The Beach

Dear Friends & Family,

The beach has always been an important part of our lives. When Curt was a child, his Dad would come home from work and announce "after dinner we are going to the beach." Curt said the table was set, dinner was finished, cleaned up and all 5 kids were out the door and in the car in minutes. It was on those evenings that Curt's Dad taught him to body surf, a sport he still enjoys. Our high school summers were spent at 2nd Street in Hermosa Beach. Curt and his friends would sit near the wall which separated the sand from The Strand, which was the place to "be" and "be seen". My friends and I would sit nearer to the ocean since we spent a lot of time in the water. Our summer nights were spent cruising Hermosa, Redondo and Torrance Beaches. When we were in our 20's we would all cruise The Esplanade in Redondo and park in time to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset was the beginning of most of our evenings.

On Friday, March 26th, 2010, over 100 great friends and family members joined us at Torrance Beach for prayer at sunset. This was the beginning of our journey to Mexico. It was overwhelming to see so many people come out to support and pray for Curt.

Everyone joined in a circle and after a short welcome by me and Ray Arevalo; there were eight specific prayers (travel safety, healing, the doctor, etc.) by eight different friends or family members. After the last prayer, we all turned to watch the sunset. The timing was perfect, as we turned around the sun just began to touch the ocean and we all stood silently until it disappeared below the horizon. We thanked everyone for coming and then got together for a group photo (attached). This photo means so much to us; it is on our refrigerator and is a daily reminder of all the people who are praying for us. We know that for everyone in the photo there were many more people who were with us that night in prayer and are praying daily.

We left the beach and gathered at my parent’s home for dinner and socializing. The food was catered by Paradise and super yummy! The party was fun and lively. It was great to get to visit with so many special friends. Curt & I are so thankful to have so many loving and caring people in our lives. Thank you Dad & Mom for throwing such a great party. Mom - you are awesome to suggest inviting all 160 (+families) of our "email update" group. I loved when you said "You cannot limit who will come and pray for Curt, invite them all!" The night was a dream and vision come true. After we all prayed together at the beach I had an even deeper peace about going to Mexico. What a night to remember!

We had a great time in Santa Cruz this past weekend. We visited Cannery Row, The Monterrey Bay Aquarium, The 17 Mile Drive and The Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. We spent our time at the campground cooking outdoors and sitting by the fire. It was great to be with The Beedy Family, my parents, my cousins Erik & Alyson and nephews Dominic & Ethan. Clarissa & Cayden were awesome on the trip; always there to help Curt with whatever needed to be done. Corbin was busy exploring the campground and all it had to offer. The drive home was intense; very windy, Curt had to really work hard driving our motor home through the wind for the entire 8 hour drive. He spent most of Monday recovering from the busy weekend. It is hard to see his health so fragile and the way he gets tired so quickly. Our motor home trips may be coming to an end.

It has been 2 weeks since he received treatment in Mexico. We have not seen any improvement in his health (doctor says it will take 2 months). In fact, he is still deteriorating. He is struggling with his speech and sometimes gives up talking mid story because the words won't come out as quickly as his brain is processing them. He had a hard time getting in and out of the motor home, the stairs are steep and there is not much to hold onto. His walking is staggered and his legs are shaky. He never complains. I know that he is completely frustrated with his body, but he makes the best of it. He is and will always be my hero!

Thank you for continuing to pray.

Love,

Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin