Holiday Card and Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

I can’t believe it’s that time again.  Time flies by and the years creep up on us.  Our children grow and change, we have both good and bad experiences, but life just keeps moving forward.  And thus, it is time to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in 2016!

Our year started off to be the most normal year we’ve had in a long time.  Both girls were in school, our days took on a regular rhythm and, for the most part we were mostly concerned with regular things like schedules, taxes, home improvements, etc.  We made a quick trip up to KC and Trudy’s cabin, north of Pinedale, WY, and had a fun weekend snowmobiling, relaxing, and hanging out with family.  

Unfortunately, Katy and Emily had separate spring breaks, so it was hard to take a trip together.  For Katy’s spring break, she and Jim went to Southern Utah (Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon), Katy felt so good she was able to hike almost to the top of Angel’s Point (just not the last part with the chains).  Much to Emily’s chagrin, we went to California for Katy’s checkups during Emily’s spring break.  We did try to fit in a few fun things too, like a trip into SF, and seeing the Winchester Mystery House.  The rest of the spring, Emily was busy with dance competitions, and Katy won the purchase award at Paradigm High School’s art show.  Katy went to Prom, and finished the year getting straight A’s.  

The summer was upon us quickly.  Emily promptly cut her hair into a Pixie cut after her ballet recital.  She got several ensemble parts in a summer production of “Seussical” and took a break from dance.  With cutting her hair, she thought she would pass on performing in the Nutcracker this year.  That was short lived as by the end of the summer she really missed dance.  Katy spent the summer hiking, reading, and getting her driver’s license.  Both girls hung out with friends, but especially Emily, who is my social butterfly.

So it ended up that all our summer trips and visiting got squished into a 3-4 week period.  The girls and I took a trip to CA via 2 nights in Las Vegas.  We saw some Las Vegas attractions, went swimming under the “Eiffel Tower” and saw a Cirque du Soleil show.  We then met our cousins in the LA area and spent 4 days going to Universal (Harry Potter World), the Griffith Observatory, the Getty Museum, UCLA, and a trip into Santa Monica.  Then northwards to the Bay Area for a quick visit with Brent and Mom and for appointments.  Katy got a clean bill of health except for a continuing concern about her platelet count dropping.  Upon arrival home, Jim and I took a 2 night trip with our other Cobra fanatics up to Alpine, Wyoming.  It was cold but fun as usual.  No sooner were we done with that trip and our friends, the Steele family came on vacation to Park City.  It was so fun to have Katy and Cullen hanging out together again.  

Katy (17) and Emily (13) started school in late August.  Emily changed schools this year and really likes it much better, although I’m not sure she’s any better at turning in homework. Katy’s platelet levels continued to fall so we went to see her local Hematologist.  Long story short, for those of you who don’t know, Katy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  It is so hard to believe that our brave daughter has been diagnosed, yet again, with another life threatening illness.  This leukemia is resistant to treatment so a bone marrow transplant is her best chance.  Emily is the perfect bone marrow match for Katy, which is a huge relief.  

So, in late September, upon Katy’s request, we took a 5 day trip to Hotel del Coronado.  It was a wonderful beach vacation that was a splurge.  We relaxed, swam, ate and enjoyed each other’s company.  The girls got to take a surfing lesson for the first time.  We even had our own hot tub.  Although, bittersweet, this was the highlight of our year.  

Our world has been a whirlwind since then.  Katy’s care is fraught with multiple complications, but she has just finished her second chemotherapy treatment.  Overall, she is handling the treatments remarkably well.  Please hope with us, that this 2nd treatment kills enough leukemia to allow Katy to move forward with the bone marrow transplant.  She is being treated in Salt Lake City at Primary Children’s Hospital this time.  Katy is an amazing fighter and her determination has helped her overcome incredible odds in the past.  For updates go to http://katydoaksjourney.blogspot.com.  Feel free to drop any of us a line.  We all text message.  

I’m sorry to end this letter with sad news, but I also felt like I wanted everyone to hear the wonderful things we were able to do this year, before hearing the bad news.  We are grateful for the normalcy we had, while it lasted.  Hold your family and friends close, take some moments everyday to be thankful, and love with all your heart.  Life is so fragile.  From our family to yours... Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

XXXOOO,

Christina, Jim, Katy and Emily