Journal History

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Wednesday, November 5, 2003 5:58 PM CST

Hey All.......

Mikes day has come and gone...........

To all of us it is the same day over and over ......
The Boys are having a ruff time,I don't know how to help them with their thoughts....I still have my own to deal with and have found it hard to write....I would like to write his life so those who did not know him would would know you can live your life at a softer pace and look at things a different way.....

He was one of the good ones and he is gone.......


Peace to you all......

I miss you Mike.....Dad....

Saturday, August 2, 2003 2:39 PM CDT

Hey All.....

When I look at the young cousins and all little ones that loved Mike,I feel thier sadness.....They hug me as to give me comfort when they are still having to try and figure out what happened.....A young death was put into thier lives and made them all grow up faster than they should..

I miss him....
He laughed at my jokes and said ...Bobs a riot huh Kath.....
He new me and loved the same things I did....
I miss him....
Everyday I am lost without him....
I look at all pictures and hope to find one older but his last are a still of age.....I miss him.....

I look to see in twenty-four but silent is the sound,
The black that sits outside my door the driver not around.
A picture same that shows the still,reminds to me deaf ear,
Its pose of age,full lenth is shown,no sound to bind my fear.

His voice not herd the hours that make up a day,
Speak back to me in movies made in heart I can not play.
Afraid am I to lose my hold drag on the stolen laugh,
No tear I'll shed,his honor held,I'll hold in his behalf.

You'll speak his name my stare to come your way,
I'll listen hard to memories told,his life that you will say.
My talk I'll hide for me I can not find,
My words,my comfort to you all will come to you in rhyme.

My tears you'll read I've put them there in place,
So young ones loved will not see them,no tears upon my face.
The sorrow when they look at me,they know his presence gone,
The memories that they have of him now deaf they hear his song.

The picture same that showed the still,his pose of age so clear,
And the movement of his sound I long will release me of my tears.
So when the day in twenty-five it's me that makes no sound,
Just know the driver of the black in my passing I have found.....

Peace to you All........

Monday, July 7, 2003 7:02 PM CDT

Hey All....

At times we all say..Why the good ones..Why with so much terror
and meaness in this world how come he or she had to die....Then I have to think its maybe because we are all born pure and innocent and its the world that we have made that has turned on us....You would think with so much power it could all be different....You would think with the wave of a certain hand it could be fixed.....When Mike died my life went with him and the anger I will bring with me in the end....

Peace to you all......

If I ever get to heaven,I'll want to question why,
How come so good a life to leave so precious one to die.
I'll beat down the gates to judgement and shout out with
a voice,
How dare you take the good ones and leave us without choice.

Are you afraid to spoil harmony,disturb your glowing flow,
I want you just to tell me,I think I deserve to know.
You leave me here to wonder,just seems you take the best,
You take the ones that have studied you and are worthy of
your test.

You hide from your world gone bad in a place that's so immence,
You stay there all so silent and made space your protected fence.
You say with ease to see you just look down deep inside,
But I have been screaming your name and all you do is hide.

So for now my Son is with you and you'll keep him safe for me,
Because when I get to where I'm going my strength I'll bring you'll see.
I'll be taking back my heart and soul,his smile I once had,
And I'll spend eternity with my Son if you think you can test this Dad.

Mikes life was like a staircase,each year he lived a joy,
But nineteen steps of smiling is just to soon for a boy.
So if I ever get to asking I'll know my question why,
It's because you've misplaced your ladder and Mikes reach could touch the skies.......


There is no such thing as a bad Boy.....Mikes dad....

Thursday, June 12, 2003 8:41 PM CDT

Hey All...

I have always been honored to say these are my boys..They have made me proud to be their father and the pain I feel tells me just how much I love them....

Young heroes die in battle and some who fight a blaze,
Those who fly through storms and are lost in the skies haze.
Many that will jump right in when death is at the door,
But none have fought the fight, the one without a cure.

I've seen courage in my eyes from the youngest without choice,
And the ending of a life they loved, the last breath I've given to my boy.
Two brothers screams of silence have filled the air I breathe,
For the youngest dying in their arms begging him not to leave.

They have given up on sight of goals, question life and what it means,
And the fury of the thunder has stripped them of their dreams.
Feel a guilt when they are laughing and all that they will do,
Wanting not to go on living just to trade with a life they knew.

For they hate the hours coming and are lost in timeless days,
With them the storm still calling and no time will stop the blaze.
So when you look upon them, their dept of tearfilled eyes,
Remember that they walk in shadow of their brother, a hero that has died.

Peace to you All........Mikes Dad.......

Saturday, May 24, 2003 5:28 PM CDT

Dear Family & Friends,


Time stands still for no one! Life changes so fast and we always need to move ahead, never forgetting the people we love who have passed and those who stand by our side.
Our Chris has taken on a new road again. He has moved back to New Jersey. His life long friend Joe Schaffer made him an offer he could not refuse. Joe a great young man who stood by our family. Joe owns a "Itialan Restaurant" in Bradley Beach and the family purchased a hot dog stand on Seaside boardwalk. We know Chris is in safe hands with the Schaffer Family, Thank you. It was time for Chris to begin a new journey. Mike would want him to start living life to the fullest. I find it a little hard to let go.....even though I know I needed too.
It can be hard to adjust when you are use to taking care of things all the time to only having to take care of me! Who is me? I guess I will now find out!
Grandma and Aunt Theresa are very happy to have Chris close to them.
We received the new letter from Candlelighters. Thank you to everyone who donated in Mike's Memory. It was unbelieveable to see the list. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Love to all
Kathy

Thursday, May 1, 2003 8:27 PM CDT

First off.....Happy Birthday to my son Chris.....May you find some peace on your day.....Dad.....


Hey All.....

Don't tell me that's life and how I will feel,
Don't tell me in time that this to will all heal.
Don't wait for my walk so you will all know,
Move on with your step in time as you go.

I'll keep to my anger, a strength I can hold,
Bear weight of a life and the memories untold.
The visions like pictures will less my whole being,
So vivid the terror my eyes have been seing.

Get away from my self, but yet how can I leave,
Just a moment of calm, please don't you dare grieve.
A promise to him that's so hard for my thought,
A son to his father and all he has taught.

Don't tell what he'd say for no ease to my mind,
My boy died from his cancer and this is my crime.
I needed to protect him, for this I have failed,
My tears will be held to them I have jailed.

When he tells me in person that it is ok,
I'll cry for a life time and I long for the day.
But until this is met with my son at my side,
Just know of my sadness and know I have not cried....

I love and miss him every day.....

Peace to you all.....Mikes Dad..

Friday, April 18, 2003 12:49 AM CDT

We wish you all a very happy Easter! You are all in our thougts and hearts.

I share this with my Mother, who has been a wonderful Grandmother to Mike. Thank you.

A Mother's Day & (Grandma) Wish From Heaven,
Dear Mr. Hallmark,
I am writing to you from heaven, and though it must appear a rather strange idea, I see everthing from here. I just popped in to visit, your stores to find a card. A card of love for my Mother &(Grandma), as this day for her is hard. There must be some mistake I thought, every card you could imagine. Except I could not find a card, from a child who lives in heaven. She is still a mother &(Grandma) too, no matter where I reside. I had to leave, she understands, but oh the tears she's cried. I thought that if I wrote you, that you would come to know that though I live in heaven now, I still love my mother & (Grandma) so. She talks with me, and dreams with me; we still share laughter too, memories our way of speaking now, would you see what you could do? My Mother & (Grandma) carries me in her heart, her tears she hides from sight. She writes to honor me, sometimes far into the night, where my living memory dwells.

I went to my first Bereaved parents group, they had this poem for Mother's day. This group was such a healing for me.

We are never alone........ I love you Mike

Love Mom

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 8:53 PM CDT

I Just can't believe he is gone.....

I miss him every day....

And allthough I carry him in my heart, I want to hold him in my arms...I want to play golf with him.....I loved being with him and will find it hard to start to play again...

I kiss him everyday....he would kiss me before he went to bed...

He was my nineteen year old son..He was one of my boys...and I find it hard to smile when I say......Kathy me and the boys..

I love my family and my family loves me but I think we all know we have lost our family, It will never be the same......

Peace to you all.......Rob,Chris and Mikes Dad......

Sunday, April 6, 2003 12:28 AM CDT

"A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world, but then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed we feel so lucky to have seen it."

The above phrase was written by the Children's Hospital of SWF which was Mike's second home.... Our children are like butterflies we always want to keep them the same, it is hard to let them become who they are and let them go......

May all our troops and their families be kept safe and come home. We all have a opinion on this journey, but I am thankful that I have that right to...... Our thoughts and prayers go out to all......

Love Kathy

Wednesday, April 2, 2003 5:30 PM CST

Hey All......

I would like to thank all of you guys for all the caring and support shown and all your help making Mikes memorial Stair Way to heaven something We will remember the rest of our life...

I know he was there with us and the steps of his life gave me something to hold close.....

I know Mike was loved by all who knew him....A teacher had stopped without knowing and read... Who is Mike....She told us that she remembered him walking down the halls in high school smiling and bouncing as he went...She said...Yes I do remember him...What a nice guy....

I know it was sad for all and some had to travel some distance to be there....For this your pure hearts were given and felt by us all....Thankyou....

We were all winners that day and Mike was my life trophy...

Peace to you all.....love Bob,Kathy,Rob,Chris and Mike....

Saturday, March 22, 2003 11:16 PM CST

Hi everyone,

It has been a long time for me in updating Mike's page. I read all the email and go back over the journals, but couldn't write. We have been preparing for the "Relay For Life". With lots of help from our family we are getting underway.

Our tent will be in Mike's Memory called "Stairway To Heaven" (Led Zepplen) This was Bob's idea! To have steps (Ladder) of the 19 years of Mike's life and achievements. Our tent has committed to raise 1,000.00 for the American Cancer Society. Our team consist of 20 memebes and called "Team Mike". We are all having tee shirts made with pictures of Mike and sayings put on, they are all different. Of course there will be alot more family and friends their to help cheer us on as we walk for 24 hours around a oval track. It begins March 28th at 6 pm and goes till 29th at 12 noon. It is a big event, we are looking forward to being part of such a great fund raiser. This is our first year, but I think we will be a big hit.
Thanks to Aunt Sue & family who have given so much of there time and effort. Aunt Sue is so artistic and has great ideas. Thanks to Grandpa Frank and Uncle Bill who worked on the steps all day. Great Job!

