Growth and Transformation

Shortly after my friend Jess was diagnosed with cancer last spring, Lucy commented that she wanted to donate her hair to create a wig for a cancer patient. The simplicity of her stated desire-- such a huge gesture of giving at not even eight years old-- blew me away. This girl has a heart of gold. 

Predictably, there were moments over the subsequent months when she grew impatient with the curls (oh, the curls!) and tangles. But she was determined to reach that final goal of 10 inches of hair to donate. 

Over those months as Lucy's hair grew, Jess endured months of strong chemo, a life-saving bone marrow transplant, and then even more chemo. Her gorgeous hair was snipped shorter and shorter until it finally began coming out in earnest in mid-July. Putting on a brave face, Jess asked one of the nurses in the bone marrow unit to preemptively shave her head. 

The same day that Jess lost her locks, the wise Glennon from Momastery posted this quote on her page: 

"For a seed to become its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. Its shell cracks, its insides come out, and everything changes. To someone who doesn't understand growth, it would look like complete destruction."- Cynthia Occelli 

Yes, this is the thing.The wise ones know that the pain, the breaking, the coming undone, the cracks, the darkness - that's all just the beginning, not the end.

Transformation can, at first, be dark and scary and painful and lonely. Keep the faith.Trust the system.You are not alone, you're just participating in the Way of Things.You'll soon push through the soil and feel the sun.

Love, Glennon

Those words were a sure sign that Jess' immense transformation, from the visible hair loss to the very marrow of her bones, was simply growth disguised as destruction. What a wonderful image to hold in my mind while watching her endure so much-- and with such grace. 

While Jess was busy with all of that cloaked-as-destruction growth, Lucy's hair was doing its own work. And, last week, just as Jess' hair was finally starting to sprout on her head once again, Lucy's locks had reached the length acceptable for donation. 

On the day of the haircut, Lucy asked if she could first take a picture with the person who inspired her-- Jess. Look at these two beaming, beautiful girls. A heart could burst from all of the goodness in one lens. 

A special visit to my fabulous hairdresser Kathy led to a short 'do for Lucy-- and a bag of lovely locks to donate for a child's wig.

Even though our Lucy's trademark curls are gone, it's evident how much growth has occurred over the past eight months-- for Lucy and Jess alike.

Cyclocross

My seasoned racer won a spot on the podium, but it was my first-time racer who stole the show! 

 And we can't forget Lu-bug, who rode her heart out, too! 

School Days (x3)

As the saying goes, summer should get a speeding ticket. Though our summer bucket list was fulfilled, it is hard to believe we're back to spelling tests, homework, and packing lunches.  

One new twist this year: Mary's status at a fifth grader gave her the title of "crossing guard." 

Even Ryan joined the ranks of school goers this year, starting preschool with zest and confidence. What a happy-go-lucky guy! 

You are My Sunshine

To the tune of You are My Sunshine, our neighbor Susie walked down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. She waited nearly 60 years for this moment, so it was most special that our children were a part of the wedding. 

And we are the luckiest neighbors indeed-- for in addition to the sunny and wonderful Susie, we also get her new spouse John and his lovable pooch Annie. 

Cousin Sleepover

With Amy and Tom away in California for a few days, we enjoyed time with our sweet cousins. From water gun fights at the lake to bubble baths to neighborhood strolls for frozen yogurt, fun was had by all! 

Team Jess

In March, one of our dear friends was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer. As a mom to two little girls, she was determined to win the fight-- and to ignore the fright. Her motto became, "Focus on the Fight, not the Fright." And true to her brave and courageous spirit, that's exactly what she did and continues to do. In July, she entered OHSU for the grueling process of inductive chemo and a bone marrow transplant. 

That same week, the Be the Match organization held its annual 5k run/walk downtown. As anyone on the sidelines of cancer understands, Jess' group of friends wanted to do "something" to help ease the burden. There's a sense of helplessness to watch a friend fight a battle without being able to step in and take over when her own body gets exhausted. And so, we did what we could to support Jess-- including creating "Team Jess" for the Be the Match event. 

While we were huffing and puffing through the streets of Portland during the race, we had a view of the hospital up on the hill where Jess was enduring unbelievable doses of strong chemo. Thinking of her struggle, I (and surely many others running alongside me) silently sent prayers up to her room as we weaved through the streets of Portland. It was a powerful and wonderful day. 

Two days later, Jess received her bone marrow transplant, using her brother's stem cells, and is doing remarkably well. For this, I am grateful beyond measure. 

Ironman Idaho

Our bi-annual Buck vacation this year was in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

The first task of the trip was to be the Support Crew for Ryan and his friend Pete who competed in Ironman Idaho. What an athletic accomplishment! It was even a feat to SPECTATE, some might argue (particularly Liesl who fell asleep mid-French fry when we stopped to grab a bite to eat)!

The energy and spirit of the race were inspiring. Ryan completed the race in under 12 hours, with a big grin as we cheered him through the finishing chute.

Next up on the agenda: relaxation! Well, relaxation of the Buck variety-- meaning long bike rides and daily runs on the nearby trail, and plenty of water fights, swimming and paddling in the lake. It was a good thing we were so active, since each day was capped by another Buck tradition: Amy's gourmet meals.

The lake was ideal for spotting wildlife including blue herons and even a moose right outside our door. The Fourth of July brought a charming lake tradition, the annual boat parade, by our dock.

It was a wonderful week and we are grateful to Ryan for the impetus of this trip. So: who is doing the next big event so we can plan Buck Vacation 2016?