A January Valentine's Celebration
(Stephanie's words) Just got back from Bangkok - it was a great trip, Mark looked really good, though it is still obvious he is very sick and is in pain much of the time. We relaxed on the island while there, and Mark and I got to relive some of our childhood memories; it was interesting to see how two different viewpoints of memory can still both be correct. We checked our views with mom and she had a third viewpoint! The picture is of Mark and me having fun on the beach with an English elementary teacher from Japan who had his hair done in an interesting style for the holidays. He had to cut the hair off before returning to "normalcy" in Japan.

Mom has a great new idea: she's been working hard to keep Mark healthy and shops for his fresh food daily, preparing meals at home and trying to get him to eat a small amount every 4-5 hours. We know that Mark does better when he can eat (he suffers from nausea frequently, though) and we also know he loves adventures and even the spark of a thought of going somewhere perks him up. Mom's thought: we're going to ask everyone we know to send a Valentine's card to Mark, NOW through Feb. 14. Just before Valentine's day will mark the anniversary of his diagnosis (see archives of blog for Feb. 05 postings) so Valentine's cards now will cheer him up and help him work towards that next month and big anniversary. Many people have sent him cards of encouragement, and he truly does appreciate them- he has the cards displayed nicely on the bookcase in his living room. It is wonderful to see how many people have him in their thoughts. So, friends- please take a moment to send a Valentine's card or note or even postcard. Anyone who has happened onto this blog and is interested in doing this, no problem - send my mom an email (see link in profile) and she can tell you the address. We welcome new friends.

A Happy New Year to all of you.