My Mom, sister and family are coming to also be a part of this event. I can't wait to see them. Mom will meet Maya, Rob's wife for the first time. SO we are all excited.

Love to all.

Kathy

Monday, March 17, 2003 4:48 PM CST

Hey All.....

Tuesday....We will be going to the Cape Coral High School to see our sight for Mikes tent.....There will be a meeting and we will go over last minute changes......We have a nice place on the track with easy access to the motor home parking....


Our plan is to get there before 6 oclock to set up...All are welcome......

We love and miss you Mike........Dad...

Sunday, March 9, 2003 7:30 PM CST

Hey All......

On March 28th through to the 29th Family and friends will be at Cape Coral High School at the Relay For Life....

We will have a tent there in Mikes memory...Our theme will be..
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.....

We will have an extension ladder on an angle to an other one with the steps being each of his years and all he has done in his life....It will be his birth to becoming an ANGEL for us all.......

We welcome all to this event and will be raising money for the fight to find a cure.....Because kids can't fight cancer alone...

The WALK for a cure will begin at 6 oclock pm on friday and go through the night till 12 oclock...Members of our team will walk all this time in turns to have someone on the path at all times in his memory.....

We welcome all........Peace to you all......Mikes Dad...

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 6:23 PM CST

Hey All.......

A passing of touch in our hearts we will feel,
The sound of soft tones taken in lifes spin of a wheel.
Imprints from a path walked gentle through life,
No anger to balance only love battle his fight.

An ease to a journey that most would have failed,
Words that would make up a letter that should never be mailed.
He would listen so silent for days to make years,
He'd accept what was told and stood up to his fears.

His words were I'll miss you, so hard just to say,
He wanted only to comfort all who passed by his way.
The care for you all, a gift born to his birth,
A teenager in youth, but a man of his wirth.

But giving life to our children will cause their last breath,
With a rule of long age to proceed after our death.
But a law has been broken with all my strength I apeal,
God give back my son Mike and take me for this deal.

Cast his pain on my soul, take that memory away,
Give life back to an angle and give him the rest of my days.
Cause its me you should have taken, just a mistake on
your part,
For he needs to be back here for the world needs his heart.

So with a touch of you hand, a respin of the wheel,
Bring back his imprint for my family to heal.
An ease to your journey, a gift to be hailed,
To make right what has happened and to correct where
I failed.........

Peace to you all......

I just have to do this for him.....I love and miss you Mike.......Dad...

Wednesday, February 19, 2003 6:19 PM CST

Hey All........


I have been looking for work....I had let my job go in good faith after my leave was extended...It was a small shop and the position needed to be filled........I found it hard to sit alone...I had Mike on my mind all the time and could not just get out in the world again....

I was just sitting, going over the jobs in the paper and was talking to Mike.....I asked him to help me out....

Mike...Hey, help me find something bugger,I need to ease some of the pain....I know you will be with me even at work....A moment later the picture next to our bed on the side that I sleep fell over and the pictures on the computer desk fell over..I heard a noise and went to look to see what made the noise and found them.....I thought for a second the wind may have done it,but thier was none.....

That day after some calls,I had a return call for an interview.I went and when I came back later in the day a message was on the answer mach.

This message is for Bob...This is Max,if you want the job just call me later when you get this message...

Max is his nick name...I come to find out his real name is
Michael......

Thanks Mike.....I will love you forever.....Dad..

Peace to you all.....

Tueday, February 11, 2003 6:48 PM CST

Hey All....

Just a quick note to say hey...

Rob and Maya are fine, Chris is doing well, and me and Kathy
like the rest of us are taking each day at a slow pace...We still are confused with life and the meaning of it all...Things
like this are not suppose to happen to good kids...I understand that death can happen in your life when you don't expect it but to pass from something like he did is very hard to understand...
I know what he went through for the ten months..I seen him just accept all that was done to him and watched him love to just get out of the hosp. for even hours sometimes or just for two days and yet he just did what he always did...He would make his rounds to say hello to all and do just simple things even with all his thoughts.....He always thought of everybody else...

I cradled him in my arms and he said to me that he was going to miss everyone...My God,does he know that everyone will miss him the rest of their lifes.....

We love you Mike.....Everybody Did....

Peace to you all.........

Monday, January 27, 2003 at 01:26 PM (CST)

Hey All.......


Just saying hello to all who visit.....

I'm working on some gifts for the nurses......Most of us don't really know how sometimes their days are not very happy..Even with the care they give day in and day out they see things that go unnoticed to most...They stand tall and hid their feelings and give all who are involved all of their love like family...

I believe it is the children that give them their strength...Even when they are sick,they have a courage that you notice, a sorrow in the low of their life. A dim of color in their eyes...A fight that we will never understand...

I think of all of them and my heart is in pain.....It will never go away until we can save them....

BLACK...is for the dark-ness of the world that we don't understand.It may surround us , but in it we will find the courage of our destiny...

YELLOW...is for the friendship you'll find in others on the journeys set before us. They will help push back the pain sometimes felt along our paths...

WHITE...is for the children. For they are the pure and innocence. Their light will shine from the center to guide us. Their love shall lead us in the fight to find a cure....

There will be a rainbow for them someday......

Peace to you all.....Mikes Dad.....

Monday, January 20, 2003 at 08:20 PM (CST)

Hey All..........

Just a couple of up dates......

Robs is learning.......being married ya know is a change for him ,but he and Maya are doing fine.....
Chris is doing well at his new job with Rob......All seem to be working alot.....
Kathy is in school twice a week to take a different position in work...Some good things will happen there.......

Me....I,m the same..time is my enemy,I,m having trouble in getting going again....We all are messed up in our own way....We know we have to go on but our thoughts some-times get the best of us and we all start to question ,how important is what we are doing,or even if it matters anymore.....Everything we do knowing that Mike is or was not with us comes to our thoughts....We all know that this will ease or maybe to some it will never go away....

For me..I know where I stand...Peace to you all....

Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 09:47 PM (CST)

Hey All......

Well......Rob and Maya are back from their stay at Marco Island.....They had a nice time and thank all for there help with the wedding...

We moved them into their apartment today.....Now they have the standard unpacking to do when they both get a break from the long hours at work....They are young and we all have been there..

Rob had a hard time like us all with the absence of Mike...We missed him sharing in the afair....most of the people there knew him.....They talked about him for awhile..Some of the things brought on tears and some we all had to smile....
It is so hard....We all miss him.....We know he was there in spirit.....I hope he made fun of all of them like I did...I know we would have been on the same wave....I could always count on him to stay by my side when it came to stuff like that....He was my heart.....

Peace to you all..........Mikes Dad.....

Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 06:57 PM (CST)

Hey All.....

Well...Rob and Maya were married in a back yard wedding on saturday..The day was nice and cool but turned colder into the night...The winter jackets came out and the suits came off...

Chris was the best man and Mike was the angle sent in the eyes of god......Friends and familys that attended had a great time..Others from their work place stopped later in the night to give their best....

Rob and Maya are spending a few days at the Hilton on Marco Island at the resort...They will be moving into their new apartment when they return.....

Kathy and I wish them the best,Happiness in there new journey and we both told Maya,,,,No give backs,,,,,Ha Ha...

Peace to all of you from the Smiths.....

Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 07:31 PM (CST)

Hey All.....


Just another day.......But the start of a new year for us all...It is a time when we all think of what we can do to make things better for us and for others.....

We hope that we can live up to the things we have set out to change for the better....

Some of the changes I have thought about are going to be hard but I think ..How would Mike have done it....To him it was easy to be good.....I wish I had his heart and soul....I miss him..

Maybe by holding his life close he will guide me with my tasks....I feel him next to me all the time and talk to him every day......I find myself answering what he would say to me and I have to laugh because I think....Why didn't I think of that...Thanks Mike....

Time is an enemy for me...With every moment the world will never be the same again...

Most men would like to leave a mark behind..It makes us believe that we made a difference....

Mikes mark is that when people speak of him or mention his name...They smile and the words are gentle....They knew just how good a guy he was....

I am proud of who he was....and I miss him....

Peace to you All.....

Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 05:08 PM (CST)

Hey All..................

We have started to make up pictures of Mike for all who would like to have them......We are taking it slow through the holidays.........Other things are going on so our focus is there for the time being.....

We wish you all peace through the holidays...

Love from the Smiths........

Friday, December 20, 2002 at 05:00 PM (CST)

Hey All.....

Just trying to deal with the anger...I just want to scream at something........Just find something to blame.....
So I'll write.....It helps.............

Pace of destruction.....

Listen careful a world for our salvation to know...
We've caused movements of life to fall as we go...

For our breeze has determined the path of our flight...
Our decisions gave motion to a wind without sight...

We've stolen the air and the life that it brings...
We've taken the water and have damaged the springs...

The pace we're not happy,gain time was our call...
But the fuel left behind,caused our children to fall...

We've chose not to listen,with def ears we are bound...
A world that is crying...you're killing my ground...

Who cares of tomorrow with dept of our stride...
Don't think what we do now,cast the old way aside...

So look on to the future and forget of the past...
We're just putting our life first and our children just last...

But we'll get what we wanted,a pace fast as sound...
In a world not worth living in with no children around...

So listen careful a world for the movements we leave...
Change the flight of our path for our children to breath...

Lets save time from its tears and the ground from our weight...
And give new sight to a breeze,to save a world from its fate...

Peace be with you all......

Monday, December 16, 2002 at 08:37 PM (CST)

Hey All.....

As we go through Mikes things I find just how simple he
really was...even when you called his cell phone it said
This is mike,leave a message......We find it hard to just put all his things away......We can't get enough of him and yet it hurts to see them....

So these will be my messages to him......

HIS LIFE IS AROUND ME.....

Mikes things just surround me,but I want to have him.....
The silver chains that he wore,a cross with no sins.....

I have my sons BMX coat,his bike and his gloves.....
His bowling balls,shoes and his Jersey Giants rug.....

