Fall 2009: Jake and Nancy learned that Nancy's breast cancer was stage four. Winter 2013: They are still fighting. This is a gathering place to follow their story, offer support, love and prayers... to be by their side.



Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Nancy's 47th Birthday Remembered

To commemorate Nancy's birthday on July 24th, Nancy's mom (Sally) and I went on a weekend trip to visit dear friends of Sally's from her medical school days. We took our sick little bulldog, Jojo, to Annie's and Stu's farm on the Palouse in Moscow, ID. It was a trip Nancy and I had talked about for years, but we never got around to taking it. Nancy would have LOVED it!

Stu and Annie were wonderful hosts. Stu informed us that they have a tradition of planting a tree in the memory of loved ones who have passed away. They had acquired an apricot tree to memorialize Nancy, and we planted it together on the morning of her birthday. Sally and I were deeply touched.

Sally and I were pleased that Jojo was well enough to make the trip. She has been battling advanced cancers (multiple myeloma and bladder cancer), and she began to deteriorate while Nancy was in the hospital. During the trip, Jojo had a wonderful time making new friends and spending a few days on the farm. On the drive there and back, we stopped in Vantage, WA on the shores of the Columbia River to have a picnic lunch. That is where Nancy and I picked her up from the breeder nearly 8 years ago. Full circle.

Since our return on Sunday, Jojo's condition deteriorated quickly. She was clearly telling us last evening that she was ready to join Nancy, so I took her to the vet. Jojo died peacefully as both the veterinarian and I cried.
Sally, Jojo, and I beside Nancy's apricot tree

Palouse Wheat - Nancy would have LOVED the beauty

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