Dear Friends and Family ~
Let me start by acknowledging the amazing efforts put forth last month in support of Reid. The Ashland Soccer Club, lead by the focused and loving efforts of Christiane Pyle, held the 1st annual Futball for Life! Tournament and over 24 youth teams, volunteer referees, coaches and parents came together for an incredibly successful day of soccer for Reid’s benefit. Then in the same week, the band Borderline (with my sister Emy Phelps and amazing musicians Bob Evoniuk, Sam Cuenca, Bob DiChiro and Jake Phelps) held not one - but TWO brilliant concerts, also as fundraisers for Reid. Additionally, many community members have offered generous donations to Reid’s Leukemia Fund this past month. At this point, about a years’ worth of Reid’s alternative health and nutritional care needs are covered - to support his body and immune system as it deals with the excruciatingly powerful effects of chemotherapy. We are profoundly grateful for all this help.
Standing by Reid in the capacity of mom and caregiver and witnessing this tenderly fierce public support of his battle with leukemia - juxtaposed to his private experience that is so physically demanding and emotionally intense, has been a honor and privilege. Last month, as I sat at Paschal listening to the music, while Reid - that same night - started his third round of chemo in Rogue Valley Memorial, I was suddenly visited by an image of Reid as a four year old whose passionate and singular determination to be Batman dictated nearly every moment of his waking imagination. It was the year when his silky black cape was removed only for swim lessons and even then, with resistance. As I remembered his exuberant spirit, I was struck by the notion that maybe what ultimately makes a super hero isn’t having been born on another planet, or received some strange infusion, or the costume or cape. Maybe the bottom line is that everyone believes in him and truly wants him to succeed; therefore, he becomes and is heroic - no matter the outcome. This is Reid.
Next week, Reid will start chemo round four. He’ll be home for Christmas and another recovery period, and then will receive the last round in mid January. After that, he’ll be seeing his docs at OHSU again and learning the next portion of this life map.
We continue to watch and wait, to take each day as a unique step, to laugh whenever possible, cry when necessary, let go of that which no longer serves and tell each other - every day - about the amazing love in our hearts. I hope you do the same with those your love
All will be well ~ Martha
PS Just a reminder, there are blog pages on Reid’s website. They are essentially an email chronicle. Feel free to share the link with friends. You are also welcome to comment there if you want to share your insights and feelings with more community than just our family.
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