His football,his baseball,his basket ball rim.....
His golf clubs,the balls,his towel and pin.....

The chair at the table,the place where he sat.....
His tooth brush,his comb,his black Nike hat....

Two pairs of his sneakers that he wore,the black ones
he loved.....
The two cars that we bought him,an Olds and the Bug.....

I hold close all his things,the trophies he's won....
I miss all of his life and all he has done.....

His Ashes are placed on the living room hutch....
There's a black box around him casting love from a touch....

Two Angels that are near him,we'll keep him in sight....
A candle that will burn from the day to the night....

So his things that surround me will never go dim.....
But I would give up my life,In trade just for him.....

Mike.....I love and miss you and think of you every day..Dad

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 05:08 PM (CST)

Hey All....

A long time ago a good man walked this earth. He talked in simple words and in a way that all would understand. He didn't want much, he just wanted all to be good to each other. Love your family and to treat others with kindness.
Don't destroy the earth and to know that your body is one with GOD....
Take care of your selfs and help others that are in need.....Love them as thy brother.....
Don't do drugs or curse, don't steal from thy neighbor, be good to thy Mother and thy Father.....

Just ten simple rules to follow and for this we took
this mans life....

It's not that we didn't understand, we knew the choices that we made...Maybe it's hard sometimes to do the right thing or maybe there is not enough time or maybe we just don't care enough....I don't have the answers but I am looking...

He said he would never leave us and for me I know this is true...I have seen him in the eyes of others....For them it is just simple.....

But we are still not getting it, we are still destroying the earth, we are still killing our brothers and we still all know.....

So if you would like to see him and those who honor his simple words go to the childrens cancer floor in you local hosp....Look into their eyes....then you will know.....

For me they are the light of the world..the pure and innocence and they are here to guide us and for us to make a change.....We are to stop killing him again........

For Mike I will try harder to be better...and for those who knew it was just so simple......We should find a better way..

We do all know..........Peace be with you all....Mikes Dad..

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 05:05 PM (CST)

Friday, December 06, 2002 at 09:52 PM (CST)

Hey All...

Home in our Hearts...

To tell of a house,that was always a home,
A sadness of silence has set a new tone.

Each other we look to,to soften our pain,
To tell of a home,that is not quite the same.

To tell of a home that three brothers would grow,
They'd learn from each other,through love that they'd show.

They'll do things their own way,but they'd have the same heart,
Three brothers together could not be apart.

The oldest would lead them,out going is he,
The middle would look on,not sure to agree.

Along came the young one,he sometimes would hide,
To tell of a home with three brothers laughing inside.

Robs strength Mike would look to,to help fight the seed,
Chris gave Mike his marrow for his life to proceed.

To tell of a home,three made up their own team,
They would have given their lifes,and all of their dreams.

For one of them is missing,his fate was to leave,
To tell of a brother,Gods home will receive.

Your love they will carry,both August and May,
But the home three grew up in,became a house on that day...

Three parts of me that I love......Mikes Dad......

Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 08:50 PM (CST)

Hey All.....

To Mike From God....

Your name will be Michael,just good you will seek,
With the life that you'll lead,through you I will speak.

I've made it just simple,its count was just ten,
For I will come to them through you this time once again.

I've come to them last time,they just couldn't see,
When it happens to the world,it happens to me.

The commandments you've lived by,so simple to you,
Change the world to be like you,its you I've come to.

Your deeds went with notice,We've touched more than some,
For you are as me,as with you, we are one.

So come to me Michael,I need you with thee,
For I lent you to them,for the world to believe.

To all you were Mike,the good they did see,
Through thier eyes they saw you,but because of you they saw me....

Thank you Mike.........

Monday, December 02, 2002 at 12:19 PM (CST)

Hey All.....

We wish all of you well....
The holidays are on us and its going to be hard for all...
Thanksgiving was spent over my brother Bills...We spent the day with family and friends....We all did are best to make the day mean something...We have all lost love ones in our lifes and we made a point to remember them all....For us it was another day without Mike..His presence was missed...Its not the same anymore without his laughter...Rob and Chris hide their tears,they knew just how good a kid he was...They can't accept that he is gone...In simple words..why him....

I wish I could take there pain away...As their father it is hard to see them go through it...I know some things are beyond my reach but it still does,nt help knowing I can't make it ok..

We try to make sure the other is ok for the day...If one of us is having a bad moment we huddle together to get them through it....

I know Mike knew he was loved.....I only wish he knew just how much.... Mikes Dad....

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 09:03 PM (CST)

Hey All.......


Our Family would like to wish all a nice Holiday.....
We know we are being thought of and we want you all to know we are thinking of you.....

You are our friends....You are our Family......

Mike loved when we all sat down together for dinner.....We will have him with us in our hearts as together we are one...

Love from the Smiths......

Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 02:10 AM (CST)

Hey All.....

Oh Son can you see me, its Dad I'm right here,
I look for your smile, the hug when we're near.
You'd always go with me, the things that we'd do,
Where have you gone Son, with me we were two.

An Angel has approached you, it took you from me,
I search for the answers, I'm lost if you see.
My heart has been crying, for your sight is unseen,
Oh God can you hear me, my son's just a teen.

Come home to be loved, its getting so late,
We all need you with us, tell heaven to wait.
Broken hearts of you brothers, for with you there was three,
They cry for your laughter, they're lost if you see.

The tears from your mother, they flow everyday,
Not even rain from the heavens, can wash them away.
Mom needs just to kiss you, she's knelt down to plea,
She's the strength of our family, but she's lost if you see.

We want to know why, you were taken from us,
Your last words that were spoken, were, I'm Late For My Bus.
So if there's a way Mike, to make it back near,
Then Son you will see us, It's Dad I'm right here.

You will be forever in our hearts........

Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 06:18 PM (CST)

Dear Family and Friends,
Thank you all for your love. I am slowly working on our thank you cards, it gets hard sometimes. But our family has not forgotten all you have done for us. Each day seems to just go by. We are all dealing with this in our own way. Sometimes we connect and sometimes we don't, but I guess that is part of grieving.

"I shall become a dream, and through the little opening of your eyelids I shall slip into the depths of your sleep, and when you wake up and look round startled, like a twinkling firefly I shall flit out into the darkness..... He is in the pupiles of my eyes, he is in my body and in my soul."

I feel Mike at my side, he hugs me and gives me a kiss and this makes me smile. I have been blessed to have shared the most beauitful time with my son, it was when we laid in bed together after everyone went to sleep and we talked about us and where he was going, the last nine days were a life time. I know he loved me and he knew how much he was loved by all.
This know one can ever take away from me. Thanks Mike. Love you always, Mom.

Thank you all.
Love Kathy

Monday, November 11, 2002 at 12:06 PM (CST)

Hey All.............


I find myself looking for words,for answers to ease the pain that I see in all...Mike told me he didn't want anybody to be sad or unhappy, He didn't want Me,Kathy,Rob or Chris doing anything crazy....Some of the things he would say would make me laugh......

How did he do that....Through all of it he looked at us and said don't worry..I'm ok...

I know that my son loved me, Its not every day that an eighteen year old boy would want to hang with his father.....He involved me with all his adventures.....He would ask me first if he was going to play golf, to make sure I was going....

I will find it hard to do what we did....We did it together...
The pain I feel in my heart is mine but the love I feel is Mikes.......

I hope all u-guys will find peace in your way.....I wake each day still looking..........Mikes Dad.....

Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 08:21 PM (CST)

Hey All....

A storm set in,Its dare to test a soul,
Set fast its strength,Pure white it makes its hold.

The push of dreams,Its length short seen in sight,
Forever will the day not change,The time of low lit light.

Take pace full thought,Search order in the day,
Spare none for moment,Hold back the force at bay.

Life winds have set,On hours of chance at will,
Forever will the day not change,The day the storm stood still.

Move on in light,Last shadows as you go,
As great a gift,The love that you have shown.

I'll carry always in my heart,An honored son through time,
The courage that you've shown to all,A storm pushed back by rhyme.....

I Love You Mike......Dad..

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 05:08 PM (CST)

Hey All......

Peace and Happiness for today.....

When Mike was Diagnosed,we cried together, I sat with him and made a promise that I wouldn't let anything happen to him...As his father I would do anything in my power to make his pain go away.....I realized after I had told him that I would have to tell him.( I don't know if I can keep the one promise) He told me he understood but knew that I never would give in to anything that stood in our way...He told me that I didn't let anything beat me and he would do the same with me along side him.....

I have learned that my anger gave me my strength to go the distance and that his softness and kindness gave him his.

I wish that I could see the world like he did...I wish not to be angry.I wish and I know he knew me for what I was and I honor him for the man that he was....

Mike is the Man......And the world has lost a good one...

ALL MY LOVE....MIKE.............Dad..

Monday, October 28, 2002 at 03:21 PM (CST)

Mike's Dad feels we were given a gift. That Mike was sent to us for a reason. One of the cards we received from a close friend of Mike and our family says it all.

"We are given many precious gifts as we go through life. Some we are allowed to enjoy for a long time.... others only briefly. But each gift has the power to change and enrich us, to make us better human beings."

I know as Mike's mother that this is probably true, but my heart won't let go! I know in time, it will. I am truly greatful for Rob, Chris and Bob. Soon as the days pass it will get much easier to remember Mike with a smile. But now our home is quite as we try to get through each day.

You all have ment so much to us, your cards, gifts and love can never be forgotten. As our Mike can never be forgotten. Thank you.

May God bless you all and your families.

Love Kathy

Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 09:53 PM (CDT)

This is just an update to make sure all have the information for the service.....

Saturday October 26th,....

Time for gathering...10:00 to 12:00.....

Memorial Service.....12:00 to 1:00...

All to take Place at:

Fuller Funeral Home
1910 delPrado Blvd.
Cape Coral....Phone # (239) 574-3434

Across the street from friendship Lanes Bowling Alley and the new Publix....Parking is in the Back......

Please feel free to dress comfortable......

Love from the Smith Family..........Mikes Dad....

Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 08:32 PM (CDT)

Our home has been a busy one. So much love for Mike and our family. Thank you all for the gifts, food and support. I know Mike is looking down and smiling apon all of us. We love you Mike.

