We cherish messages from our visitors. Take a moment to write a note in our guestbook or read entries from others.

I'm so glad to hear that things are going well. It was wonderful to see you both at Christmas and see for myself what great progress you have made. I know things will continue to get better.

It's been a real deep freeze here as I'm sure it has been up there, but the days are getting longer and January's almost over so the best is yet to come.

Keep up the good work!

Love - Alzi and Jeff

Julie & Stephen,

Best Wishes for Christmas and may the New Year bring many more memorable milestones in your recovery Julie.

Kind Regards,

Laura, Tom & John Banks

Julie and Steve,

Great news! And what a special gift for the season. It was great to see you guys and witness the incredible progress Julie has made in the past 10 months. We continue to include you in our thoughts and prayers and know that the new year will bring continued progress and recovery. Our sincere best wishes for this Christmas to you and your families.

All the best,

The Meriwethers

Dearest Julie and Steve,

What great news to receive in this blessed season. This news makes the joy of Christmas even more joyous!! Julie, I am so thankful for the recovery you continue to make. Your efforts to resume a normal life are an inspiration to us all. The cookie exchange was another fun evening with all our great neighborhood bakers, and I thank you for taking the time and effort to organize it once again this year. After all the challenges of the past 10 months, you are to be applauded for your determination to fully recover and get on with life, as usual. Thank you for brightening our holiday season, and for the world's best sugar cookies!! No one makes them like you do!. I hope you and Steve have a beautiful Christmas and we will pray that the new year brings you continued recovery.

Susan Dorsey

Dear Julie and Steve,

Loved the golf picture; what a natural. I'm not going to write much as the computer keeps throwing me out, but I look forward to seeing you both at Christmas. Get well Steve!

Love - Alzi

Julie and Steve,

Just a quick note to let you know that Kris or I will be stopping by tomorrow (Sat) with more meals. Probably be there noonish. I will try to remember to call you today (it is still a bit early, I think or I'd do it now.) Hope you both have a great Friday. Fun to read about Julie putting. It is encouraging.

Love,

Ann

Dear Julie and Steve,

I had a boil on my tailbone once, so I understand perfectly how you're feeling; it's not fun! Anyway, I pray that this doesn't mean anything other than a boil.

I was in MN last week helping Kris and Ann move mom to an assisted living home. It's really nice and it will be nice to have her home in the winter for a change.

No big news in Iowa. The weather is starting to cool but we did have a lovely fall for a change. I'm looking forward to seeing you and all the family in a few weeks.

Much love - Alzi and Jeff

Klem fra Gail and Al,

We're so proud of all the work you are doing. Both of you are incredible. Julie, do you want to read some of Ridge Road Book Club's choices? I try not to buy all the books, but by the time I think about the library, they are gone. So I end up with alot of books. My spell check on the computer dislikes the word "alot." I think I use it alot. Bye for now.

Love you to the moon and back, Gail and, of course, Al

Dear Julie & Steve - It is nice to hear the progress keeps coming. What a blessing that you could both enjoy the beautiful weather we finally had. Choc chips cookies in the fall-nothing better. Jim came home from a golf tournament yesterday and said he shot a 72, but took 3rd place. I trailed him around asking how he shot par (he's good, but not that good yet), he just kept smiling and saying, no, they didn't include handicap. He finally told me it was a "one-man best ball" or something like that, where they each got to take two shots and play their best shot each time. He obviously had fun. Take care.

Love, The Hallens

Hi Julie/Stephen,

Thanks for the emails - we look forward to hearing about Julie's progress - keep it up.

Laura, Tom & John

Hi again, Julie and husband. I read of your progress nearly every day. My husband has a suggestion for you in regard to insulating the hose on your CPAP:

Foam pipe insulation is sold at most hardware and big box stores. It comes in several sizes.

We hope you keep making steady progress. It sounds as though you have come a long way since your diagnosis.

Cheryl Parkins

Dear Julie and Stephen,

I should have remembered, but of course I forgot Ð I spent 45 minutes typing a letter to yaÕll and I was just about to finish when the Caring Bridge logged me off. Oh well, IÕll write the letter in Word, again, and then cut and paste it like I did last time this happened to me in March!!

It is now 9:15 AM and I have not been having a very good morning. I was supposed to go on a field trip this morning at 7:15, but for some reason, my calendar did not show the entry until I logged on at 7:30 this morning. Then I lost your letter. I was thinking about going to the nail salon to get my toenails done, but maybe I should just stay at home and NOT venture out today.

When I weighed 320 lbs., I also had a sleep study test and I came home with a CPAP machine. In fact, it is still up in my closet in the case. Since I have lost the weight, I donÕt snore much!! I only snore when I sleep on my back. Most of the time, I sleep on my left side, curled in a fetal position. But I get up to go to the bathroom, 2 to 3 times a night, and then sometimes I end up on my back. Frank just nudges me and then I turn over and sleep on my side and all is peaceful and quiet again.

Now on to canesÉ I purchased one for $7 at the local flea market. I really donÕt need it, but it is better than wearing a big placard sign that says ÒDONÕT BUMP, RUN INTO, OR JOSTLE THIS LADYÓ. I actually leave it in my car, so when I am walking in the mall or in public, people are aware that I am not real steady of my feet. Plus, when I fly, I have no problems getting through the security lines, because there is no metal rod running through the cheap cane version that I have.

Again, I would like to extend an invitation to you both. I am always up for company. Because of my illness, my speech and physical therapist says I need to exercise and talk as much as possible. I have a pool in my back yard so we could swim and exercise together and I have a very comfortable sofa sleeper in my downstairs bedroom/office that has a door right out onto the wrap around lanai. When I first came home from the hospital and couldnÕt walk up and down the steps it was a perfect solution for me!! There is even an attached bathroom with a walk-in shower, so you wouldnÕt have to worry about getting in and out of a tub. Outside of bowling on Thursday mornings and Frank and my anniversary vacation around Thanksgiving, I am always here. So come on down and stay for a couple of weeks. And of course Stephen would be welcome to stay with us whenever he could make it into the Tampa area!!!

Now, last but not least, Julie you are my inspiration!! When I get down and depressed Ð I think, look what Julie has overcome and she didnÕt let Cancer get her down. So I pick myself up, change my mindset and think ÒDO THE BEST YOU CAN TODAY AND EVERY DAY YOU ARE ALIVE!!Ó AND rememberÉ. WeÕre not ÒOver the HillÓ yet, in fact I donÕt know about you, but I donÕt even remember being on TOP of it!!!

Julie and Steve - Gary would tell you that "the pump is life!" He has used a CPAP for the past 4 years or so, and sleeps much better...is rested in the morning, and actually feels much better. Congratulations on having the study behind you. It's kind of a pain in the b@#&*, but it will be worth it.

Love, Kristin

Dear Julie and Steve, I'm so glad you're busy and having some fun along with all the work you're doing. I'm glad you went to the tea party, Julie. I'm sure it was a lot of fun and I would have loved to have been there; I'm so grateful to have the family I have!

It's been quiet here but we've had some wonderful weather so Jeff and I have been trimming trees and having bon fires! We have a lot of trees on our 3 acres so there's always plenty of trimming to do every year.

We had a wonderful time in Lutsen the weekend of the 21st. Beautiful weather and scenery, very relaxing and lots of fun.

Keep fighting the good fight; our love and prayers are always with you.

Much love - Alzi and Jeff

Dearest Julie,

I looked for my cane before we left. It's got to be somewhere in my house. Remember, that one exercise from Matt? We're fly fishing in Jackson, WY. Fun to fish with Al. He's so funny. He had the guide laughing his head off. I'm sorry to report that some of his jokes were a bit off-color! Imagine that.

I've watched some of the PT and OT. I can come over for a refresher and then be a sub!

See you both soon.

