Uncle Bob's Fundraiser

Hello,

Lily and I drove home to Dodgeville yesterday in order to go to Uncle Bob's fundraiser today. With all of his setbacks this past week, I knew it was more important than ever to see him.

Before we made it to Argyle, we visited Grandpa and Gloria. Grandpa was pretty tired, but kindly listened to me blabber on about my possible MLS from UWM plans in the future and about the times I worked Per Mar for Badger football games (we were watching the game on the TV). We had started late this morning, so we couldn't stay too long. Mom and I brought fresh raspberries and potatoes from the Farmer's Market. I hope they like them!

Uncle Bob's fundraiser was held at the Argyle Rod and Gun shooting range. It has a really nice clubhouse-area, two shooting ranges, a big (and full all-day long) parking lot, and lots of outdoor space. They had a bake sale, a silent auction, a free raffle, a 50/50 pot, a ticket-pull AND a live auction. Grandma said someone estimated about 500 people had come throughout the course of the day. Uncle Bob was a real trooper, sitting and talking to people for most of the day.

I'm really worried about him. Dad commented on how far he's gone down hill since he saw him, even on Wednesday. He's definitely yellower due to all his treatments and body's inability to function at 100%. He eats almost nothing. He's much thinner than when I saw him last, July 19th for family pictures. Grandma's and Aunt Terri's eyes are brimming with constant tears. So much for our hoped-for year. Dad said I pretty much need my phone on 24/7 in case... I can't even type it without crying. My dear, sweet, funny Uncle Bob...I just can't imagine him NOT being here. To have him not telling jokes or smiling...it's just too much to bear. While I understand it may not happen, I can't help but hope for a miracle. I love him too much.

Lots of love,
Christi (with Mom, Buddy, Daisy, and Lily)

Uncle Bob

Uncle Bob isn't doing too well. His stage-four liver cancer has spread up his spinal cord and into his brain. They just did intense radiation on his brain and are planning on an MRI today to see how it went. Sadly, last night he had a massive (and apparently long) grand mal seizure. He woke up from it ok, but they weren't sure if they were going to admit him to Monroe's hospital last night or wait until he hit Madison today. Me, I'd personally prefer him at Madison because I feel he'll have better, specialized care. Not sure what's happening today, but hopefully we'll know more soon. Today he's also going to talk to someone who is a 7-year remission cancer survivor with his same type of cancer in hopes that it might inspire and cheer him up. If things go well, they are talking of shipping him over to Milwaukee for a few days of intense liver cancer-killing treatments before trying to go in and cut out the rest. They hope his liver will be able to regenerate with the worst of it cut out and the rest of it eradicated. Fingers crossed for Uncle Bob. Sounds like he's pretty depressed because he's unable to work and in and out of hospitals a lot. Saturday is his benefit down in Argyle. I hope he'll be up to go to a little of it and see how many people are cheering him on. Please pray for Uncle Bob.

Thanks,
Lots of love,
Christi and Lily (who stole my bed again!)

Still busy

Lily's 2008 Christmas Picture

Thought I'd be domestic-y and got the laundry, dishes, and cooked up a little something for dinner. Haven't hit the store in a while so I'm really hurting and have had to get rather creative for meals. Probably will try and go tomorrow night. I've got a lot to do with prepping for the conference at the beginning of October, doing work so I get paid, write a paper for the internship, and still get my schoolwork done. At least I found some time every week to go work out!

Please enjoy these crazy cell phone treasures I took off of my phone today. Good times...

Hugs,
Christi and Lily (who must not want me to leave because she's laying in front of the door)

Goats playing at one of the apple orchards we went to last weekend

Sarah is sad she ran out of Schlitz!

I try some chocolate-covered bacon at the State Fair in August!

Kelsey's cream puff was HUGE!


Linda eats a cream puff at the State Fair in August