Oregon because his Grandmother lived there, which by the way, she moved shortly after David's visit, to Walla Walla, Washington. So, had he ventured out to visit her later than he did, he would have been traveling to Washington, instead of Oregon; and would never have met me.

Oh...by the way. David did buy me a beautiful lavender ski outfit and skis, and told me that I WOULD like skiing, so off to the slopes we went! We skied together for years, which hold some of our best memories ever! The COLD was okay when you're doing something fun with the one you LOVE!

When we first got married, David began teaching me the guitar; we put our own little band together, as a hobby - writing music, playing and singing. Then, 'life happened,' and I was so busy with raising children, working, etc., that I never did pick up the guitar again. UNTIL last night! David is teaching me all he can, in the time we have...

The LOVE OF MY LIFE was a MIRACLE sent from God. He was not just any ordinary miracle either; he was the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME! I am better because of David Scarlett. He has always been my cheerleader, my number one fan, and the wind beneath my wings!

I had no idea that my MIRACLE had a time limit, but I wouldn't trade one minute of my life with David for anything!

David IS an incredible blessing from God,
and will always be THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!

Stealing My Husband

November 20, 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

This morning David went to the hospital, because he was throwing up quite a few times, which made him dehydrated and weak. It was quite emotional going to the Cancer Center and sitting in one of those chairs where cancer patients receive chemotherapy, while David was only receiving saline.

The fear of such a foreign place both overwhelmed us, and saddened our hearts. Even though we didn't say the words to each other; I could tell by looking in David's eyes that coming to the hospital, and being in those chairs in that room, we both felt that this was the beginning of the last leg of our journey... (I hope and pray it's a very long, long, leg!)

While at the hospital, we learned the results of the MRI today. The cancer has spread to David's hip in the form of a 2 x 4 cm. tumor, which is why he has pain in his hip, and has trouble walking. We have a consultation next Wednesday to determine if we will elect to do radiation therapy, or not. After studying until 1:00 AM last night about radiation, and then discussing everything with David, we are not quite sure if we will elect to go through that grueling treatment.

I know nothing about cancer, except that it is ugly, it is aggressive, and it is stealing my husband. Our hearts are aching as we know that each day is priceless and precious, and that there are only so many of them remaining.

We continue to lean on God for strength, comfort and guidance; and our family and friends for your continued love and support. Thank You.

You have all been amazing, and we feel so very blessed to have you in our lives.

We Love You,
Linda & David

Seek First The Kingdom Of God.

30th Anniversary And Celebration Of Life

To Us ~ Always & Forever!

30 Wonderful Years Together!

Dear Family & Friends,

Oh my! Sometimes mere words cannot express the depth of the joy in our hearts. You are all so loving, so kind and so supportive. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have you ALL here, and to see so many of you that we haven't seen in such a long time.

Congratulations to:

• Ramses and his adorable fiance, with a baby on the way!!!
• Stephanie and her very special boyfriend, Dominique whom we really like. How wonderful that God has blessed her with a Christian man in her and Bianca's life. She has our blessing.

• Stephanie: thank you for picking up the balloons!

• Michelle: thank you for taking pictures all night!

Bianca & Jada: thank you for your precious love, and for being here for Gramp & Gram! xo

• Nani: thank you for picking up the cake, and...
  

...for your SPAM presentations, and...

...for traveling ALL the way from Minnesota for our special party! (and for your precious prayer)

Paul & Marta: Thank you for the BEAUTIFUL purple orchid!

• Michele DeMaris: thank you for the stunning red roses!

Sean & Tracy: thank you for the huge and delicious Fruit Bouquet from Edibles! And for sending your gardener to make our front yard look presentable for the party!

• Ramses & Merica: thank you for the beautiful pink roses!
• Daphne: thank you for the beautiful and delicious Florentines!
• Holly & Marcus: thank you for the BEAUTIFUL Calla Lily!
  
• Mike & Candy: thank you for 'serving' all night!
• Dezi & Tony: thank you for the beautiful and sweet card! And for your daily prayers!
  
• Neill & Sandra: thank you for the fabulous wine!
• Michelle & Chris Field: thank you for one of our favorite wines!
• Mark & Melissa: thank you for the delicious Tabouli!
  