Service Information: Fuller Funeral Home
1910 Del Pardo Blvd
Cape Coral, FL 33990

10:00 am to 12:00 noon will be a gathering to remember Mike and a Memorial service from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please send all donations to:
Candlelighters of Southwest Florida
9981 S. Healthpark Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33908
In Mike's memory. "Because Kids Can't Fight Cancer Alone."

Love Kathy, Bob, Rob, Chris and Mike........

Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 08:00 AM (CDT)

Michael left this world with Mom, Dad, Rob, Chris and all his family/Friends by his side last night. Mike was so loved that it makes us proud to have had him in our lives. It was a long ten month battle and now he is at peace. He has become the "Angel" we talked about.

Our family wants to thank everyone for there love, prayers and support.

Service information to follow. Again Love to all of you and your families.

Sunday, October 20, 2002 at 04:07 PM (CDT)

Mike is taking each day as it comes. The last few days have been rough, he has needed oxygen on and off during the day. The nights are tough, but having his family and friends around make things so much easier. Mike's right lung is the only one working now, the left lung has a mass of leukemia. He is on medication for the pain so for now he is comfortable.

Aunt Theresa, Uncle Rich, Timmy and Brian have left today. The boys made Mike a beauitful banner, he loved it. Aunt Theresa will return soon with Uncle Rich. Deb, Aunt Gerry, Melissa, Anthony, Bobby, Kevin, Vanessa and children came to spend the day with Mike. Aunt Sue and Uncle Walt had a barb Q with lots of family and friends the day was great. Mike loved it. It always makes Mike happy when his family and friends spent time together.

Mike was suppose to play golf today with Dr.MacArthur, but was unable to keep that date, he was very sad! Each day gets a little bit harder for Mike.

Bob and I are so very proud of Rob and Chris, there love and strenght keeps Mike laughing, even when it is hard on them....

Love to all
Kathy

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 12:03 PM (CDT)

"Embrace the joyful spirit, then pour yourself into the lives of those you love"........ The last week has been a busy one for Mike. Rob and Chris have kept him very busy. First it was the "Juice Bar" then on to Motorcycle and quad riding with Ryan (Rob's best friends since they were 5). Back to "The Juice Bar" with all his cousins and friends......

On Monday Helen, Tracy, Margaret, Sheira arrived from NJ and to Mike's suprise Chris and Joe Schaeffer came for the ride to spend time with Mike. We are blessed to have such wonderful and caring family. Chris Schaeffer and Mike have grown up together they have known each other since they were 4! Friends like that only come once in your life. Chris Schaeffer has come to stay with Mike and our family and another hero is born.

Grandma Gail arrived on Monday, her support is what we need. Aunt Theresa, Uncle Rich, Timmy and Brian came in on Tuesday. So our home has been pretty busy. This is what we wanted for Mike, for Mike to see how much he is loved.

Mike becomes tired easy, but gets up each day to see what is planned...... Our thanks to Uncle Bill, Aunt Maureen, Aunt Sue, Uncle Walt, Lauren, Don and Vena for all there love and support.

Love to all Kathy

Monday, October 14, 2002 at 08:22 AM (CDT)

Mike has been called to take a different journey with his family by his side. This not one we had hoped for, but together we will see Mike through. Why, you ask? He seemed to be doing so well. Each of us has our own thoughts and answers some of us with none. We ask again for your prayers for Mike so that the time he has with us will be a blessed one.

The doctor's found a leukemia mass on his chest and they told him he has less than a month. Mike said, Mom I am going to be an angel. I said, Mike you know how much I love angels. Our son and brother a hero!

The next week will be busy, we have alot of family and friends coming to visit. I will try to update you all.

Love Kathy, Bob, Mike, Chris & Rob

Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 03:14 PM (CDT)

At 12 midnight Mike will be a free man from the "Mask" he is so happy. He has plans with his friends to go to Denny's at 12 midnight to have pancakes and eggs........ His food restrictions have been cleared. Tomorrow is day +100! Mike had a bone marrow asperation done today for biopsy. The results will take about a week. But we are "Positive" that they won't find any leukemia cells, and that Chris's bone marrow has done it's job.... His follow up with the tranplant team is November 4th up in Jacksonville. That is when he will be weaned off more of his medication.

I can't believe it is October already. June and July seems like a distant memory. Bob will take Mike to Jacksonville, as for me, it is not a place I want to return to anytime soon.

I read this every morning when I get up in the morning to make coffee..... "Worrying dose not empty tomorrow of its trobles it empties today of its strength. It can be real hard to remember when the day gets tough, but all we can do is try our best..... Thank you all for checking in on us it means alot .

Love Kathy

Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 01:35 PM (CDT)

Hey All.........

Mike is a little sore from all the activity he has been doing....He wants to do things but has to remember to take it at a slow pace..He will gain his strengh in time and be able to do mostly all he has done before....It is hard for him....He wants to do so much but has to wait....

He has had some pain in his arms and legs but pushes through like a trooper.........

One day closer to the big 100.....Go Mike and don't look back...

Love to all....Mike and Family...

Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 02:21 PM (CDT)

Hey All......

Ok......Clinic......Get lost have fun see ya on friday...


It's getting better.....Just have to go to Jax's for two days and then alot of good things happen for mike.....

Less meds,mask,and some good things as far as eating......

The little things mean alot.....Kick butt Mike...We're all behind ya....

Love to All..Mike and family.....

Monday, September 30, 2002 at 10:44 AM (CDT)

Hey All........

Mike had a good day out on the golf course....His Doctor was in the team in front of us and we all had fun.....It was very hot and the sun block was on thick.....He played the whole course but was tired when we had finished...I know because we all were..

It was good to see him out doing what he loves....He pushed himself through the day and I am very proud of him...He had to drink water and take his meds during play......He had to eat a T.V. dinner when all of us were having the meal at the club house and through all of this he wore his mask.......Not once did I hear him complain.....

I have learned a new life through Mike and I am proud of the man he is..........Mike is the MAN........

Love from all of us......Mike and Family....

Monday, September 23, 2002 at 07:55 PM (CDT)

Hey All........


Mike is a late stayer upper.....He slep all day today...He was just bumming around when he finally got his butt out of bed..Thats ok though....He still is getting around some what slow after all he has been through...

Stop eating will ya .....Ha..Ha..

We have to go tuesday to clinic for his IVIG..Thats about 4/1/2 hours and blood work and out the door..

Day 100 is just up the rode aways...Looking forward to the day..

Luv All........Mike and family....

Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 09:07 PM (CDT)

Hey All...........

Mike had a good day out on the golf course.....he played the hole game but took it real easy.....He said that he had fun today......

Had to load him down with sun block.........He took a long nap when we got back to the house and then he was hungry again.....ha ha...


Nice to see him out and with friends again.....

Love to all....Mike and family.....

Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 10:20 PM (CDT)

Hey All......

Mike is going to play a round of golf on thursday.....The masked man will be out there.....A friend from his work is going and me and uncle bill.....They think they can beat the old guys.......Hey .Who has the handy-cap....We have the good looks ya know....

Well we'll take it easy on them..NOT....

Have to bring my spray bottle with the alcohol....Hey don't pick that up untill I spray it....Penalty stroke...We are winning.....ha ha...

Love all.........Mike and family....

Monday, September 16, 2002 at 04:38 PM (CDT)

Hey All......

Clinic today and all is well......

He went by himself and was back home in about two hours...
Getting there.....The Doc checks him and boots him out the door....The vampires take his blood and changes are made....simple.......Finally....a break....good for you Mike...keep going kid.....

OK.Now what do I do.....I am running out of stuff I have to do for him.........Oh yeah.....He's hungry again..got to go.....

Love all............

Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 05:25 PM (CDT)

Hey All.......

Clinic on friday......
All else is well...Weight is coming along nicely....He is chubby from the prednisone but he is being weened from that...B/p is in range but is still on the procardia...Just a little while longer for the mask...

He looks real good.....We are all happy for him....He seems to be doing stuff without worry.....He is getting out more and the mask does'nt seem to slow him down..good for him..

Really good to see him eat again.....slow down Mike, ya chuber..Hey Dad can ya fix me something to eat,Mike ya just ate ten minutes ago....But I'm hungry....Pain in the butt,OK..

Ha Ha.....Bob...Love Mike and Family..

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 03:50 PM (CDT)

Hey All.......

Mike is off of the TPN as of today....good for him and his eating.....he has tried to do all he has been told to do .....I am proud of him.....

He now has only slight limitations and is free to wonder into the night.......Night angel.......Look out....

no swimming yet though..bummer dude....

Ok.............see you guys later.....

Mike is the man..........Dad....

Love All.........The Smith Family..

Monday, September 09, 2002 at 06:24 PM (CDT)

Hey All.......

Mike is eating up a storm...He is down to only 6 hours of the tpn and he should be off of that in two days ....good deal...He has been out and about seeing everybody and is doing well...


Just the visits to the clinic and maybe he will get to go to work soon...even if it is one day a week for a couple of hours....I hope so.....it would do him good to get into a normal mode again...

Well all is fine ..One day at a time.....

Love to you all......the Smith family....

Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 10:20 AM (CDT)

Hey All......

Sunday....A day of rest......NOT.....thats ok though....Mike and I with uncle bill are going to wash and clean all the cars..Its been awhile .........Get out the sun block, mask Gloves,......anything else.....I think we're covered....

Ok ..We're off...

see you guys....Have fun like us....

Bob .....Mike and family.....Love All..

Friday, September 06, 2002 at 09:58 PM (CDT)

Hey All...........

Mikes Had some scans of his gallblader and liver,ultrasounds to check because of his blood work....everything was ok......just some med changes......


Seems to be going along as expected......His Bp is up due to some new meds and he is taking more meds to help with that......ok.I think I'm getting this.....2 for 1.....

He will be getting less TPN next week and then he will stop the doc says.....His eating is getting better as the days come..

Good days to you all......Bob
Mike and Family......

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 04:35 PM (CDT)

Hey All............

I write for all to keep you guys informed......Today was another good day for Mike and he went over to Dons for awhile...

