Jordan went in for her monthly appointment with the lead oncologist. He was very pleased with her recovery. Since discontinuing the use of Vincristine, Jordan has bounced back on many fronts. Her speech is clearer. Her eyes are lively. And she glows again. The doctor noticed all of these factors and congratulated her on her progress. He also prescribed a new drug that may speed her physical recovery and help her walk again.

Happy new year! Thank you to all who sent us well-wishes during the holiday season. I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile (or sent out any holiday cards). Between travel and the hustle that comes with the holidays I’ve had little time to write. Jordan poses at a holiday tree lighting. Jordan is doing well. She’s looking healthier than she did a month ago. She isn’t walking again, but her memory is improving, her eyes have stopped drooping and her color has returned.

Dear Grandchild: When your mother was little, she listened to Chopin while she slept at night. She’d say how she loved the quiet sound of the piano. Sometimes, I’d peek in on her after she’d fallen asleep. She looked so beautiful resting amongst her pink and purple sheets. She had soft, cream-kissed skin and flaxen-streaked hair. Cuddled up under her covers, arms strecthed out across her pillow, she reminded me of a water-colored illustration from a children’s book – too picturesque to be real.

For those of you curious how the Vincent men spend their time, check out the collaborative story Luc and I wrotethis morning. We used SubEthaEdit, great software from the folks at The Coding Monkeysthat allows several writers to work on a document simultaneously. Enjoy.

I despise running. Never understood the enthusiasm of runners. I hit the streets and break into a jog and count the minutes until it is over, lungs burning, legs aching, attention span taxed. I finish a lap and wonder what I’m missing. There’s a psychology to running – long-distance running. I haven’t fully experienced it, but I gather the gist from the tales of my running friends. The psychology of running is rooted in a self-induced conflict, where the mind and body battle for control.