Love from Gail and Al

Well, sleep tight tonight! You will be in good hands. Remember how Mark's snoring would fill the entire cabin before he got his Bi-Pap. Hopefully they will get the data they need to get you a treatment that will work and you will get some relief from the sleeping problems.
Jorgen has a football game tonight, so we're off - it's also Homecoming Week, so there's activities every night, and tomorrow is our Meatball Supper at church.
Never a dull moment!
We continue to be encouraged with your hard work and abilities to do more and more around the house.
Keep working and we'll keep you in our prayers-
lots of love,
Mark, Kari & Jorgen

Hi Julie and Steve,

It truly seems that life is just about back to normal for you two. It's great that the routine of your lives has returned. I have no doubt that Julie will be back out on the golf course by next spring. You just keep up the hard work in rehab and you'll be there before you know it. We've all witnessed a miracle in your recovery!! It's been a difficult summer for us, with the sudden and tragic death of our dear friend, David Kammerer. To have watched you continue to fight and be successful in your recovery has been uplifting for all our neighbors and friends. A bright, shining light where otherwise was dark. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us.

Susan and Rick Dorsey

Hi Cobbs,

I'm just checking in with the amazing Julie and her sidekick, Stephen. Tomorrow is a big meeting with about 100 exchange students. We have to lay down the laws and show proof that they are all in attendance for a state department directive. Then there are no surprises when we are dealing with bad choices and delinquent behavior. It really doesn't happen that often. For the most part they are grateful and well behaved. After the meeting, I am running away to Bayfield for a few days. I'll be back by Tuesday night. What's up for the rest of the week? What about lunch?

You are always in my prayers. Even you Stephen, with all the training you've been through in the last couple of weeks. love you both, Gail O

Dear Julie and Steve, I'm so glad to hear how well you're both doing. You continue to amaze! All is relatively quiet on the Halvorson front. Jeff's mom and dad were here for the long weekend and we had a great time. The weather was perfect so we spent a lot of time on the boat. We had a boat party to go to on Sunday night and on Monday, Sedi and his girlfriend, Jen, came over and the 6 of us celebrated my birthday a day early. My in-laws left Tuesday morning so I spent most of the day cleaning up and reading. It was a lovely day. The weather this week has been hot and muggy, but we had a storm last night and it blew in some blessed cool air and this weekend should be another good one. Jeff and I are spending the weekend of the 21st in Lutsen for our 33rd wedding anniversary. We're staying at Lutsen Resort, which is right on Lake Superior. It should be gorgeous up there that time of year and we're looking forward to getting away for a while. Have a great weekend; I look forward to hearing more good news from you Monday.

All our love,

Alzi and Jeff

We love to hear such good news with each update. It seems like our hearts celebrate right along with you anytime you reach a new goal. It seemed weird, but you have made such strides that I realized the other day after I said my prayers, there were a couple of names that came before Julie. You continue always to be in our prayers; keep reaching for the next goal :-)

Love the Hallens

Dear Julie,

Happy, happy birthday! Al had a good one too. I have been getting the exchange students settled. Oh man, this is a full time job.

Just checking in to see when Steve needs a substitute. That's my middle name...Gail Substitute Ofstehage. I'm happy to help. I'll call you.

Keep up the good work. I was simply amazed the day I observed your therapy sessions.

Love you. Gail

Hi Julie and Steve, thank you for all the updates. Congratulations on the good recent report. It is so cool to see all the wonderful progress also. It sounds like things are going much better and when I talked to you on the phone a few weeks ago, Julie, you sounded like your old self again. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY LAST FRIDAY!!! You sure had a beautiful day. ps can hardly wait to see the new doo. Love, Carol Karlson

Hi, Julie. Do you remember me?? I used to teach with Lois and Margie at Unity. My name was Cheryl Olson then. I will always remember how kind you were to me when I was in the hospital for an extended stay.

We visited with Lois and Larry about a week ago, and she told me of your ordeal. After reading the entries on this web site, things seem to be going better for you. Hope that is the case.

I have been retired from teaching for going on 5 years already. My husband and I moved from Luck to Danbury two years ago, and we are about ready to move into our new home on Yellow Lake that we have been building ourselves - lots of work!

My best to you as you are recovering.

Love, Cheryl

Julie, Just wanted to wish you a happy,happy,happy birthday!

As Dawn said to me, now we are the speed limit. It's not so bad. I know this will be a great year for you. Wishing you all the best for many years to come!

Love, Candy

Happy, happy birthday!! Hope you had a great day. It turned out to be a beautiful one, so we hope you were able to get out a little.
Things are progressing around here - Mark and I spent the day doing errands - Torin had a scrimmage vs. UWEC; Anika and Jorgen spent a day together (probably the last time before she's off to GAC).
Have fun on Sunday and have some cake for us!!

Much love,
Kari, Mark, Torin, Anika & Jorgen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!!
Today is your special day and I hope that you had a wonderful celebration with Steve, Chip, family, friends, and neighbors. You are now apart of our 55 birthday group! Thanks again for such a lovely time at your house on the 13th with lots of conversation, lunch, and showing off all of your fantastic improvements especially walking by yourself. You go girl!! Next time we come, I'm sure you'll have made another batch of your famous sugar cookies! Wow! Back to baking again is wonderful, Julie! Everyone is so PROUD of you and your inspiration is remarkable. Best wishes for many, many more birthdays. We are so grateful for your amazing recovery. I am back at school getting the classroom ready for the kids. Summer just goes by so fast. We have in-service on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week, with the kids coming after Labor Day. Larry and I are going to drive down and see Carolyn and Dave tomorrow at Lake Holcombe. We have to check out their trailer before they move back to the house in Cadott. Once again HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear friend. Enjoy every minute.
Love and hugs,
Lou and Larry

Happy Birthday Julie! I can only imagine the celebration that is going on at your home today. Enjoy every minute! Dawn

Hi Julie, When I read that you baked cookies this week, I knew you were truly well on your way to making a full recovery!! Now if we could just get you on a golf course! That's not far behind if you keep making such huge progress with your therapy. Maybe not 18, but 9 for sure. We continue to keep the positive thoughts and prayers flowing your way. I just want to say again how much I admire your perseverance in this battle that you've fought to come back. You've taught us all many lessons about the determination of the human body and spirit. Keep up the great work.

Susan Dorsey

Julie and Steve - great news over the past week, and you have both worked very hard to get there. I understand the muscle cramping; I have started exercising after a long layoff (!), and I have had several really bad charleyhorses after I finish. It hurts, but I suspect the therapist is right about the reason for it...logical.

It is so nice to hear about the two of you going about your life together, with Julie back at home. I love thinking about you there, Julie, it's something that seemed like it would never happen.

I hope to check in soon. Will have to find a time when you are not super-busy, although those times seem few. Which is wonderful in itself.

Love, Kristin

WOW!!! This is the best news I've heard in a very long time. Julie, keep up the brave fight and hard work you do in rehab. Another miracle is going to happen one day - you'll be back on the golf course!! The power of prayer, friendships, and family are very powerful things and it's obvious you are surrounded each and everyday with all three.

Susan and Rick Dorsey

Dear Julie and Steve,

What wonderful news!! All of our prayers have been answered. I'm sure Julie that you know how very important that the success of your treatments are to me. Cancer has been such a devastating word to all of us. You will have a double reason to celebrate your birthday on the 24th. And Steve I do speak with some authority concerning your surgery as I had the same surgery several years ago. My recovery was absolute, no more sciatic pain right from day 1. If ever I would encounter an identical situation I would again opt for the surgery.

Its been a busy month, had two counselors stay here for a week while they taught VBS. Gloria and Cynthia, my two old neighbors and two other friends are coming up on Friday. My China traveling partner and her brother were here for dinner last Sunday, so you see I still can practice my cooking. I will look forward to having the Hallen nieces here at Christmas as I enjoyed it so much, and Julie you need to bring the cookies.

Mom is getting more and more frail. I will be taking her to her St. Paul doctor next week. No offers on her house, but I don't plan to lower the price as we aren't in any hurry . Someone will come along who wants a view of the St. Croix.

