In Sickness and In Health

Dear Friends & Family,

"In sickness and in health, til death do us part." Many of you recited the same vows at your wedding. Like us, you may not have thought much about them. We were young, healthy, had good genes and lots of plans for our future. We jumped right in to life; babies, work and family weekend trips away. There was no time for sickness, we had so much to do! Then suddenly one day, sickness became the center of our world. In over two years since his diagnosis, there has not been a day, a decision, a hug, or a moment that did not have sickness in it.

Of course this sickness sucks beyond belief. But, there are amazing things about living with a dying man. First of all, Curt is the most awesome man on earth, when he was healthy he was awesome and now even in sickness with the world's most dreaded disease, he is still awesome. His attitude has remained steadfast and brave. He believes he was chosen for this disease, there is a reason he is going through this, and something great will come out of it. I wish I could be so strong! Although his patience is tested every moment of every day; a fly he cannot shoo, an itch he cannot scratch, a hug he cannot return, the list goes on and on. Through it all he remains gracious, selfless, encouraging and patient. I watch him in awe. I want to be like him. I want to watch the hummingbirds around our yard, I want to take the time to smell dozens of colognes in order to pick out the perfect scent, I want to breathe in the smells of nature and be still enough to notice the breeze on my face. Mostly, I want to embrace the sunshine as it feeds health into my body. I want to be like Curt.

He encourages, promotes, teaches, is friendly to all, appreciates everything and loves with all his heart. I could never ask for a better husband or a better father. He is simply amazing to the core. Curt is an example to us all....... in sickness and in health.

Please join me in praying for a miracle.

Love,
Cindy, Curt, Clarissa, Cayden & Corbin

Corey, Corbin, Cayden, Clarissa & Shane at Jawbone Canyon Store
We love that the kids can continue the tradition of motorcycle riding without us.
They can load the motorcycles on the trailer, plan their meals and navigate to the desert on their own!
We are so proud!

After the motorcycle trip, everything needs to be cleaned and put away. Curt looks on as the kids have been through this many times but usually with Curt at their side helping too.

Yesenia, Melanie, Yanira & Blanca
Curt loves the girls at the office and has always had fun teasing and joking with them!

Cayden & Paige ready to go to her Aunt's Christmas Dinner

The Melanson Family brought us Christmas Eve breakfast, yum, thanks!
We ate outside on the patio, what a gorgeous day! Bill's parents are here from New Hampshire, it was fun to meet them and hang out for awhile!

Corbin & Lauryn exchanged gifts- she made him a photo album of all their photos along with a sweatshirt and he gave her a pillow pet and stocking filled with some treats.

Lorraine is my parent's next door neighbor. But way more than that! She has been in our lives since I was about 6 years old, she is the sweetest person around! We traditionally spend Christmas Eve at her house enjoying her warm fire, great friends and family, good food and her always gorgeous Christmas Tree. Thank you Lorraine for a wonderful evening!

We always exchange gifts with my parents on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Morning. Everyone is still a bit sleepy!

Cayden & Corbin made the rub and prepared the Prime Rib for our Christmas dinner. Curt has taught them the last two years and they've got it down. It turned out delicious.
Curt's family and my parents came over for Christmas Dinner and to exchange gifts.
We had a great afternoon/evening. Sorry no photos.

Merry Christmas to all our friends, family and followers.
Thank you for praying for our family!