He is getting around by himself and his Bp is holding at a good range......His meds have a lot to do with his elevations but all is good...his eating is slowly coming around and he is asking what he can eat.....so thats a good thing......Beats one cracker at a time.......Those days were trying........Eat the crumbs Mike will ya........Ha Ha.........

Everybody take a break and breath........

Know that I am greatfull for your words........Bob

Mike and his family.......

Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 05:31 PM (CDT)

Hey All......

Went to the clinic today.........Just to keep a check on his levels........Some swelling in his spleen and a little elevation in his liver so friday he will get a scan to check all......Everything is well....He is eating more with each day and soon he will be off the TPN.....

He is going out By himself to visit with friends for short periods of time and is tring to get back in the swing of things....


Good day to all......Mike says hello.....Bob

Love,.......The Smiths......

Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 10:56 PM (CDT)

Hey All......

I have to say again that it's great to be home...Mike is doing well and we were out driving around in his car...It has been awhile sence he has driven and he was a little afraid but in a short time he had the hang of it again.....Mike takes all in such a soft way and people tend to look at him even more with the mask on....I know that it afects strangers and they feel the pain....A simple smile goes a long way.....I believe that for a moment they look at their own lives and their day is set in a different mode......

So I want all to smile,Thank all for who you are and know that Mikes journey through all of this will touch all he comes in contact with and the world will get to be a better place because of who he is.....The power of his heart will be felt without knowing......

Love form us all.........Bob.....Mike and Family...

Friday, August 30, 2002 at 08:42 PM (CDT)

Hi everybody....

Mike was seen in the clinic today....Everybody was glad to see us and they had made a banner for Mike...Welcome home MIKE...


He is doing fine and is still only eating just a little....The doctor is watching closely but is not to concerned right now ..He has told Mike it will be a slow process......Mike will be seen poss. twice a week for a while but it will be less as the days go on..

All of you have been a part of Mikes recovery and the generous donations have eased the financial burden that goes with all of this...My words would not be enough to express the feeling I have in my heart for all of you.....
......Bob..

Love from Mike and his family.....

Friday, August 30, 2002 at 08:42 PM (CDT)

Hi everybody....

Mike was seen in the clinic today....Everybody was glad to see us and they had made a banner for Mike...Welcome home MIKE...


He is doing fine and is still only eating just a little....The doctor is watching closely but is not to concerned right now ..He has told Mike it will be a slow process......Mike will be seen poss. twice a week for a while but it will be less as the days go on..

All of you have been a part of Mikes recovery and the generous donations have eased the financial burden that goes with all of this...My words would not be enough to express the feeling I have in my heart for all of you.....
......Bob..

Love from Mike and his family.....

Friday, August 30, 2002 at 06:58 PM (CDT)

Hi all....

Mike was seen at his clinic today.........everybody was so glad to see him...They had a banner in the office with Welcome back Mike on it......The Doctor caught up to date with all that went on up in Jax..He has some things to do but all is well.......It is good to be home......It is still a long rode but it will be a little easier on Mike.....He needs it...

His eating will get better with time and they will watch it but are not worried....He will stay on the TPN untill he gets better....He will have to visit a couple of days a week in clinic untill the days get on....Day 100 will be a change for him with taking off his mask when going out....He just has to use common sence with some things he comes in contact with....

You all have been such a big part of mikes recovery..Your generous gifts have helped us with the financial burden that occurs with all of this....My words would not be enough...Know that my heart has been touched by all....

Mikes Dad.........Love to you all.....Mike and family..

Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at 08:09 PM (CDT)

This is a good day.......Mike is home.....We left there at about 1:00 and it only took 4 and half hours....Traffic was light and everybody was cruising.....

It was a nice time for the two of us,I felt a wait was lifted from us both...Mike had a smile on his face when we got close to the house and his Grandfather met him in the driveway....

It was nice to sit at the dinner table with the family again..They goofed around like they were kids again.....

Mike will be seen at his hosp. on friday and they will decide his path for any upcoming changes...

I will continue to keep all updated with his progress...For all of you and your love has brought us home...Thankyou from my heart........Dad.....

Monday, August 26, 2002 at 05:40 PM (CDT)

Day +54...

We go Tuesday to the clinic for Mikes IVIG and some other things and with prayers it will be the last visit for awhile..

He is a little afraid of the next step in his recovery but wants to go home...I think it is the right thing at this point and I know he will do just fine.....He has to get pass the eating problem and home will be the answer.........

Each day is one more to the big +100...He is being weened off of some meds and this will help I think with his stomach being so upset...Some side affects may be the cause..

Mike throws up some of his food just thinking about it and its not even his Mothers cooking.....Thats why I know he'll do better if I can get him home and cook for him...

No comments from you Sue....Hey Walt..CRUSH-CHRUSH-CHRUSH

Luv all........Happy Birthday Rob..Your in my heart..Dad

Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 04:05 PM (CDT)

Day +52...
Hey everyone this is mike....I'm feeling a whole lot better the last two days and can't wait to see everyone.
Thank you all for sending me mail. It was a lot but i read it all. Thank you for caring and all your nice words. I can't wait to come home, I miss all of you!!!!!

Tuesday i have a doctor app. and when all goes well they will release me to the care of my doctors down there...

At least i will be close to home.....

love all of you, mike

Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 09:35 PM (CDT)

Day +50 and were moving along. Tomorrow is a big day of doctor visits so all day will be spent in clinic. Mike and Bob went to visit some of the nurses at the hospital and Valdimir (the 16 yrs old young man who had a BMT before Mike) he is back in the hospital to have his central line removed due to a bacterial infection, but otherwise he is doing good. Mike has meet a few other young adults 15-18 who also have cancer.

The TPN has been cut to 10 hours, this part seems like it is dragging! I guess we are all getting a little jumpy waiting for Mike to come home. We they did tell us this is about a 2-3 months process! So far it has been two months and one day. Rob was glad to see Mike, except Mike had a rough two days with some vomiting and being tired.

I am heading back up to see my boys tomorrow for the weekend. I just love that drive, but it is worth giving Mike a big hug. We want to take Mike to St.Augustine's which is about 30 minutes away on Saturday, we hope the doctor's says Yes!

Love to all
Kathy, Mike and Bob

Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 08:48 PM (CDT)

Mike had a great birthday! We went shopping! It is hard to believe that our baby is "19"! Rob and Sandy are up visiting, they arrived on Monday afternoon and will hang out until Wednesday sometime.

Mike's TPN has been cut to 10 hours now. He is eating more each day. They want him to drink Boost, at least once a day.
Today he went to the clinic and seen his primary care doctor and things are going very good. They are happy with Mike's progress. He also seen the ophthalmologist today and his right eye which he relased in is all clear! YEAH! He goes back to clinic on Friday and will also see the infectious disease and ENT doctor's all in one day. Bob is now doing all the work! He hangs his TPN, medications and is total charge and doing a great job. It is a full time job getting Mike back on his feet and home.

Thanks for all the prayers, love and support.

Love Kathy, Bob, Mike, Rob and Chris

Saturday, August 17, 2002 at 02:30 PM (CDT)

Day +45 They say Mike can go home around +60 which is not that far away. So maybe just before Labor Day! Bob and Mike are kept very busy with alot of follow up doctor's appointments at the clinic. I arrived this morning around 9:30 am, what a drive. But it is nice at 4:30am no traffic! and it's not hot yet. Mike looks great, we went shopping for his birthday. He got 2 pairs of sneakers at foot locker. Then off food shopping to get him anything he will eat, something high in calories. It is good being here again with Bob and Mike. I miss them alot.

Rob is planning to come up on Monday and go home Tuesday. It is hard when they have to work.

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Friday, August 16, 2002 at 08:57 PM (CDT)

Mike is doing fine. Sorry we haven't written, but we all have been so busy trying to get Mike home. Mike was seen in clinic today and his counts are great, they are so happy with all his Anc levels. He has been eating each day, but he needs to be at a certian amount of calories to be able to come off the TPN and Lipids. He goes back to the clinic on Tuesday again. His Blood pressure is going up and down so they are working on his medication. Bob is ready to get him home to Dr. Salman, Dr.Macarthur and Lisa his nurse. We owe alot to everyone here in Jacksonville for all they have done for Mike and our family but there is know place like home. We know Mike would do so much better at home and back in his own enviroment. With Mike home there would be so much love and care for him that it would make his recovery easier. One step at a time, we are hoping for him to be home in 2-3 weeks. We want only the best for Mike. Well, I am heading out early am to be with Mike for his birthday.

Bob is hanging in. It is tough being so far from home. We depend on each other for support and we have been there for each other since Mike has been sick, so this seperation has been very difficult on our family. Thank you all for your emails and prayers the power of prayer is a wonderful thing. Love Kathy

Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 06:49 PM (CDT)

Day +41 Mike is now settled into the RMH. The visiting nurse comes twice a day to hook Mike up to his TPN & Lipids, he starts at 9:00 pm at night and it runs until 9:00 am. Mike went food shopping with Bob today at Winn Dixie. Bob was hoping that by Mike seeing a choice and picking out his own food it would help. He is starting to eat alittle each day.
Tomorrow he has a check up in the clinic. Mike sounds great and I believe now he is looking forward to getting home.

Helen is here now, but he won't get to see her this trip. Margaret and Sheira will be coming down to Cape Coral next week until the end of August. Mike dose hope he is out in time to see them!

The nurses & staff at the hospital made Mike a big banner that said "Yeah Mike" and "Thanks for the conversations we shared" so to all his wonderfull nurses and staff at our clinic and Children's Hosptial in Ft Myers, Mike has not lost his touch!

Rob, Chris and I are really looking forward to seeing him this weekend, it has been a long haul and we are almost home!

The cards and love we receive from everyone is just a great reminder of how lucky we are to have you all in our hearts.

Love Kathy

Monday, August 12, 2002 at 10:11 PM (CDT)

Hip Hip Horray! YEAH, Mike has been discharged from the hospital. He made it to the RMH today around 6:00 pm.
Bob is happy, but he has alot of work ahead of him. All Mike's medications, the visiting nurse, taking his blood pressure and keeping all Mike's appointments. They are both very tired. Today was a stressful day for Mike and Bob. Tomorrow will should be a better one. We are one step closer to coming home.

