So after what was a challenging 10 days, I was rewarded with a wonderful Father’s Day weekend. It started with a pleasant surprise that Jake was going to fly home from Virginia to spend the weekend with me. I haven’t shed many tears since my diagnosis and the ones I have were typically due to fear but upon this news I definitely shed a few tears of joy. I didn’t realize how much I needed and wanted to be surrounded by my kids until I saw him step out of the airport on Friday night and was able to spend time with them both over the weekend.

I know most parents wax poetically about their kids and I am no different but my recent Cancer diagnosis has heightened my awareness of just how lucky I am. Lucky in life, work, love, friends, family and my kids. To watch both Jake and Alexa develop their sense of self and how they navigate the world has been such a joy and the proudest moments of my life. Whether it be navigating their own health related challenges, traveling the world, developing new friendships and letting go of old ones, exploring their independence, the pressures of school and sports, or absorbing the details of my diagnosis, both of them continue to inspire me and show what amazing humans they are. The empathy, love, situational awareness, perseverance and dignity they show makes me proud to be their dad.

Anyway, Fathers Day weekend was great. Between having Jake home, getting time with both him and Alexa, and an appearance at German Car Day at Larz Anderson Museum it was a really fun weekend.

We were also excited to host a small family Fathers Day gathering at our house. I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing family I have. I love them all so deeply. My sprits were high, my body felt good and I am ready to attach the week once again in preparation for my third cycle starting on June 22nd.

Each day is a blessing and today was a great day!