All of the grandkids are busy. Erics were very active with the Polk Co. Fair, many blue ribbons. Krista came up for a couple of days and emjoyed the fair. Dan has reigestered for accelerated classes which he will no doubt be good at. Jordan stayed here overnight this week to help with the yard. This is funny. My neighbor called to ask if the dogs were in as a black bear was walking down the road to my house. I told Jordan about it and he was pretty scared. He slept on the floor in my bedroom and asked if I had a Bible as he wanted to read John 3/16. I kept him safe, but this was a real surprise as he is a bold boy. Leif's kids just finished VBS. Nick went for 3o minutes. Mariah is just a fraction of an inch shorter than me so she is taller than you Julie. All of Leif's girls will be tall I'm sure, and they do have big feet too--9's. Lets hope that this heat wave breaks and we get some rain. I really hate lugging all of the hoses. Keep safe and know how vwey happy Iam for you Much Love, Aunt Mary

Steve and Julie,

We are so happy for you guys. It truly is a miracle that has been bestowed upon two great people. Perhaps now the recovery can be completed.

Be blessed

Scott and Rogene

The news brought tears to my eyes; it's just wonderful! I know there's still lots to be done but know you can do it. I certainly don't have any news that can top that. Leif was home for a few days this week and it was so good to see him. The weather here has been very hot and VERY humid. It's too miserable to even take the boat out and it's supposed to stay this way for a while. I think its God's way of telling me to clean my house. Stay well and God bless you both.

Much love, Alzi

What wonderful news. Prayers are answered!
I am so happy for both of you. God bless. Dawn

You did it--you miracle girl!!! The boys on Quick Draw were told and pulled off a 1st for you tonight!!!!!! We are all so proud of you and love you so much!!!!!!

Tom, Natalie, Mike and Bridgette

What awesome news we heard this evening! We are so proud of you Julie & so extremely happy for both you & Steve. It is certainly time for celebration and continued positive good thoughts from this point forward.

Yeah!!!!

The Highland's

Happy Monday!
Sounds like you had a nice visit with Mom & Dad on Saturday and it's also been reported to me that it was a great meal.
Things are hopping around here - we've got masons in the 'storm shelter/basement', roofers on the roof and carpenters climbing over the front of the house. We are hoping for good weather all week. Torin is helping with the roofing. He spent the weekend crawling under the house pulling out decades of 'stuff/junk'. Anika spent the weekend on the beverage cart at the golf course and was very happy with her tips. This week is our last week of swim lessons. Jorgen spent the weekend getting used to his braces and visiting a friend. I did laundry and actually cooked a couple of meals - also got some good deals on school clothes for the boys at JCP. It's not the same as shopping with you, Julie! Takes me longer to find things and decide.
Everyone here says hi and hopes you have a great week.
On Friday, Mark and I will drive to Illinois for his 30th HS class reunion. We'll come home on Saturday - Torin has to report for FB camp on Sunday. Anika is still around until Aug. 31.
We hope to visit soon - we think of you everyday and keep you in our prayers and send lots of love -
XOXO
Kari, Mark, Torin, Anika & Jorgen

Hi Julie & Steve,

Just received news about you two - the latest posting looks good (Aug. 3) - Julie, we are with you all the way.

Like to hear from you both - soon. Send me your email address.

Love,

John, Laura & Tom Banks

Sydney, Australia

I hope to get out there this weekend and check in on you...you have been making so much progress, both of you. Things are quiet here, after a nice long weekend in Glenwood last week. Amy, Andrew, Nicole and Logan were also at Mom's, and Allison and Jeff were with Jeff's parents in Farwell, so at least half of the family was home. Hope Mom's recovered!

She'll be in this weekend for the opera (La Boheme) at Summerfest. I'll try to bring her out with me on Saturday, but we'll be sure to call first. Maybe we can bring a coffee break!

Love, Kristin

Hi Julie,

What a great surprise to pick up the phone yesterday and to hear your voice on the other end! You sound so good and strong!! I am so happy that you are back home again and done with your chemo treatments. It sounds like you have already been on a shopping trip with Steve. What a great guy to help you shop for all the essentials including a bra! He is just the best and I know how grateful you are to have him as your loving husband. Carolyn, of course, is on her Alaska honeymoon with her new husband. So when she gets back, we'll have to plan a trip to see you. Can't believe it is already August tomorrow and that is your birthday month. 55 is in sight! Today's warm memory and it was really hot one year ago today when we had lunch with Yvonne at Paradise Landing. Your folks were there too. Later we stopped at her cabin on Balsam Lake for dessert and the temps were high just like it is now. I am going tomorrow to River Falls for a Reading Conference and that is where all of our memories began in the fall of 1970. Memories from our life in the dorm, on campus, classes, downtown, and our rental house on Cascade Street. Your Dad always wondered about that place. Lots of fun times. Anyway keep up the good work at PT and OT this week and keep shopping!! You were always the one to find lots of great things for everyone to buy. Now have Steve buy you a few treats.
Love and hugs,
Lou and Larry

Hi, Julie and Steve--
well, I hate to say it, but I'm back at work. Sigh. The summer always seems short, but this year it WAS shorter for me by a week, which was hard. It's always hard to leave the family, especially after 2 months of visiting!

I had an uneventful return--stopped for the night in Des Moines with Al and Jeff on Thursday, then drove as far as Paducah, KY, the next night, then to Valdosta on Saturday. The house was in good shape--my tenant had cleaned everything but the shower drain--so I was able to unpack and relax. Met up with some friends at church the next day, then went to a movie ('Ratatouille') because it was too hot to do anything else, then happy hour with some other friends. So all in all, the return has been good.

The office is quiet--most of the faculty won't return until next week--so I've had a chance to clean up my e-mail account, sort through a couple of months' mail, greet the secretaries, etc. I had a message from the President's assistant listing a few things I need to do for this new position, so it's starting, I guess. I meet with the President tomorrow morning, so I hope things will be made clearer to me--like what exactly I'll be doing, if I will be changing offices, what the new salary will be, etc.

It was good to see you and Steve on Wednesday--glad the chemo is done. And I'm glad you've been shopping--therapy at its best! You 've come so far and shown such courage and strength that you're an inspiration to us all. I'll miss visiting with you, but I'll keep in touch and I'll look forward to seeing you again at Christmas!

Love,
Jane

WOW! The two of you are doing an amazing job of helping each other through all of this. I am really glad that the two of you are getting out and about. We will stop by soon for a short visit.

Hi Julie and Steve, I'm sitting here laughing as I read your last update. Steve, welcome to a woman's world!! I have the funniest picture in my mind of you helping Julie pick out a bra! As husbands go, you are one of the best. I know Julie thinks so, too. It's so good to hear that you got out and about to do normal, everyday things. More and more of this will follow as Julie gets stronger. Keep up the great work. You are both doing a phenomenal job.

Susan Dorsey

Dear Julie and Steve, we look forward every evening to receiving the CaringBridge news of the day. We have been so impressed with the way you two have handled this crisis and really believe that before long you will be so much better and able to enjoy life more fully. Your reporting of the support you have had from all those who love you speaks well for who you both are. We continue our prayers for healing every morning and are asking for you to be richly blessed as you go through the paces necessary for a recovery. Peace and blessings to you from the Tucson cousins, Bob and Wanda Stauffacher

Julie - it was so good to see you yesterday and to tell you about my trip! hope the rest of your stay at the hospital is okay; next time i see you, you'll be back at home!

Julie and Steve - I am praying that this is the last chemo treatment, and that you tolerate it as well as you've been able to tolerate the others...and congratulations on your healing process, Steve. I know it felt good to have a golf club in your hands again, and to have the restrictions lifted, even bit.

As Allison mentioned, we will be in Glenwood this weekend, with Amy, Andrew and Nicole, and the fabulous Logan! We did this last year and had a great time. The Waterama events are always fun, and I am eager for Logan to see the Kiddie Parade and, of course, the big Sunday parade. Jane is with Mom tonight and tomorrow night, and will leave to go back to Georgia Thursday. Summer seemed so short this year.

