Dear Friends,

It is almost six months since Christopher left this world.  

It has been a challenging time as I attempt to move forward without him.   I am not certain I am making any headway, just yet.   But my head, at least today, is above water.  For that I am grateful.

Soon after Elizabeth returned to Denver (the day after Mother's Day), Scout was diagnosed with Adrenal Cancer with the added complication of a large thrombus lying close to the tumor, very near a major blood vessel.  If a small piece breaks off, traveling to a major organ, he, too, could leave this world most suddenly.  After much deliberation, I decided to forgo radiation and treat the condition with medication.  Last week, an ultra sound last indicated  the tumor is growing slowly, although the clot is growing more rapidly.  A third medication has been added to slow this process.  All in all, Scout is doing pretty well.  For this too, I am grateful.

Yesterday, the New Melleray Abbey, in Iowa, held their annual Memorial Mass for those buried in one one of their caskets during the past year.  Christopher is counted among these.  Below is a link to view the Mass, most beautiful with a very uplifting homily.  Christopher would have loved it all.  The silence.  The simplicity.  The architecture.

I add the link for you to  "cut and paste" into your browser to view, offering gratitude to God for the gift of Christopher.

www.https://trappistcaskets.com/#mass

I pray that you and your are well during this most challenging time. I ask you to remember Elizabeth and I in your prayers.

Mary Ann