I always thought I was a pretty clean house keeper, but nothing compares to this clean! Rob has done alot of work around the house for Bob, he has taken over where his Dad left off and Grandpa Frank right there to give instructions on how things should be done! All I heard from the kitchen was Gramp! I know what I am doing...... Okay Rob, but I don't want to hear it if you screw it up...... Big thanks to Uncle Bill who came over and power washed our lanai so Rob could paint the ceiling....... He also laughed as he watched Rob and Gandpa Frank go back and forth about how things should be done... In the end it all looked great, what we would do with out such great family.

Until tomorrow, Love to all
Kathy

Sunday, August 11, 2002 at 06:36 PM (CDT)

Talked to the boys today (Mike & Bob) they are looking forward to going to the RMH tomorrow, at least that is what the doctor's say. So tomorrow looks like the big day! Mike is doing good. He will be off his TPN & Lipids supplements for 12 hours a day, Mike will have a visiting nurse come to the RMH daily to connect him. Bob has this long list of things to be done for Mike's care! He will be very busy. Mike will have to wear a special mask when he is not in his room at the RMH. He will wear the mask even when he comes home for 100 days. Our home will have hepa filters now so he can be mask free. The 100 days began on July 3 bone marrow day, Oct 11 will be the day he can step outside without a mask!

I have been busy cleaning and getting rid of things at home! Getting the house ready for Mike to come home. The visitng nurse will come to our home before Mike dose to check things out and give hints to what we may need. Can't have mold or mild dew etc........ No plants or fresh flowers and the list goes on........ But we will just be glad to have him home.

Love Kathy, Bob & Mike

Friday, August 09, 2002 at 11:26 PM (CDT)

Well, Mike was unable to break out today! But maybe tomorrow if not it could be Monday. His blood pressure went to low now and they had to change some medications around. So they like to monitor it for at least 24 to 48 hours to make sure the blood pressure levels out. Not uncommon due to all the medication he is taking. One day at a time, I guess we were getting alittle cabin fever from being in that 4x4 room. Mike is ready to move on. He has been trying to eat and doing okay, but each day will get better.

Until tomorrow,

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Thursday, August 08, 2002 at 08:53 PM (CDT)

Well it is a go! for tomorrow. Dr.Joyce said I liked to get you out of here Mike tomorrow (Friday). Bob was given some new road maps for the next year which of course they could change. But it is an idea of what Mike has to do. The blood pressure is much better, more under control. Mike eat some peaches today and didn't throw them up! YEAH! I talked with Mike and he is looking forward to getting out! He sounds great....

SO onto the next step and that will be taking our lives back. So I will update you all tomorrow, when Mike has stepped out side the hospital for sure!

Rob, Chris and I will be heading up the weekend of August 16th for Mike's "19th" Brithday.

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Wednesday, August 07, 2002 at 08:55 PM (CDT)

Day +35 and doing good. The next target date for discharge is maybe Friday! They put him back on his Periactin which is to stimulate his appetite, he was on this prior to transplant. So as of now he takes "19" pills a day! Good thing we have one of those huge pill cases.

Mikes sounds great on the phone and talks about coming home soon. I know Bob is ready to come home! But Bob will have a lot to do at the Ronald McDonald house when Mike is discharged. Mike will still have the Broviac in his chest, which are two cental lines. So besides monitoring all the medication by mouth he will have to give him his suppelments IV and keep his lines flushed, make sure he eats and excerises and take him to the clinic to see his doctor's. What would Mike and I do with out him!

In every journey there is meaning.
In every conflict, there is purpose.
In every action, there is doubt, remember to
believe in yourself.

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at 09:44 PM (CDT)

Mike is doing good. We are trying to get his blood pressure under good control. He is now on Procardia XL 30mg and Vasotec 15mg. They are hoping to get him out by Friday. Mike says he is ready to get out now!

To our family and friends:

Early in the morning or late at night I'll be there within your sight.
I promise to share joys and sorrows through out all of your tomorrows.
True family and friends always care about each other and never feel that relationships are a bother.
When ever you need to laugh or cry. just call it dosen't matter why. It's my pleasure to be your family and friend.
I'll always neet you just around the bend.
All our family and friends are special to me, that's the way it was meant to be............

Until tomorrow sweet dreams to all...............
Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Monday, August 05, 2002 at 09:14 PM (CDT)

The nightly report is in! Mike has had another good day! He did receive 2 units of blood and some good old platlettes! He is still having some problems with keeping his blood pressure under control, they are trying different medications. Nothing serious, but just need to find the right one. This is all normal for what he has been through.
Last Saturday Lauren, Don, Vena, Chris and Tara came up to Jacksonville to spend the day with Mike. It was great having them come up, Mike really was happy to see them. We are blessed with such wonderful familly and friends.

Chris and Rob have been talking with Mike on the phone, it makes them feel so much better. Rob says, It hurts him and Chris to have Mike sick because they are more than just brothers! They are friends.

The past is history.
The future, a mystery.
The here and now is a gift.
That is why it's called the present.

Positive Thinking is what I have always believed in and taught my sons, but it can get very difficult at times to stay focused when your child is hurting! So I want to thank everyone for all the positive email and cards it lifts our spirits more than you know! You give us strength when we need it the most.

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Sunday, August 04, 2002 at 05:03 PM (CDT)

Mike is going great! No more mold! the biopsys and cultures were all negative, so we will say it was only in the port and the port has been removed. Mike is now on all oral medication and we hope to be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday! ( we hope to the RMH for now) with TPN and Lipids. He is drinking alot and racing around the floor now, but no food yet. He has tired. One step at a time says the doctor, but each day he is off IV suppelments for 8 hours and every couple of days it will get longer. He will have alot of follow ups with doctors before he can actually come home! But we are getting there!

Sorry there are no pictures of Mike to share, but he said NO pictures of him on the web page! Maybe after he is home and feels better we can get a picture or two! Dad did take alot of pictures, but I don't recall Mike smiling.....

I came home today (Kathy), to get our house ready for Mike. So you can all just image how good Mike looks! He looked at himself in the mirror the other day and says "I look like #@$%! I said no you don't you look great now you looked like #@$% two weeks ago! Thank you all for your love, prayer and support.

The report today from Bob is: They spent most of the day out of the room. Mike is going to try and have a milk shake made by Tim his nurse! All is well..........

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 07:14 PM (CDT)

OK...Lost track of what day it is....Its easy to due when other things are goin on...Some good news today from the Doc's...No sign of a progressed infection but are still waiting on the cultures to come back...Don't think it is in his sinus or lungs....Possible chance it was in his port and that was taken out. He has slight tenderness in the area but it is getting better as the hours pass...He has his ways of getting the big stuff to take the pain away....He makes the nurses feel sorry for him....Such a cute kid.....

All in all he did well with all the procedures and all the poking around they did....
Some limited bleeding from the nostril.
Slight pain in his shoulder.

He is on a limited isolation now so we don't have to wear masks,just gowns if we came in contact with anything we would think might be bad for him...

It is hard to say when do we think Mike will go to the RMH.He has to start eating even if its just a little at a time..He still has to beat this problem...

From my heart to all of you...
Thanks for being there...

Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 09:24 PM (CDT)

It has been a rough two days for Mike. Mike went to surgery today, because his port ( the first device that was put in his chest back in December) they cultured came back with a fungi (mold) growth. They removed the port. Two ENT doctors scoped Mike today through the nose into the sinus cavity and a pulmonary doctor scoped Mike's lungs. At this time Dr. Joyce Mike's Oncologist called Bob tonight and told him his sinus area is clear and this is a good sign. We are still waiting for several cultures they did today to come back. This organism is a serious problem for someone like Mike who has a suppressed immune system. They are looking for the host, this needs to be removed. Mike is now back on several antibotics one which gave him the rash and can have some nasty side effects, but there is not a choice. Dr. Joyce says the good news is that Mike has ingrafted and he is at a good age which is a big part of getting through this set back. One day at a time, one hour at a time if need be! I am heading back to Jacksonville in the morning to be with Bob and Mike. We will wait out the results together. Please pray for Mike that he will over come this fungus and it won't over come him.
On a good note when I last spoke to Bob around 9:30 pm, Mike was sitting up in bed drinking ice tea and watching a movie . He even told Bob to go get something to eat! Bob says Mike looks good.
A mother of a young girl who had a BMT emailed me and said the only advise I can offer is to take each 30 mintues as they come no more because it changes all the time. Keep the faith. Thank you!

Love Kathy

Sunday, July 28, 2002 at 10:33 PM (CDT)

Day + 25 Mike is doing good. Today's counts were 3,165! His first day out of his room was Friday afternoon for a short walk. He now comes out everyday for excerise! He gets to walk the track around the nurses station, but now he has to wear the mask, gown and gloves! HA!
Aunt Sue and Uncle Walt arrived Saturday afternoon. It was good to have them visit. We have missed them.
On Monday Mike will have some tests. A endoscopy (a scope to look into his troat to stomack) to check for any ulcers or graft vs host disease. Precautions! and also a cat scan of his head down to his lower abdomen again precautions! Dr. Joyce is not to concerned about Mike eating. He says that Mike has come this far and he dosen't want any set backs, so one step at a time.

Today was a rough day for me! It was actually one of the hardest things I had to do since this long journey began. I had to leave Mike! I hugged and kisses him with a smile and told him how much I love him, all with not one single tear.
But of course getting into the car was not a dry one. I hugged Bob and told him to take good care of our son and bring him home soon.

Our family is blessed by all the great family and friends we have. Thank you Love Kathy

Friday, July 26, 2002 at 09:06 AM (CDT)

Day +23 Great News yesterday Mike's New Cells were at "440"
and today "978" YEAH! Those new neutrophils are really starting to go...... Yesterday we spent all day at the hospital. Mike had alot of belly pain due to not eating and coming off medications which caused him to have colic! It was painful and it would come every 8-10 minutes and last for about 60-80 seconds. They had a surgeon come see him last night. The KUB (xray) negative so it confirmed the fact it is colic. Today they will get a GI doctor to see him and get some input. Last night he finally had relief about 7:30 pm after given morphine. So he had a restful night and so did I! Funny thing! Chris had colic when he was a baby until he was 3 months old. Thanks Chris! HA! Blood pressure is under good control with Procardia XL 60mg daily. Yesterday he was unhooked from all IV meds and supplements for 4 hours, he was a free man to walk around the room. So Dad made him ride the bike twice for 5 minutes. Today he will be unhooked for longer, each day it will more until he is totally off all IV's......... Mike will try and eat today but I know he is scared. But he knows this is something he has to do! (I should be so lucky, all I have done is eat for Mike!) All in all Mike is doing great and they are looking to discharge to RMH next week. Soon Mike will be updating his own web page and sending out some email. Thanks for all your kind words and thoughts!

