One of Those Kindred Spirits

I ran into a fairly-new friend this morning as I was dropping off my six year old kindergartner at school.

Kelli B. is known as one of those 'Super Moms' in the town where my wife has been the primary school music teacher for the better part of the last fifteen years. She and her husband have three kids in the district and Kelli has served faithfully as an aide, community volunteer and involved parent. I'd heard about her through my wife, whom has known her for years and has always sung the praises of this parent active (in a good way!) in her kid's lives.

What I wasn't aware of until the last year or so, however, was that five years ago, Kelli, in her very early 40s, had been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She went through the Total Therapy treatment protocol at UAMS in Little Rock and the three year maintenance plan. I have to tell you - she looks great, has tons energy (she runs road races for crying out loud!) and seems to be doing very well.  

Kelli is the first to tell you that it has been a roller coaster ride of feeling good/ not so good, intact emotions and difficult times, etc and that her faith has been a keystone in her recovery.  But I don't want to go into this too deeply, because I'm excited to pass along that Kelli is looking to share her wisdom, wit and indomitable spirit in the blogging world.

If I can do this, she can do it in her sleep! Kelli's been writing and journaling, but didn't know how to deliver it to a larger audience. She has a lot to say and I'm looking forward to her foray into this caring, intelligent, searching community.  She and her family are moving from our small town over the next few months, it'll be good to keep up with her through her new blog.

It is important for us to align ourselves with kindred spirits in these tough Myeloma battles. I've been fortunate to have many such spirits, including those of you spread out across the world. Your experiences, your words of advice and your steadfast encouragement have made a tremendous impact on my life. Thank you!

I'll be sure to let you know when Kelli ventures forth with her blog! No pressure, Kelli! : )

Keep fighting! I'll be in Little Rock next Wednesday through Friday for my second three month check-up. Any prayers for continued good news would be much appreciated. Again. thank you! I hope that your Spring has been pleasant and that you are well. Keep fighting!  Sean