• Tamara & Bob: thank you for Bob's delicious homemade dip!
• Kristin & Dave: thank you for the wine!
• Jim & Jess: thank you for the wine!
• Sheila & Mark: thank you for the dips and chips!
• Patty & Tom: thank you for the great candle lantern! (and for your precious prayer)
  
• Bruce & Joan: thank you for the yummy candle!
• Walter: thank you for letting Nani spend days away from you!
  
• Everyone: thank you for the sweet and loving cards!!
  AND...if I forgot anyone, or anything, please forgive me.

I don't have pictures of every single thing, or believe me, it would be in here. (LOL)

I want to thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to come to our party; whether you were able to stay for 5 minutes, or 5 hours, we really appreciated your presence.

Being with all of you brought incredible joy to our hearts! :)
Thank you again - very, very much for being here. xoxo

We Love You,
Linda & David

P.S. Bear had fun too!

Nov. 19th - Update on David and the MRI:
Today, the MRI showed that the cancer has spread to David's hip. We have an appointment next week to begin radiation on that area. So, the cancer has spread from his liver, lymph nodes, lungs and now to his hip. It's been a couple days since David has been off the chemo. I think the chemo reached a toxic level, which was why he was so weak, slow and slurring his words. The white blood count was also quite low, so hopefully he can stay off the chemo for a while. Our next appointment with his oncologist is next Monday.

Arizona - Phoenix International Raceway

Friday Night At The Track
Beautiful Pink and Blue Sky!

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Start Your Engines----Jimmie Starting Race----Close Up of Start!



HELLO from Arizona!

How awesome the technology is today to be able to communicate with everyone from everywhere!!! From our cousins Tom & Hank in London, to Nohealani in Minnesota, to MANY, MANY of you in Seattle! :)

It always amazes me, how another state in the same country can be so incredibly different. When I was a regional manager, flying to eight states from Alaska to New Mexico, I was always excited and happiest when I was flying home to Seattle, because Washington is one of the most BEAUTIFUL states in the country.

Arizona, wasn't one of the states I flew to, so much to my amazement, this place is also QUITE BEAUTIFUL, even though it is completely opposite from our lush and green, mountainous home, surrounded with waterways and the ocean! Being born and raised in Los Angeles, California....I MUST be close to the ocean, because when I'm not in a 'coastal' state, I feel land locked, and claustrophobic!!! :0

We're staying in Scottsdale, which seems to be 'new,' and is very, very clean. The streets are lined with cactus and swaying palm trees, and the sky is electric blue, giving one a sense of wanting to drive with the top down for miles and miles and miles...

The Phoenix International Racetrack is in Goodyear, which is an hour from Scottsdale, and is now my favorite track. Not like the one in Napa, you can actually see the entire track, and from our great seats, it made the race quite enjoyable! I'd like to thank Phoenix I. Racetrack for providing us with a gift of the tickets to the entire set of races this week-end! What a very thoughtful and fantastic surprise!

David In His Jimmie Johnson Hat After Race Yesterday!

Update on David: We were required to visit the doctor before she would give us clearance to travel, and from David's blood work the number was dropping, which is an indicator that the tumor COULD be shrinking, however, we won't know about that until the next CAT SCAN is done, which we will do in a couple weeks. That was GOOD NEWS, because as long as the chemo keeps the tumor from growing, he has a better chance at fighting it longer! The doctor just informed us that some people have continued with this treatment for up to 24 months and kept going! :)

David's spirits are good, even though he called me a 'Drill Instructor' last night! While I'm taking care of his every need, I also make sure that he remains strong, both mentally and physically; so the 'Drill Instructor' in me tries to keep him 'moving,' and 'mentally stimulated!'

Last week, one of the readers accused me of being 'grim' about David's condition, because David had been reporting something different. David told me that I could explain that it was hard for him to express the reality of the situation, and that he was in denial when he told others.

In light of this, I've decided to withhold some news that might upset people. Believe me, I was only reporting exactly what the doctor said, and exactly what I'm seeing, as I know him better than anyone, after thirty years! I was just reporting the facts, as heartbreaking as they are for David and me. While all the time.....still hoping and praying for a miracle!

