Family and Friends:

We've been saying for too long that it's time for a Caring Bridge update,  it seems like a very long time since our last update.  We just figured you'd all understand that no news is good news!  So here goes.

First the health stuff.  We did a PET scan a couple of weeks ago, very positive results.  The oncologist is watching a spot on the thyroid and one in the brain, both are unchanged, which is good.  Otherwise, no active signs of cancer.  We are grateful to God for hearing all of your prayers!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I have been feeling mostly well, a goofy chest pain issue a couple of weeks ago ended in an overnight at the hospital, lots of tests, confirmation that my ticker works well, and no idea what caused the severe chest pain.

Since our last update, we sold our home in Burnsville, bought a condo in Rosemount, moved, I "retired,"  and just for the fun of it, we went to Hawaii for 9 days to visit our daughter there. 

Our new home is just what Linda wanted, everything on one floor.  So we are delighted that God has blessed us with this wonderful place.  I am delighted that the Association takes care of the yard and snow removal.  We also have a full unfinished basement, with walk out to back yard, so I am tinkering around down there when I can.

The past few months I have been doing a lot of praying about working, and what I can contribute.  When chemo is over, and I'm feeling well, I sometimes feel like I'm back to normal, then a few days of bad back or unexplained pain (like chest pain), and recurring fatigue from the chemo.  The reality is that I am not real reliable, which poses major challenges.  I talked with colleagues and Doctors.  Catholic Charities came up with a new policy for staff who develop major illnesses. It became apparent that ending employment with Catholic Charities made the most sense.  I will be on full disability, I had been working about 3 days a week.  Catholic Charities has a great long term disability plan, which will take care of us.  My last day was April 12, my birthday!

This was a difficult realization for me, Catholic Charities has been just wonderful.  They are doing a tribute to my career at the staff appreciation event this Wednesday.  The Board and past board members are doing a get together to honor me on June 7at the home of Mary Frey, the Board chair when I was hired.    It's all a bit overhwelming. 

The good news is that I will be able to volunteer at Catholic Charities as I am able.  I have also been asked to be on the Parish Council of our parish, St. John Neumann in Eagan, which I have accepted.  I am fully confident that the Lord will lead me to involvements where I can make a difference in people's lives, which has been a driving force for me over the years, and why I have loved working in Catholic Charities so much.

And we went to Maui to visit our dear daughter Jessica, who has lived there for 5 years.  We look at it as a parental duty.  We had a wonderul, relaxing time, just what we needed!

And so, I am pretty well.  We are resettled for the long term.  I have begun a new chapter in my life, looking forward to more time with family and friends, and more time at our lake place, and time volunteering what I love to do.   

Life's blessings keep pouring forth.  Mom is doing great as we approach Mother's Day.  David and Gina are expecting their second child early June.  This Friday we go to Detroit Lakes to celebrate my baby sister Rita's 50th birthday - so together with my family for that momentous event!  I am learning to be grateful for every moment live has to offer, the joys and the sorrow, the love and the pain.  It is all gift. 

May your days be filled with peace and joy.  Thank you again for your many prayers and messages of love, prayer and support.  You have made the journey joyous in the good times, and bearable in the difficult times. 

Love hearing from you and love you all!

Paul Martodam