Nine months. Nine months since we lost Consuelo. Even now, this whole experience can sometimes feel unreal. But we go on, day by day.

There is good news since my last post here. I had an appointment with my urologist on Tuesday and have been cleared for all normal activity. I am officially recovered from my laparoscopic surgery in February. The pathology on all 15 lymph nodes removed was clear of cancer. Also, my blood test from 2 weeks ago was good.

Perhaps the best news from my recent appointment was that when it was originally scheduled, they told me that they would perform a cystoscopy to check my bladder. (If you don't know what that is, I am happy for you.) They turned out not even mentioning it during the appointment, maybe because my various test results have been good, and I show no symptoms of bladders issues. Letting discretion be my guide, I too did not mention the procedure. Some might say that I chickened out and to that I reply: "Yes!" If the medical professionals feel it is a necessary test, I will likely consent to do it. If they don't feel the need to bring it up, I understand.

I had a naive hope that they would tell me that the cancer was over. That's not how it works. I am now on a monitoring protocol with blood tests, chest/torso x-rays and MRI's every few months. As time goes on and my results continue to be good, the frequency of the various tests will lessen. This is another journey that will be measured in years instead of weeks or months.

And still the world goes on. The last 2 weekends have had the annual Shakespeare performances at Consuelo's school, OPHC. The community that Consuelo helped build around these drama performances is a joy to behold. I went opening and closing nights. It was very emotional for me (and most of the other people there too), but I am delighted I went. I could feel Consuelo's passion still at work. Congratulations and thank you to the student actors and to the directors, Carla, Franco, Maggie and Rowan.

I stop by the cemetery most days after work. It is about a 5-minute drive from the store and on the way to North Beach Park where I walk when the weather behaves. I actually feel her more strongly at home, but it makes me feel good visit our niche, so I do it. The walks after through Ft Worden Park are also therapeutic for mind and body too.

I continue to volunteer. Between Rotary, Port Townsend Marine Trades board and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, combined with work, life and medical appointments, I fear that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Whether I have or not, I'll do what I can do.

Regarding Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary, our club is selling the "Running of the Balls" raffle tickets. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and funds most of our programs including the scholarships given in honor of Consuelo and the stroke awareness/blood pressure check booths. If you are at the Saturday Port Townsend Farmers Market either of the next couple of Saturdays, please stop by the booth and pick up a ticket ($5) or 5 tickets ($20.)

I am also trying to say "yes" more often. If I am invited to go somewhere or do something that I haven't done before, I am going to go if I am able. That can explain why I plan to be at a Eurovision viewing party Saturday afternoon, Octoberfest in Munich this September and a Bar Mitzvah in Los Angeles in November.

I once heard a very wise woman once say that "If you can't get out of it, get out of it what you can." What I can get out of "it" is relationships with wonderful people and amazing experiences that I will never forget.

As I have said before and will say again, thank you for your overwhelming grace and support.

With Love and Gratitude,
Marshall