You are in my prayers as you go through this - maybe last - chemo treatment. I hope to see you sometime soon. Love, Kristin

Hello Julie and Stephen. We have returned from the cottage and are trying to recuperate before returning to work tomorrow. We had a great weekend and a great party. I think we only had 65-70 of us there instead of the 80 that were possible so I had loads of brats and hot dogs left (should I send some down?!). The rest of the food pretty much got cleaned up and staying until today helped spread out the clean up a bit as well. The weather was nice- a little cool for water activities for me- but most of the people there took advantage of the boats, tubing, canoing, kayaking, floating, etc. I can still remember so many times at Horseshoe when we would swamp the canoe. And remember our 'Olympics' we had?! Sure are good memories. Wish I could make this week go quicker for you so that you can move on and get stronger. But just think, this may be your last chemo! That would be wonderful. It sounds like you are enjoying being home in your own surroundings. It must be hard to go back to the hospital even if you know it is only for a few days. Just hang in there. Know I am thinking of you and praying for you. Will look forward to Stephen's next update. Take care until then. Love, Betsy

Dear Julie and Steve, I'm glad to hear you're on the downside of the chemo treatments: I pray they continue to go well for you. It's raining this morning and we sure can use it. We had a great weekend with temps in the 80s and a nice breeze. We had 5 couples from church over Saturday night for a boat cruise and burgers. It was a lovely evening and we had a great time. I've been taking advantage of the cooler weather to weed and mulch the garden down by the lake. I usually enjoy gardening but it's not fun when the temps are in the high 90s, it's humid and there's little wind. We're planning on going to Glenwood this weekend. It's Waterama so hopefully we'll see some old friends. Kris and family (including Andrew's) will be in Glenwood, too. We'll be staying with Jeff's mom and dad but will spend time with mom, too. It will be fun to see little Logan. I haven't seen him since Christmas and they grow so fast! We were hoping the boys could join us but it's month end and Sedi has a new general manager so it's not a good time for him to be gone. Leif is checking to see if there's a way he can get off work and come with us. Have a boring time at the hospital; you're both in our prayers.

Love, Alzi and Jeff

Hi Julie and Stephen. Had a patient "no-show" so have a few minutes at work to catch up with you. So glad the decrease in Baclofen has helped with your sleepiness. You need energy to continue to do so well in PT and OT! While it is probably a hassle to go back and forth to the hospital, it sure must be nice to be home and have chef Stephen cooking for you. Sounds like he is making good use of that new grill. We have had a busy few days. On Saturday I took Maddie to Portage to meet mom and dad as she is spending the week with them. Talked to her last night and she is doing well and really enjoying herself. Sunday we headed out to the cottage and got a few things ready for our 21st annual lake party. It looks like there could be 80 plus people there this year if the weather is nice!! Yikes! Still, it is always fun and mom and dad will be here this year to help. Yesterday Jeff and I got our new mattress delivered so took the old king set out to the cottage last night. What a feat to get a king size mattress up a set of narrow cottage steps!! Reminded me a little of giving birth! But it is up there and now we can really sleep in comfort. I continue to think of you often and am always so happy to see Stephen's updates. Don't worry about the hair thing- you have always been so stylish with hats and scarves I'm sure you'll look beautiful as always. And it truly is a badge of honor... it is a miracle that you are still with us after all you have gone through, and we couldn't be more thankful. Hang in there and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Betsy

Hi Julie and Stephen -- I haven't written here for quite awhile, so thought it about time to have a go again. I know how much I appreciate Stephen's updates -- reading them is the first thing I do in the morning! Glad to hear that the chemo went well and that you are home again. You are truly a miracle! I know losing your hair isn't a side effect that you were hoping for, but I have to agree with Stephen in that it is a badge of courage....And remember, you have always looked great in hats! We are really enjoying having Anika and Rachel here with us. We have been pretty busy -- spent Friday in London, so had a jam-packed day there. We went to the Tower of London, then walked through Hyde Park, had dinner and then went to see Wicked at one of the theatres. It was really good! Yesterday we went to Stonehenge and then to Salisbury Cathedral and picked up traditional fish and chips for dinner on our way home. Today we will stay local -- will go to Gunwharf and then see the Harry Potter movie. We think of you often and will call you while the girls are here. Lots of love from us all, Susie

Hi Julie,

We are always grateful for Stephen's journal messages and that you continue to make positive gains all the time. I'm sure it is has been wonderful to be at home again. It sounds like Steve is doing well too. He must be enjoying the new grill and making lots of yummy meals! Everything in Luck is fine. I've been catching up on lots of summer odds and ends. Time to clean and get rid of things you don't need, walks by the lake, reading some romance paperbacks, a couple baseball games, and some concerts. We went with Gus and Lois last Saturday to Hayward to hear the Oak Ridge Boys. It was a hot evening as it was outdoors, but still very good! I saw Rhonna there. This week is Luck-E days so there will be music at the gazebo in the park. Tim, Kathy, Casey, and Joe Danielson will be here on Thursday night. Carolyn and Dave are coming up too and will stay overnight. They are bringing my Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul. Carolyn and Dave leave for their Alaska honeymoon on the 25th. Our niece, Angie had a baby boy last Tuesday on the 10th. They named him Owen Kirk(I'm sure your uncle would like that name). He is a big boy at 9 lbs. 10 oz. Emily and Megan like their new brother. Time for a memory: it is almost our anniversary on the 22nd. Wow, where does the time go and it is 19 years already. You were such a big part of our special week end and did so much of the decorating. I will be forever grateful. You were always there to help where ever there was a need. Thank you always. Don't worry about losing a little bit of hair. There is always hats, scarves, and locks of love. You will always be beautiful!! Take care dear friend and I'll call soon. Love, Lou and Larry

Julie and Steve - I am so glad that Julie is back home again, and that you can get back to reconstructing your lives. We were in Glenwood this weekend, getting information on some new windows for Mom's house; Jane and her dogs were also home, and it was nice to spend some time with her; she will be going back to Georgia soon, so we won't have her close for visiting. Mom is fine, and stays up on what's going on with the two of you. You continue to be in our prayers. I hope to see you sometime this week. Keep up the excellent work. Love, Kristin

Hi Julie,

We haven't forgotten about you. We are super happy that you are back home (pretty much) and we do follow Steve's regular reports and appreciate the amount of information they provide. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers all the time and we hope very much that your progress continues. It sounds like Steve's surgery must have gone extremely well, too, and for that we thank God and the medical staff. We hope he's back to normal, if not now, quickly. Keep getting stronger and healthier, and we'll keep up the thoughts and prayers for both of you two.

Love, Par & Mary

Good morning Julie and Steve! Sorry you weren't able to go home yesterday, hopefully today's the day. We've had a nice break in the humidity this week and temps have been in the low 80s so it's been nice to work outside or just sit and enjoy. Tomorrow we're working on the landscaping in front of the house. This time of year it gets terribly overgrown. I feel like I'm going through a jungle! It's supposed to get hot and humid again so this may be our last chance for a while. Jeff and Sedi are going to a car race tonight so I'll have the house to myself. I plan on finishing a book I've been reading this week. Can you stand the excitement? Take care of yourselves; you're both still in our prayers and we think of you often.

Much love - Alzi and Jeff

Hi Julie and Stephen. So glad to hear that, overall, things are going well. I am sure you are looking forward to being done with those chemo treatments. I hope they are done with the next one, but want you to follow what the doctors think is best at that point. ( I can't get the medical side of me out of this completely). I want you to stay in good shape and continue to improve and impress us all the way you have so far. Life here in Milwaukee has been fairly quiet this summer. Megan is attending summer school M-F for just one class- sounded like a real fun one but hasn't turned out to be all it was supposed to be. Still, her best friend goes, too, so they have fun together and end up spending most afternoons together then, too. Maddie is headed up to Mom and Dad's for the next week. I will meet dad in Portage on Saturday AM to hand her off. She really enjoys spending a week with them each summer. It reminds me of when I used to spend time with Grama Abbie and Grampa George! Emily has been in Rhinelander all week with her best friend's family and will be home on Saturday. They started the week with a power outage for 24 hours and now it has turned cold and windy and rainy. Feel bad for them that it hasn't been the best week. Mom and Dad will bring Maddie home next Friday and stay for our annual lake party. Dad then heads home and to Alaska so will leave mom with us. Hopefully we can do something fun while she is here. Again, so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I think about you often and continue to pray for your recovery. You are an inspiration to us all. Take Care. Love, Betsy

Good afternoon, guys. Happy to hear that so far all goes well, especially that Julie has not lost her enthusiasm for a good golf shot!
Well, the girls (Rachel and Anika) reached London in one piece and I understand that Anika proceeded to take a four hour nap upon arriving at the Cook's. I hope they have a wonderful time - I'm sure they will.
I spent five hours teaching swim lessons today, so as I sit here typing the odor of chlorine lingers, even after my shower.
On the homefront, Torin and George tore down one of our chimneys last night and will do the other tonight. It's a relief, as they are/were in sad shape. Torin has been working for Gene the last two weeks and will go down to work at the Target Center this weekend, then come back to keep working for Gene and Mark.
Jorgen has a baseball tourney on Saturday in Becker, and it won't be long before football starts - YIKES!
Well, gotta go get something ready for supper.
Keep working hard and concentrating on being well - we are so very proud of you and love you very much!
XOXO
Kari, Mark, Torin, Anika & Jorgen

Julie, We are so glad to hear of your progress and wish you and Steve the best as your recovery continues. We think of you often and you are in our prayers daily..Bill and Connie Smith

Julie- It was wonderful talking to you tonight!!!! Steve--you are the best and I will talk too you soon.