David is still working, albeit his hours are less, but he was even helping solve a problem while driving to the racetrack Friday night! So, he's still doing his thing that he's done so well at Park Avenue Construction for TWENTY years! I'm working from the hotel also, as the work I'm concentrating on right now is mainly via emails. So, we both are not slouching, and are trying to stay somewhat productive in the midst of our harsh, new reality...

We will be coming home on Wednesday. See you soon!

With Love,
Linda

On Our Way To The Racetrack!

P.S. When David became sick, our daughter, Michelle gave her Dad a cute TINY bear to keep in his pocket, to go everywhere with him. So, Bear is with us also, and below are some pictures of Bear And His Adventures!

Bear On Cactus............Bear On Dash In Car........Bear On Jimmie J Hat

Our Journey - Week 5

Dinner at Bonefish with David's Dad from Minnesota
October 27, 2008

My precious husband was so exhausted and in so much pain,
he could barely sit there...
not to mention that he can only eat a few bites at a time.

In the midst of this hard time, we have been incredibly blessed by all of you. From our daughter, Michelle and daughter-in-law, Stephanie, who have been attending doctor appointments with us, and loving on us constantly, to family and friends across the nation, who travel great distances to spend time with us. To the many, many loving cards and emails!

Neighbors showing up unannounced to do our yards, and others dropping by with surprise meals. Still others sending their own gardener to our home to make sure the yards are looking nice, to others who bring by flowers, send Mrs. Fields cookies, buy groceries, and a Christmas Bonus being sent WELL before Christmas!

One Angel blessed us with funds to go to Arizona to make one of David's items on his "Bucket List," come true. (Seeing Jimmie Johnson race at the Nascar Race) And there was another Angel who helped us with our mortgage last month. You are ALL amazing and a wonderful blessings in our lives, and we can't thank you enough for all that you have done.

The second week of chemo was the hardest on David. He lost 13 pounds in two weeks, and the fatigue was so bad, he felt like he had the worst flu 24/7. Night sweats, and horrible nightmares (triggered by the drugs) were the order for a while, but we figured out why, and have opted to cancel taking the heprin. The Lovenox (heprin) is to keep the blood clot on the portal vein from getting any larger, but we think that it's a tumor, and not a blood clot, thus the Nexavar should be working on that, and hopefully shrinking it also. So, taking an additional drug that was supposedly doing the same thing seemed like overkill.

The cancer in David's chest is at the base of his vocal chords, which has affected his beautiful voice. I'm so thankful that he made a CD for me, a couple years ago, of many of his songs, that I will treasure forever. His voice is weaker and he has to push to project it.

David's current blood work showed that his Neutrophils are low, meaning that it's harder to fight infections, and he may have a low grade infection, so they started him on an antibiotic. David and I need to stay WELL! If he gets sick, he will have a very hard time fighting it. So, I want to thank many of you, who had planned to come by, but called and canceled due to the fact that you had a cold. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

The mental anguish, and the extreme heartache that accompanies this disease is hard and heavy; not knowing when, or how David's condition will change. Every moment, of every day, we are truly LIVING the sayings that I love: 'Carpe Diem' (seize the day), and 'Life Is A Gift!'

With the love and support from each of you, and with God's Amazing Grace, comfort and strength, we are walking, albeit wobbly legged at times, through this valley. Thank you for not leaving us alone, or this would be absolutely unbearable.

I have always adored and respected my husband, but to watch him now, exhibit such amazing courage and strength; and for him continue to LOVE on me with his kind, gentlemanly ways, while HE is the one who is weak, and sick; has added a whole new depth to my love, respect and admiration for who he is. David undoubtedly is ONE OF A KIND! And I have been the woman who has been blessed by his love for so many years. I am truly fortunate to have been loved by such an unselfish, loving, and kind gentleman. David will always be the wind beneath my wings, ALWAYS!

With Love,
Linda & David

October 26, 2008 - Jada's 7th Birthday Party

David, Jada and John (David's Dad from Minnesota)

David, Bianca and John

Gram and her Girls!!!