Happy July 4th - Christine, Rocko and I rose early on this big US holiday and headed out to Great Falls National Park to hike along the cliffs looking out over the Potomac River. Check out the photos!It was quiet and peaceful - we even surprised a young fawn at the river's edge early in the hike - and I felt energized right through the two hours we were out there. Thankfully, I'm going strong in this week following treatment, no doubt buoyed by the time with family (my mom, brothers, and many more) this past weekend in Michigan. Continuing to work and enjoying time with Christine and Darcy - mostly indoors, away from the extreme heat and humidity - with the boys at camp in the Adirondacks through this week.
Even as we celebrate Independence Day and the fact I'm feeling so strong, we continue to be struck by how dependent we are on others. The accomplished, dedicated doctors and nurses taking care of me, of course, but also our loving family and friends who are picking us up every day. Out of the blue in recent days, so many of you have reached out and surprised us with a variety of gifts and encouraging words. We're so grateful to be knit together with all of you and are celebrating not only our independence but also our interdependence today.
What a great picture and so encouraging that you are feeling so strong. Love it and love you. Blessings, Ross
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely. "Interdependence" day should be widely celebrated. Warmest wishes to you all and hope you continue to feel encouraged and supported by those around you, near and far. Best, Rhonda
ReplyDeleteI see that some how "I've" already responded...
ReplyDeleteJust want to say how much I admire the spirit with which you are dealing with this "trek". You don't even know how your openness and just living life in a vulnerable yet strong way is speaking to so many.
Keep hiking and playing tennis and doing Life!
xo, Emily
What inspiring and beautiful words throughout this trek/blog! Love the forest bathing, the "interdependence day" that yes, we should all celebrate, and how strong your faith is. You really are "living" the faith, and in turn, are strengthening the faith of all of us. You and Christine are such incredible friends (not to mention parents!) who have already trekked so far and wide and gathered such a huge network. We are blessed to be part of that network. As you continue this next more intense phase, know that hardly a day goes by that we're not thinking about you and praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up, AJ!! We love you lots!
Anne (and Jim)