Natalie

Julie - I had to write, as no one has written today! I get to be the first, I guess. I am glad to hear all is going well with your chemo (as usual; you have been so fortunate to have no bad side effects!). I hope to see you before we go to Glenwood this weekend, but if not, maybe next week at your house. Have a wonderful weekend.

Dear Julie,

I'm glad to hear they are treating you like a celebrity at the hospital, as they should! (Stephen, your updates are sooo helpful.) Julie, you are the walking miracle that we all have been praying for. I'll see you tomorrow after my own doc appt.

Love ya, Gail O

By the way, I got the stream going! The fish are still inside, but maybe they'll be "set free" tomorrow afternoon.

We're glad you had a nice 4th--you both deserve to celebrate!! We enjoyed our day off also, but it isn't as great when it falls in the middle of work days. Jim is playing manager, so he is working a lot right now, and he tells Shelley to work hard so he can retire soon--we're only in our mid 40s!! We have enjoyed the pool a ton this summer. With Dan and his friends driving we have more visitors (yikes!--but it locks when the parents aren't home). Hope you both continue the forward progress. Thanks for the updates.

Hallens

Good afternoon to all! We are getting ready to head over to Horseshoe in an hour or so - just had a terrific downpour, so will wait to load up. We are all so glad to hear all is well and glad that Jill is able to be with you - we were able to get a couple of projects done in Nisswa - Gordie continues to improve, albeit at his own pace. By the time we left, he was not using the walker as much as when we got there. His main problem now is arthritis in his back upon getting out of bed.
Mom and Dad continue to do well - I know you speak to them often - we will spend a day in CL doing yard work on Thursday or Friday, and do whatever else needs to be done there.
Torin is home for a week or two working for Gene - his car is now repaired, and for once it wasn't the worse case scenario that would be the usual for the Erickson's:-).
Anika continues to prepare for her trip - she has to work this week and weekend, but she and Torin will drive over for the fourth.
We wish you could join us - Uncle Owen and Aunt Roxy are bringing a turkey and 'the Kinney's' will also join us. Richard and Deanne are also flying up for a couple of days.
You'll have to let me know when we can come visit now that you are settled. Don't forget to let me know if you need me to come help with anything, either. I am more than willing and happy to help.
Jorgen has state baseball next weekend in Becker, but on Friday I'm available. We start more swim lessons on the 9th.
Keep up the good work, Julie and Stephen, we hope your pain med/nausea situation settles down. We are so happy that you have relief from the back and leg pain.
Talk to you soon -
XOXO
Kari, Mark, Torin, Anika and Jorgen

Dear Julie and Stephen,

I haven't posted for a looonnggg time - because I was visiting quite often. Now that Julie is finally home, it is not very easy for me to get there every 1-2 days. I have been going through Julie withdrawal! Jane and I will be out Thursday - we will bring food and spend as much or as little time with you both as you want. I'd offer to work up a little song and dance number, but that has never been my strong point. I'll try to think of some other entertainment! I am so looking forward to seeing you both on Thursday.

With much love - Ann

Steve, I'm so glad your surgery went well and that you're feeling better already. I pray it continues. We have had Sedi living with us this last month and today he moves back to his townhouse. I've gotten used to him being there and will miss him, but at least he's not far away. We will be going to the Norwalk 4th of July parade tomorrow and will spend the evening on the boat looking at fireworks. It's supposed to be hot and humid tomorrow, typical for Iowa this time of year! I hope you both have a great 4th and I look forward to more good news from you both.

Love, Alzi

A quick prayer for Steve today. We know things are going to go well and by July you'll both be enjoying the holiday like you never have before.

Love and prayers.

The Hallen family

Dear Steve and Julie, I'm so glad everything is going well at home. Steve, you're in all of our prayers today; I hope the surgery goes well and that your pain is taken care of. The weather is supposed to be beautiful for the next 3 days and I hope it is for you, too! It's so nice to be outside on nice days. We had a great time in Ohio and got back to Norwalk Friday night, just after a tornado went through! We lost about a third of a beautiful tree and some odd branches but all in all we were very lucky. Jeff and Sedi spent most of Saturday cleaning up the debris, then that night we had 4 couples over for a fish fry so it was a busy couple of days. I went back to work yesterday so everything's pretty much back to normal. Your progress continues to amaze me; keep it up!

Love - Alzi

Good Morning Julie! How wonderful to read that you are home and things are continuing to progress well for you. It must be just amazing to be home after so long away. I was sorry to have missed you when I was in Rice Lake two weeks ago. When I left home the updates from Stephen were that you were not sure if you were going for chemo or not. I wasn't sure where I would find you and was getting over a bad cold so didn't want to chance coming to see you if you had had chemo. Next trip I will visit you at HOME!! I want to wish Shephen well tomorrow with his surgery. I only hope it goes as well as Marks' Dad's did. Jeff has that problem with his back- same disc is herniated and the sciatica problem. Luckily he has gotten by thus far with the epidural steroid shots and hasn't needed surgery. He's such a big guy that it may not go as well. You both deserve to have to good, painless health so we will continue to pray for recovery for you both. Let me know if there is anything I can do from down here. I am always willing to help and would love to be there if I were only closer. Love to you both, Betsy

Hi there,

It has gotten hotter by the hour today!! Thanks again for lunch and the all the fun activities, no more 2am pills!! yeah!!! I will see you tomorrow afternoon..Your progress is phenomenal, you are a miracle and the best.

We all love you so much!!!

Natalie, Tom, Mike and B

Hi Julie, it's certainly wonderful news that you're back home. You're in our thoughts and prayers a ton, and being home has GOT to be a great boost in your continuing recovery!! By the way, my Mom keeps asking about you, too. As you may recall, she's 102 as she keeps reminding everyone, and she forgets about a lot of stuff, but she remembers to ask about you. We do get to the cities often, so when you're ready for a couple of visitors, let us know. I'm sure you've got some adjusting to do, but take the time to heal and recover properly. You and Steve (with the help and prayers of a bunch of friends, neighbors and relatives) have put up a fantastic winning fight, so keep it up. Guess your guardian angel must be on the job, too.

Love, Par & Mary

Welcome Back, Julie!!!

We are so glad you're finally home. You are such an inspiration to all of us. Steve, I'm so sorry to hear you're going to need surgery and I hope it all goes well. I know you've been in a lot of pain so I hope this brings you some relief. You both have been through so much these last few months and I hope you'll soon be able to get some much needed rest! I'll stop by in a few days and see how you're doing.

WELCOME HOME!!!!

Hi Julie and Steve,

What a relief to know you are finally home, Julie! I will give you a few days to settle in and I'll see if you are up for a visit. Steve, I hope all goes well with your surgery. I'm sure it will. The timing, however, is terrible. If you need any help from me besides picking up your Jepps and manual revisions, let me know. Julie being home is the best news I could have gotten today!! Take care and I'll see you soon.

Susan Dorsey

Welcome home Julie,

What a journey! Your courage, tenacity and resolve have inspired all of us to cherish the blessings given to us. Good luck with your adjustments to home living. And good luck, Steve, with your surgery next week. We will continue to offer up our prayers for both of you in your journeys to renewed health.