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 10:11 AM (CDT)

Day +21 sorry missed a day, but yesterday was a day to celebrate Mike has "COUNTS" his ANC is 45! we are starting to ingraft. Today is even better his counts are up to "165" YEAH....... The goal the doctors tell us is that his counts need to be 500 for 3 days than he can step outside his room. They are hoping to send him over to the RMH by next weekend.... Mike is still having some blood pressure problems he is now on Procardia XL 30mg daily and his BP is still staying up there, so he gets procardia under his tongue when needed. The nausea comes and goes but he is trying real hard. He drank YOO HOO for the frist time last night, about 4 oz and vomitied about 1 0z of it, so this is a good start, He said it was worth it, it tasted so good. He wants to try a chocolate ice crean shake today! It has been well over a month that he has eaten any solid food so at frist it will be hard to keep anything down, but he is trying. There are days he feels better than others and has more engery. One day at a time.

Aunt Sue and Uncle Walter are coming up Saturday to visit and take me home. Bob will stay with Mike until he is able to come home. This has been a rough week for me knowing that I will have to leave. I know in my heart that he will do great and come home soon, but it still is hard to say good bye. I ask him if he can handle being left alone with Dad! He smiles! and understands that I have to go back to work! Besides I have to prepare the house! I have honey do lists! Mike will have to come home to a germ free home HA!

Thank you all for giving Mike and our family such love and support it makes this journey so much easier. It means more to us than you know. God Bless.

Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Monday, July 22, 2002 at 05:01 PM (CDT)

Day +19 Mike had a great day. Today he had 30 minutes of Physical Therapy. Which made him alittle sore so I promised that later tonight I would massage his legs with lotion...... His WBC is on the way up but still not enough to ingraft. The WBC have neutrophils, which are baby cells. These are the ones we look for. But it is a good sign that his counts are coming up. We hope for ingraft by the end of the week!

Mike is being really good about the length of time he has to stay in his room and the amount of time he spends in bed. Even though he really wants to go home.

Uncle Bill got the chance to sit with Mike on Saturday and Sunday for alittle while. Catherine, Aunt Maureen, Lyssi and Karolyn waved through the window.

Thanks for your love and support
Kathy, Bob and Mike

Saturday, July 20, 2002 at 06:27 PM (CDT)

Day 17 all is well. Mike is looking forward to next week, that should be the week he starts to ingraft around +20
give or take a day. Today the doctor's started him on Procardia XL 30mg for blood pressure. He keeps spiking. The one medication he is on daily for graft vs host disease causes hypertension and tremors. But this is a medication that has to be given. They run it over 3 hours to help with the side effects. They tell us that starting Monday they can give it to him by mouth so this will cut back on the side effects. All in all he is doing fine. No more mouth sores...... The doctor showed Mike the calender and she feels that if all goes well he maybe released to the Ronald McDonald House by the first week of August! YEAH.
Then seen as an outpatient. Which needless to say made him feel happy.... Love and God Bless you all.
Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Friday, July 19, 2002 at 06:42 PM (CDT)

Day 16....

Mike had an ok day today...He still has a slight problem with the BP going up slightly when he does his PT...With all the fluids going = it is common and they can control it with more meds..Hey,thats more fluids...I don't ask...He has the sniffels and that is a sign of good things happening too.Who would think?...

Bill and Maureen are on their way up this weekend....Mike is getting to a point where he can speak a little more without his mouth hurting..It is starting to clear a little with each day and when his counts come up it will clear on its own..Den put a link in the web site with more pictures of this place up here..They are really good....Look for it at the bottom of this page...The days pass slowly and the nights are filled with thoughts...

You are all with us in our hearts......the Smiths

Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 06:24 PM (CDT)

Day 15 and No WBC's yet. We chant in Mike's room, come on white blood cells lets go! They doubled his dose of Nupergyn (not sure if I spelled that right). This is to simulate and help make WBC. Mike has always been a bit slow in the rebound when it came to his counts. The rash is almost gone, biopsy just showed drug reaction. Leg has stopped oozing blood. YEAH! Mike is back to bike riding with a smile. (yeh right).
Today was a big event for Mike, he posed for pictures, he did some PR for Dr. Joyce and the hospital bone marrow transplant! He smiled for the camera's. They took photos of him and Dr.Joyce interacting! Some of Mike, Bob and I with Dr. Joyce. The lady told us to smile but you can't see our smiles, where the ones behind the masks! I ran out of the room to get Tim and Lee, Mike's nurses so they could see Mike smile! What a ham! They said we will get copies. Not sure what paper or where they will be shown. I can't believe he agreed to do this. But it was fun.

Bill, Maureen and the girls are coming up to visit this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing them. Our niece Karolyn will be coming also, we are looking forward to seeing her it has been quite a few years.

We love and miss you all

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 06:26 PM (CDT)

Day 14...
We all like to see the words..Good..Better..doing fine..It helps us all to get through the days we are all facing...To me although he is doing fine, I see my son very ill and fighting a battle to save his life..His good is based on his medical condition most likely compared to others with the same...These kids are not fine,They are not ok,they are not doing good. They are caught up in a terror with an uncertainty that we all share. The youngs ones don't even understand but they all get through the day the best that they can...People have done so much for us and for Mike and others ask what can they do..My answer to this is to think of Mike,Who he is and what does he stand for.Show love and understanding to people who don't deserve it,look at what we have and be thankfull and say that was for you Mike..Thanks for being who you are..........

Dad....

Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 06:07 PM (CDT)

Day 13 and we are moving right along. They did a biopsy on Mike's rash. Just to make sure it was a drug reaction to the antibotic. They took a piece of skin from his left upper thigh area which required a stitch. Now they can't get him to clot, so it slowly drips. Today they are trying an ointment and pressure dressings on the area to clot the site. I feel bad for him these little things can be so irritating. So no bike ride today or tomorrow, we knew he would find away to get out of that one! HA!

No fevers, mouth sores are the same and intake and outake of fluids are good. Tremors are getting better.

Until tomorrow, God bless you all and keep you safe!
Love Kathy, Bob & Mike

Monday, July 15, 2002 at 04:22 PM (CDT)

Day 12 for Mike. We had a stationary bike put in his room so Bob gets him up to ride for 10 minutes a day. It is very important for him to keep moving even when he is not feeling well. If you don't use it, you lose it! A dermatologist will be coming in to see Mike for his rash. It looks worse than it feels. It has stopped itching which is good. They have taken one of the four antibotics away. They will slowly take each medication away as they feel he will not need it. His blood cultures are negative. Even though he is running a low grade fever some antibotics can cause this.

The waiting time is long and the results come at a slow pace. I can't believe we have been here 24 days. Mike is still not eating, but drinking water reguarly, which is good. He gets TPN and Lipids, the TPN is supplements and the lipids are fat to keep his weight up.

Another Monday has begun, but a day closer to recovery. Thanks for all your prayers Love Kathy, Bob & Mike

Sunday, July 14, 2002 at 12:02 PM (CDT)

Day 11 Mike is doing good. He ran a low grade fever this morning, but his cultures have been negative. They tell us by next Tues/Wed his levels should start to come up. His ANC level which determines how low his immune system is. Well it is right where it should be for now "0" which he has been there before with chemotherapy. The WBC (white count) comes back first then RBC (red count) then plateletts. So we are cheering him on! When the WBC start to come back, he will get a rash which is called graft vs host disease. This is Chris's new cells fighting for position and take over! HA! and if you all know Chris and how stubborn he can be, we know in our hearts he will win! So we will not argue this one! Everyone is different on how severe it can get, but we are positive Mike will do good! Bob and Den are visiting him, while I take a break. They but the car show on VHS for him to watch.
On Friday morning our little Mercedes became a angel with the most beauitful wings. What a angel she will make. Even though we have only known Mercedes and her family for a short time, there is a bond we all share. Our love and prayers go with her family. Mercedes will always have a special place in our hearts. Please pray for her family.
(Mike is unaware at this time) There will be a time to let him know.
When you go up to the hospital floor and you see so many sick children it can be real hard to hold onto your faith.
Sometimes you find yourself questioning your beliefs. But then after the anger passes you realize, it is faith and your positive belief that gets you through each day. When you enter the unit and you see all the little ones smiling and happy like nothing is wrong it makes you smile back and think if they can do it, so can I. A smile can warm a heart.
Love Kathy, Bob & Mike

Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 08:54 PM (CDT)

Day 10
They wanted Mike to get out of bed and get some activity. Today he spent some time sitting up in the chair and watching TV. The physical therapist was in today to talk to Mike about starting some more exercises to increase his muscle tone and to also keep his lungs clear. They may be bringing in a exercise bike into his room tomorrow.

They are still working to clear the rash. Still not sure which antibiotic is causing it. He still has the shakes bad and is finding it difficult to do small tasks with his hands.

All vitals are within margins and he is starting to take in fluids by mouth.

All in all the doctors are pleased with Michaels progress and current medical status.

Bob and Denis went to a local car show today that was hosted by the East Coast PT Cruisers car club. Digital pictures were taken and transfered to VHS tape for Mike to view. They rode in a PT cruisers and were escorted by police cars and motorcycles stopping traffic across town to the show ;)

Love,
Bob, Kathy and Michael

Friday, July 12, 2002 at 08:47 PM (CDT)

Day 9-Mike is doing good today. He's been having some spikes fever wise and also a rash from one of the antibiotics. The rashing is called "Red Man" syndrome. Along with the rash he was also experiencing tremors/shakes from the antibiotics he was on. They are closely montioring his blood pressure and is resting well tonight after being up most of the night last night.

Tomorrow (Sat) the physical therapist will be in to have Mike up and moving around to build up his muscle tone a bit.

Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 05:58 PM (CDT)

Day 8 Mike is doing great. Yesterday was also a good day for him. This morning he spiked another fever so they put him back on 3 antibotics for precaution. His chest was clear. No fever all day. We need everyone who is praying for Mike to also say a prayer for Mercedes. She was moved to ICU last night and put on a vent, she is having a rough time. The next 24 hours will be very trying for her parents. We all feel the impact and we will be here for her family.
Bob and Mike sit up all night watching movies sometimes till 4 in the morning! Then Mike sleeps until 12 noon. So everyone here has now gotten used to Mike's schedule. All his activites are scheduled for late afternoon.
Den is coming up to visit tomorrow, we are looking forward to his visit.
The days go by so slow, sometimes I am not even sure what day it is. Thanks everyone for all your love and support.
Love Kathy, Bob and Mike

Tuesday, July 09, 2002 at 01:47 PM (CDT)

Day-6.........Mike is going to try to talk on line with other young adults on a pc set up to all the other hosp's..It is for kids to get to know each other and it helps because they can talk about anything they want and they can stay to them selfs if they want...I think it is a great idea to open up at their pace....It has a video if they choose to see each other too....I told Mike to lie and say that your good looking...ha ha..You know the girls are gunna...ha ha...

He had an ice pop last night...lol..Now he has orange lips..No video yet..and comb your hair...I mean wash your head...He surprised me when he said he would do it....Good for him...I think he needs it.....

He had a slight fever and it broke before it got to bad...Good sign that his meds are right....Another cult. was done and it came back neg.He is waiting for plat's to come from tallahasse. Special ones for a special guy...

No canoe jokes................OK..Camels do know how to row right? PS..I owe you one Lauren..ha

Monday, July 08, 2002 at 05:49 PM (CDT)

Day 4-Day 5...Mike had some problems with an infection last night and it lead to an elevated heart rate and a very low BP..He was seen by other Doctors because of spiking fevers and his nurse worked through the night to put him back on track...Her dedication and focus was rewarded ten hours later with his vitals within a range all were happy with..Didn't sleep with all that was going on.......There was a chance at one point that he might have to be moved to the ICU...But his nurse did not want to give him up...Good for her..She stayed untill she was ok with the next shift taking over....It was her first time with Mike..Ha...He is doing well this morning.He now has a constant drip of morphine for his mouth sores and other pains that may come into play...

Each day he trys his best and we are very proud of him

Rob,Chris,Gail and Frank are all back home now and Kathy and I will miss their support....

Thank you all for your messages......

Love Bob,Kathy and Mike..........

Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 09:48 AM (CDT)

Day 3 Mike is hanging in there! The mouth Sores have gotten alittle worse, but he is doing well. Mercedes(a 6 year old "little lady" who is also having a bone marrow transplant from Ft Myers) who is Mike's neighbor she is also doing good. Yeah for Dr.Salman & MacArthur's patients! Please keep her in your prayers also! It is great having Grandma, Grandpa and boys here to help keep Mike company. Even when he sleeps he likes to have someone sit in the room with him.
Bob is making sure that everyone is doing there job, the right way! He keeps all the nurses in line! HA! (if not he will be sending for Mike's Nurses!)
As for me (mom) I am running around keeping everyone happy and calm! We love and miss you all.
Love Kathy,Bob, Rob and Chris

Friday, July 05, 2002 at 09:11 AM (CDT)

Day 2 and Mike is doing good! The mouth sores started and they get worse each day, but he is brave. He has tried to eat, but the smell gets to him before he can actually put it to his mouth.
For all you, that have been with Mike and know how he gets when he enters a hospital! Well, you just would not believe him now! All the prayers, love and support are working! He is awake, talking (more than usual) and smiling (just a little). He says he is ready to go home! He has already started asking!
He is keeping his nurse Lee on her toes! They have been giving him lasix (water pill) at times so he doesn't retain water! Well we all know what that does, and when you have lots of tubing coming out of your chest and are limited to how far you can go with out help! He had no choice last night but to use a cup that had a small amount of RED gatorade left in it! So when he told Lee he had to use the cup, she freaked because it had a red tint to it! HA!
Rob and Chris arrived early this morning for the weekend and Grandpa will arrive tonight. We are all fine and know in our hearts that we will be home soon. And Mike will begin his future once again.
Love Kathy & Bob

Wednesday, July 03, 2002 at 05:48 PM (CDT)

Today was another day we will never forget.But we will keep it as a new start as we watched chris's life flow into Mike.A gift of love for his younger brother...

It was delayed just a little while this morning to make shore all was just right for the transplant..We watched it go into Mike and waited to see the out come....His BP elevated at a pace that was normal but the numbers went up a little high for me.Other things were done to bring it back to a range the Doc's were happy with....They know..I read in a text book from the doc. and it was all in there.

He is doing well at this point,things will get a little ruff in the days to come.....

Mike wants to go home.....

I am very proud of my sons and love them with all my heart
Get your own tissue,I use my shirt...

Wednesday, July 03, 2002 at 07:34 AM (CDT)

Today is the big day! We are so ready! Mike has had a good two days. Dr. Sandler says Mike is doing great medically! Everything is where it should be. We set a ingraft day on Mike's calendar, he chose the day! (July 23) Which means when he ingrafts he gets to step outside his room with only a mask on! It takes about 20 days give or take from day O. The bone marrow will be hung today around 11:00 am. Bob stayed over with Mike to get prepared for this morning. The bone marrow is hung like a unit of blood and goes in through one of Mike's central lines. The cells are so smart they know where to go and what to do! Amazing. When he starts to ingraft he will feel it in his feet first. Grandma Gail has arrived and Mike is smiling, image that!
Thank you all for your prayer, love and support.
Love Kathy & Bob

Sunday, June 30, 2002 at 04:47 PM (CDT)

Mike is having a good day today. He had to get two units of blood. But that is the "NORM" for chemotherapy. Today at five starts (cytoxan) chemo. He will also get this tomorrow. They tell us that he won't see the effects for about 4 days yet. The first two weeks are the roughest! by the third he should start to feel better day by day. As his blood counts start to rise and Chris's immune system takes over. Bob and I are doing fine. Still learning all the little tricks for isolation. We are adjusting to the mask. After about 2 hours in the room you need a break or you will fall asleep from breathing in your own carbon! HA!


Bob's brother and family should be here within the hour, we are looking forward to seeing them.

Thinking of you all....... Love Bob & Kathy

Saturday, June 29, 2002 at 09:19 AM (CDT)

Mike is now in the transplant room. He had a rough day yesterday with the last of his radiation. But by last night he was feeling alot better, they gave him some medication to help with the vomiting and nausea. He looks like he has been out in the sun! The radiation can make your skin red. Bob and I had a good laugh yesterday when we were preparing to enter Mike's room. It is a little bit of a process! Mask, Gown and hand washing for 3 minutes then rinse. So after Bob gowned up and soaped up! He stuck his hands in hot water which now made him have to go to the bathroom so he had to start all over again! HA!
Today Mike's chemo begins for three days than on July 2 he gets a day of rest. On July 3 it is Day O! Bone marrow day. The first week they tell us will be hardest, he will have mouth sores down into his throat. So he won't be eating or drinking much, but that of course is not a problem for Mike! It was pretty much part of his routine when he entered the hospital. Bob and I are doing fine. We will take turns staying with Mike. What are parents for! Mike dosen't say much, but yesterday he told me, Mom I know how hard this is on you both! I said, Mike you have the hard part we are just here to support and love you!
Chris is home and doing good! He will get his stitches out on Monday. Uncle Bill, Aunt Maureen, Margaret,Catherine & Shera are stopping in Sunday while they pass through to Cape Coral. Grandma Gail will be coming in Tuesday for a week. Grandpa & Rob will be here over July 4th weekend. We are all looking forward to them coming.
Thank you all so very much for your messages it means a lot to us! We look forward to reading all our email. God bless you all. Love Kathy

Thursday, June 27, 2002 at 07:26 PM (CDT)

Chris is on his way home...All is ok with everything he went through...Just a one night stay in the hosp.He is really sore ..Mike had to go a day earlier to the hosp. because his levels dropped and he started to need fluids..he is doing well..friday is the last two doses of RAD.then the chemo,a day of rest and the marrow infusion..we will meet the days as they come.

I have seen courage.....

Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 08:17 PM (CDT)

Chris went for the harvest today.All went well.He is looking forward to going back home to work..Mike started his first high dose's of total radiation today.He will be admitted on friday for his stay after the 4-days....

Hero's........

Monday, June 24, 2002 at 05:44 PM (CDT)

Today began early. Mike had to be at the hospital for 7:30 am. His surgery for the central line was at 9:45am. It went great! He is alittle sore and tired! Tomorrow is a big day for both Mike and Chris. Chris is scheduled at the hospital for 8:45am and his surgery is 10:45 am. They tell us it can take about 2-4 hours depending how much bone marrow they can draw out at a time, they need at least a pint! So he will be pretty sore for the next few days. Mike starts with his first dose of radiation tomorrow. We are all doing well, of course we do wish Rob was with us. But he is holding down the fort at home. He will be up for July 4th weekend. We love and miss you all. Thanks for all your email and support.

Friday, June 21, 2002 at 02:33 PM (CDT)

Thank you all for your email. It rained the whole trip up and still is! Mike and Chris meet Dr.Joyce today. He is very nice. alot of information to try and understand! We will take One Day At A Time! Mike feels great and all his levels are good! So we are ready. On Monday Mike will have his central line placed in his chest. Chris will have his harvest Tuesday then they will freeze the bone marrow. Mike begins radiation Tuesday for four days twice a day, then will be admitted on Friday afternoon to begin chemo on July 2 will be his day of rest and July 3 will be Day O.
Again thank you everyone for your prayers, love and support.
I know Mike wishes he could have brought his nursing team with him! You all know him to well.
Love Kathy

Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 04:54 PM (CDT)

Mike is eighteen years old and was diagnoised on dec.13,01 with T-cell ALL. Mike will be going to Wolfson Children's Hosp. in Jacksonville on June 20,02 to have a bone marrow transplant. His brother is a match for the harvest....

Our family will be there....We go as one...

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