All the best,

Scott & Rogene

Hello again from England! I got so emotional myself, reading Stephen's latest update about your going home plans and the bonds you have formed with the folks who have taken such good care of you, that I can't imagine what it will be like for you when you are ready to walk out that door. What a miracle you are, Julie!! We are just so very proud of you and all your hard work and will look forward to seeing you at home when next we are able to visit. It's a quiet morning here, as all three kids have gone off to school -- Stuart for his normal schoolday, Abbie to an R.E. (Religious Education) exam, and Melissa to check on her cleaning schedule, as she has just got a job as a school cleaner! I don't know when she will start, but I hope she will have some hours now during the summer holidays, as it will really help her afford to do some of the things she has planned with her friends. Melissa and Stuart are both wanting to have their bedrooms decorated this summer, too, so I suppose there will be extra things to buy there, too. Andrew hopes to start Stuart's room this weekend, as Stuart is leaving tomorrow for a week in France on a school trip. As you know, Stuart's room is not very big, so we hope that most of it will be done before he gets home again -- it will depend on Andrew's work schedule, I guess! I have been thinking of you so much this week, knowing that you have had another round of chemo and have been praying that you would be able to go home as planned. It looks like those prayers have been answered and I will look forward to the updates from Leslee Curve! We love you lots, Susie and all

Hi Julie,
Happy Anniversary to you and Stephen yesterday! I hope you two had a good day together. The news of course, is absolutely wonderful that you are going home. What a gift! You have been so determined, strong willed, with a postive attitude showing so much courage. Congratulations for all of your marvelous accomplishments. We are thanking God for all of his blessings he has sent your way. Enjoy every moment with Stephen and hopefully all will go well with the new adjustments. It makes you think of the ruby red slippers, 'There is no place like home'.
Larry and I made it back from Branson, Missouri late Sunday afternoon. We had a good trip, but a long drive. We took in 11 shows in 4 days. The entertainment was excellent, so it was hard to pick a favorite. Every show we saw was so different, yet amazing. We started with Lost in the 50's with the Platters, Roy Rodgers Museum with a show by his son, Roy Jr. and a cowboy band. Then it was on to the classic Andy Williams. At 79 he still does a great performance. He also had Glen Campbell perform, plus they did some songs together. Day 2 we went to a Broadway hits show and Jim Stafford. Thursday we went to see Mickey Gilley. That brought back many memories of the movie, Urban Cowboy. Remember how we liked that show so much. Then it was an Elvis Experience, and Liverpool Legends(you know my love for the Beatles). Both were like seeing the real performers. Our last day we saw Man In Black (Jackson Cash), Dixie Stamede(lots of animals, singing at Dolly Pardon's theater with a North/South theme), and the ending show was Paul Revere and the Raiders, plus Bill Medley from the Righteous Brothers. Bill brought back memories from the movie, Dirty Dancing with his song, The Time of Your Life.
Now I am planting flowers, trying to get caught up on housework and sleep. My stomach acid acted up on the trip, so had to get some meds to calm it down. I am feeling good now. Anyway tomorrow will be a big day and time in your life. I had a phone message from one of my students that was so excited that Rags to Riches(the filly) won the Belmont Stakes. She ended by saying, 'GIRL POWER'!
Sounds like you Julie. You have the girl power to overcome!
Love and hugs, Lou and Larry

Julie, I'm so thrilled to read about your daily progress and am so proud of you!!! Maybe going home tomorrow? That is wonderful news! I am busy gettting last minute wedding details done and am loving living in a camper at Holcombe for the summer. I can't wait until you are strong enough to come visit but meanwhile I'll keep coming to see you. And thank you and Jill for the friendship card! That was so thoughtful. Learning to write with your left hand now? Take care and love you! Carolyn

Good Morning!
We couldn't be happier with your progress and couldn't be more proud of your efforts and attitude!
It will be exciting to see you back at HOME!! Make sure to let us know if you need us to do anything.
Life is busy - Anika and I are at the pool everyday and last weekend was spent up in Nisswa - Gordie is doing okay - getting better bit by bit - still not moving around too fast, tho. We were able to do lots of yard work and miscellaneous stuff to help out.
Jorgen has had LOTS of baseball and church softball games (I think we only have 2 more weeks of baseball) and tomorrow night he marches in the MIlaca parade with the 5th grade marching band - he carries one of the bass drums and they play 'When the Saints Go Marching In'.
Hope this chemo is going well - you are always in our hearts and prayers.
I gotta go get the new work schedule out to the girls this morning.
HOpe to see you soon - sorry we didn't get there last weekend.
XOXO
Kari

Dear Julie,
I am so happy to hear the wonderful progress you have
made! You and Stephen must be thrilled with the prospect
of going home. I will be praying that you will be there by
weeks end. God bless. Dawn

Hi from Cincinnati, Julie and Steve! We have "done" northern and central Ohio, and now have reached the last couple days of our trip. We are thrilled to know that you're going home in such a short time, and will likely be at home by the time we reach Minnesota again. We can't wait to see you in your natural habitat!

We think of you lots, and hope you are feeling wonderful about all the progress you have made to get to this point.

Love, Kristin, Allison, Ann and Jane

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Julie and Steve,

Happy Anniversary. Let this experience serve as testimony to the love and devotion publicly vowed 8 years ago today. Cheers to the next 8 years!

All the best,

Scott & Rogene

Julie,

We are very happy and proud of your progress. Patti has now retired from Colfax HS..... and has not slowed down yet. Fishing is something we need to do - a few crappies & gills, not enough time for the muskies. Next week - Merlin & Loris celebrate their 60th anniversary. Pat is going down for the event - I have to cont. to work. From us all. ... celebrate one day at a time ...and we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Keep up the great work and we know that you will be home soon !!!! Julie - you are always in our prayers. Love, Patti & Willy

Good morning Julie & Steve. I put Krista on a bus (then plane) to DC with her class at 4am this morning. Jim was just getting up when I got home so I did my workout, showered, ate and now I'm ready to go back to bed; but, no, off to work we go. I love to check your progress, you both are great motivators. Keep up the good work!

Shelley & Jim Hallen

Julie, I wrote you a note Mon., but it is lost in space somewhere.Dawn and I (and 14 others) had a great Blue Ridge Mt. trip, but it was wonderful to read all the up dates at once. What progress you have been making!!! It seams that you are moving along so quickly with your rehabs (maybe not to you).Just think how far you have come in a few short weeks.

You're in my prayers (behind my grandchildren---sorry),and a lot of other peoples. My best wishes for continued success with your therapies and your next treatment. Love, Candy

Dear Julie and Steve, you've had quite the time of it! I'm hoping you both get well very soon. This is my last day at work for a little bit. The sisters and I are heading out for our vacation to Ohio. They're coming down to Iowa tomorrow and we'll leave from here Friday morning. I'm looking forward to spending the time with them. We'll all be thinking of you while we're gone and both of you will be in our prayers.

Love - Alzi

Hi Julie -- I haven't written for awhile, so will sit down on this beautiful Wednesday morning to tell you again how much I admire you and applaud your hard work! Your progress is amazing! It's been a busy couple of weeks here in England. Andrew has been gone so much -- first in Prague, then last week in Italy, now this week he's in France. This time he drove rather than flew, so at least he can stop at the hypermarket on the way home and stock up on all our favourite French goodies! I believe that next week he'll be back in Italy again, so the travelling will continue for the foreseeable future. He is taking some time off while Rachel and Anika are here, so it will be great to have the break together. Rachel emailed their flight schedule and said they have their passports at last, so it sounds as though they are getting ready to come over. I will call Ann and Kari one of these days and reassure them that we will look after their little girls! My girls are both still doing exams, although Melissa's are coming to an end -- I think she has 3 left after today. Abbie is in the thick of it now, though, and she is working very hard. I spent last weekend in Rome on my Pampered Chef incentive trip. It was wonderful! The weather was hot and sunny and our hotel was fantastic. I did some sightseeing; what a feeling to visit places so ancient and to bring to life what I have studied over the years! We were wined and dined very well and even had a toga party (much more civilized than the one I remember going to in college, I have to say!!). It was a great weekend. I will hope that all goes well in the next couple of days and that you can begin your next chemo treatment. I'll continue to pray for healing for you, and for Stephen's back problems. Your progress is such an example of the power of prayer! Lots of Love, Susie and all

HI Julie,

Wow, I think you should be on Oprah. How great to hear your coming along so well. I must tell you, you were the talk in Canada. My mom told the other women how strong you are, and how amazing it is to see such determination. So many people give up. You really should be on a talk show. This will sound odd, but you know the saying "hope floats. I tend to believe that." You have showed to all of us, that determination can do many thiings for a person. So if it brings a smile to your face you were being talked about in another country. I guess women can gossip anywhere. Canada though was cold and rainy with a few challenges, nothing that we couldn't overcome LOL>

We hope to revist you this summer. Shawn and I are thinking of taking a long ride on our motorcycle up to see you. We don't get much time together with him flying so much, but when we do we take advantage of it. Maybe Stephen can help explain flight school to Shawn, because he fears the school, and yet loves to crew and be the mechanic on board.

Other than that Max our Beagle had a new ACL put in and let me tell you now I know why I have waited to have kids. I cried when I left at the animal hosptial because he was wimpering. The recovery isn't easy, when since SHawn is in Gerogia for two weeks. Not to forget to mention we have 2 outside Beagles Jack and Huey. So this two weeks is not fun being alone again. I used to not mind it, but its wearing. Hopefully by the end of July I will have a position in Wausau and we will be moving back closer to home. I miss home. We travel so much and were both just ready to be home and start a family. Having no one down here and wanting kids don't work with the military. So will have to see what happens. Well it sounds like your coming along great. I am honored to have met you and had you as another siseter to my mom. Katie and I talk about how great it is, that mom has college sisters too. We have had a lot of fun and memories with you guys. Hopefully we do another weekend away again soon.

Take Care God Bless

Lori

Hi Julie,
We are so proud of your accomplishments. You are remarkable and the goal of going home looks like it is in sight in the very near future. Way to Go! You have been already planting flowers before I have had a chance to. I did finish with school on Wednesday. What a nice thought! So I got the summer hair cut and a nice body massage to start vacation. We are going to Cadott tomorrow for Joe and Jordan Danielson's graduation party so I will see Carolyn. On Sunday my relatives from Minnesota will be in Cadott for a burial of my Aunt Jeanette's ashes with a lunch to follow at Big Drywood Lutheran. We are then going to take off for a week or so . Larry really wants to go to Branson, MS so we are going to head south. I hope all goes well. They do have lots of fun entertainment there, so I'm looking forward to the shows, but not the drive. Being it is June, brings thoughts of your wedding now almost 8 years ago. What a great time that was! Your last minute touch with the fancy hat was perfect! You looked beautiful. Now it's Carolyn turn and I believe it is right on Kari's anniversary(June 30). Happy Anniversary to you and Steve. What a wonderful present to be going home. It is also the Belmont tomorrow so I will be watching the horses, also the Ruffian movie at night. We just finished watching the HBO Barbaro special one of my co-workers taped for me. You know me and my love for the thoroughbreds. Continued best wishes always. Love, Lou and Larry

Hi, Jule - I hope you had another good day. Things are really looking positive - thanks to your hard work, lots and lots of prayers, and talented caregivers. We won't be able to make it down this weekend - we are going over to Horseshoe to get the dock in and get the pontoon out of the shed and in the water - we'll also finish up any other work so that the cabin's all 'open'. Anika has to work at the golf course, but if Torin doesn't work, he may drive over to help us, too.
Next week swim lessons start, so the earliest I'll be able to see you again is the weekend of the 16th. Hopefully all will go well. Otherwise Torin will come over as he is able.
Good news!! Mom and Dad hired a housekeeper - can you believe it?? Now all we have to work on is getting Dad the lift chair.
Keep up the work and soon you'll be ready to go home - this has been a long journey, huh? We look forward to visiting you in Excelsior!
Have a good week - I'll keep writing as I am able.
Lots of love and prayers for strength and healing -
XOXO
Kari

Julie - great news today, as we've come to expect from you with all of your hard work! great job! miss you!
all my love,

Hi Julie, I miss you so much! It has been great reading about your wonderful progress!! Thank you Steve! You are such a courageous woman! I look forward to seeing you soon. We will keep on praying for you. Love and God's Great Blessings to You, Carol Karlson

Hey Julie, I read all of the notes that Stephen writes in the journal on a daily basis. What a great guy you have!! If you are up for a visitor, I am traveling up north for Carolyn's wedding reception the end of the month. I am arriving in Minneapolis at 3:15 pm on June 28th. By the time I get my rental car and get on the road, I could be at the hospital around dinner time. Is there a cafeteria where I could buy a little snack and join you for your meal? I am staying overnight with one of my brothers, so I can stay and visit with you until you kick me out!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

Love, Debbie Ousley

P.S. My Jessica is getting married next May and we were looking through all my wedding pictures. There are a couple of really good pictures of you that I will bring along with me.

Hi Julie and Steve,

We are so happy to hear about the wonderful progress you are making, Julie! You are in our thoughts and prayers continuously. Thanks Steve for the great job you do on this site, we read it very often. We love you guys, Brian and Debi Smith

Hi Julie. It is so great to hear of your progress. I can't wait each day to read Stephen's updates because for so long now they have been so good. I find myself being inspired by you and all you have accomplished thus far. As Stephen has said, so many things we all take for granted take on a whole new meaning when they are taken away. I am so pleased for you that you are regaining those things, slowly, but surely. And I can't wait to see you and see for myself how you are doing. I am home from work today with a bad cold. I could've suffered through the day, but I have been sneezing violently and wiping my nose constantly and know that spreading that to patients isn't the smartest thing to do. Not to mention I just don't feel all that good, either! I have been laying on the couch or in the chair most of the day with my youngest dog on my lap. She appreciates that I am home! I work Thursday and then am off next week as the girls and I will be making a trip up to mom and dad's. It will be short as there are so many other things going on that we have to be home for- once the kids get older it is so much harder to find the time. But family is too important not to make time, so we will. I hope to see you at some point next week depending on your schedule. I will keep up with Stephen's notes and play it by ear. In the mean time, keep up the great work. We are all so proud of you for your determination. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. Love, Betsy

Bravo! Bravo! Julie you are incredible. Keep up the hard work. It's amazing to see all your progress. We are so proud of you!

Love you lots, Al and Gail

P.S. GO TWINS!

Hi Julie,

It is so wonderful to keep reading about the fabulous progress you continue to make. Keep it up! I'm sure it is very personally gratifying to see yourself continue to improve. It seems to be more rapid now. I am so looking forward to you getting back to the neighborhood. Sounds like your house has undergone some changes. You are so fortunate to have a loving husband like Steve who cares enough to make home as comfortable as possible for you upon your return. He is really anxious for that to happen. It's very apparent how much he misses having you there. Not to mention, Chippy!! I'm so glad he gets to visit more often now. That must really give you a "lift" when he shows up. I wish you success this week as you continue with your therapy and I look forward to reading all about your progress this week! Celeste says "hi". We think of you everyday. Take care.

Susan Dorsey

Hi, Julie. You are beginning to sound more and more like the "Wonder Woman" in your progress. We look forward each day to hearing about your new accomplishments. We are still praying for you and Steve every day and for all good things and as much healing as you can handle each day. Peace and blessings to you! Bob and Wanda Stauffacher, Tucson cousins

Wow! I thought you were doing so well a couple of weeks ago but I guess that wasn't anything compared to where you are now. That's just great! I hope it keeps up and that you can go home soon. We had a rather lazy weekend here. The weather was warm but very windy so no boat rides or grilling. I spent most of yesterday reading so all in all, pretty dull. Jane will be here Thursday on her way to Minnesota so I'm looking forward to that and the sisters' vacation is only 10 days away. The time goes so fast, especially in summer.

Keep it up; our love and prayers are always with you.

Alzi

hey julie, i just wanted to remind you that you've got mom's rhubarb dessert and cool-whip in the fridge waiting for you...don't forget about it like you did your blueberry malt! haha, it was good to see you today, i probably won't be able to make it down to see you next weekend because i have to work, but i will come down the weekend after that! keep up the good work!

Good morning! I just wanted to tell you how wonderful it was to see you last week. You looked great and the way you work on your therapy is truly an inspiration! I call Steve's daily updates my "perspective" checks. It seems like there are so few things in this world that are really important and how unnecessary it is to sweat the small stuff. We had a good time up north. The weather wasn't very warm, but the cabin and the lake are lovely and very calming. We fished, shopped, ate, drank and took a day trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi. All in all a lovely time. We got home Tuesday and I took Wednesday off to do laundry, pick up, etc. I was back at work yesterday and had a very busy day. Not much other news to tell you. Keep up the good work!

Much love - Alzi

Hi, Julie. Great work with the chemo, and I continue to be so grateful that you haven't had any bad side effects. The power of lots of prayers, maybe, and your own hard work. I hope to see you this weekend...or maybe tomorrow, although I realize you may move tomorrow. I'll call Steve's cell if I can get there. I may get an early afternoon, which will free me up to visit on my way home.

Great news on the feeding tube! Every day you make progress!

Love, Kristin

Hi Julie,

WOW!! You are amazing. We are so proud of your progress and all the great results from the chemo sessions. Life is looking brighter all the time. We share in your happiness and thank you to Stephen for all the information he keeps sending our way. What a wonderful man! Larry and I were in Chetek last week end for a bridal shower for Carolyn. She is so happy and never thought that this would be happening. God works in mysterious ways. We also saw her new dog, Rocky. He is a little shy, but a very cute sheltie(Carolyn's favorite). I am busy with all the last minute school things to wrap up the year. We are down to 5 days. Can't wait for a nice break. Time for memories from the past for some warm fuzzies. Remember June 1983 when we went to California to visit Anne in Burbank and also Gail/Randy by Solvang. It was a fun trip and I think we came home with just a few coins in our pockets. Keep improving. Love, prayers, and hugs to both you and Steve. So glad you get to see Chip frequently. Lou and Larry

Yeah for you, Julie! You must be working hard. It sounds like you are doing well in your therapy.I saw your Mom in church Sunday, and we were singing your praises. She walked to church!( Said it went pretty well.)Your Dad and Toren(sp) were at the cabin doing guy stuff. Dawn and I are getting ready for our motor cycle trip. We leave this Friday. Hope we don't get much rain or humidity, but we'll have a great time no matter what comes. Keep up the good work. Your in my thoughts and prayers, Candy

Hi, Julie and Steve--
just back in the office after a long weekend. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, I drove up to Atlanta to meet Amy, who was working at the Emory hospitals last week. We stayed in the big city Thursday night--I took her for a drink at the Ritz Carlton--told her that while I couldn't afford to dine or stay there, I could at least show it to her! We had a great meal at a chi-chi restaurant, then drove to Savannah the next morning. Long, boring drive, but Savannah is always worth it. Did a lot of walking the first day, just showing her around. The next day, we drove out to Tybee Island, which is a barrier island about 20 minutes from Savannah--walked on the beach for over an hour, then had lunch is a beautifully cheesy restaurant, the Crab Shack, 'Where the elite meet to eat in their bare feet.' Amy had oysters and shrimp, while I had chicken (I can't eat shellfish, alas). Stopped to see their alligator lagoon, too. Then back to Savannah, where we did more walking around. Drove back to the Atlanta airport on Sunday, then I headed down to smoky ol' Valdosta.

The forest fires are still burning. The smoke has, in fact, been quite bad the past three days--the fires have been 60% contained, but apparently another one started up in the swamp just a couple of days ago. What we need is a couple of torrential tropical storms, and hurricane season starts Friday, so maybe we'll get some.

I'll be heading north to Minnesota next Monday, stopping to visit friends and the Halvorsons en route. So I should be able to visit you by the first weekend in June! I spoke with both Ann and Kris this weekend, and both commented on how amazingly well you've done and how terrific you look and how well you're moving now. You've certainly been an inspiration to many of us, and I'm so very happy for you both.

See you soon!
Love,
Jane

hi julie- so happy to read of your good progress, I think of you often and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. It is a beautiful day on this holiday wkend, I drove thru some "Wisconsin" scenery and found my way home from the back roads some of which I had not been on in many years! I continue to visit this site and keep up with your progress-

Your cousin/Rosemary

Hi Julie,

I tried to post this message earlier, but it didn't post, wonder what that's all about. Well here I go again. Nick and I had a Friday night out to watch Danny earn his second degree in Black Belt Karate. I had never watched this type of competition and was very impressed. Dan did very well, won his next stripe, but Nick was not very good to say the least. He did pick up a few new moves to use with his stick and fly swatter, but the majority of the time he wanted to run especially to the pop and candy machine. I was as qworn out as Danny chasing Nick. After Friday I knew our stay in Milaca would be short. It was . We sat with your mom and dad and Roxy and Owen. Owen had to move as he said that he never liked kids under 4. Nick fell in love with Kari's fruit tongs.as he learned how to serve himself. Not good. As we were getting ready to leave he had the worst dirty diaper just as Anika approached the car. She thought it more than gross. Then Aud and Ann arrived so we said hello to them. I told Aud about Jim's 10 handicap and she said that she broke 100 on her first time out at Glenwood. I think that this golf thing is genetic. All are waiting for you to hold up your game to scrutiny. Keep up all of your hard work. It is surely paying off. Much love to both of you Aunt Mary

Hi Julie -- I just love reading about your progress every morning! You have worked so hard and I am so proud of you and your accomplishments! I wish I could visit again, but am afraid it won't be for awhile, so will keep up through Steve's updates on the website and through the "family grapevine". I am really thinking of everyone today, as they gather in Milaca to celebrate Anika's graduation -- will look forward to a report from Mom and to seeing some pictures when Anika and Rachel are over with us. It has been a busy couple of weeks since I got back from my US trip. Both girls are done with school now, so our normal schedule is out the window! I know I wrote you about Melissa finishing and having her Prom night; Abbie is done now, too, having had her last lesson and celebratory meal this past week. Both of them still have exams to write and they do that at the school; exams will continue throughout June. Stuart thinks it's really unfair that he has to get up for school in the mornings when the girls don't! They are all off this next week, though, as it is their half term break -- so far we have few plans, so there is no excuse for anyone not doing their revision!

Just want to say again how much I admire your determination through all your therapies and procedures. You have come on in leaps and bounds since I saw you! I will continue to keep you in my prayers -- . Lots of Love, Susie and all

YEAH!!!!!!

Way to go you little trooper!! What a fantastic day for you!! I will see you this weekend with malts!!

Love, Nat

Julie & Steve - What a long way you have come- hoorah! We love seeing how the love & caring are flowing to you from all your family & friends. Keep it up.

Jim is playing at least 3 rounds of golf/week and even has a pretty eagle already this year. Shelley is playing a little golf, but it is never pretty. It reminds us of the Clear Lake golf tournaments; always fun, even for beginners. Dan has a second degree black belt karate test-kudos for him.

I think we should all have a butt map done:-)

We're sending love and happiness. Take care

Jim, Shelley, Dan & Krista

Hi Julie,

He's here!! Nicky at 2 is such a busy guy, but fun too. We've had quite a bit to do as I have the cemetery circuit to complete, got dads done first, then the long drive to Ridgeland and Dave's grave. Nick was very good as were the 3 dogs. I have one of Leifs too. His family is now in Tenn. where Sarah is competing in the national destination imagination contest. I expect to finish up with Jim tomorrow as Danny is competing for the next division in Black Belt Karate. in Stillwater and I will attend that as well. Nick is going too which should be as challenging as the Karate.

I'm sure that Kari will miss all of your help on Saturday with the graduation party. Now that I have the caddy fixed, it kept stopping with out any warning, I do plan to drive North for the event. Nick will probably be here until Monday. Iam so impressed by all that you are able to do . Its all that love that everyone has for you and the many prayers as well. Take care and I do hope to see you soon. Much Love, Aunt Mary

Hi, Julie and Steve--
I've not had the chance to write to you for while now, but I wanted to tell you how thrilled I am about your progress--I'm so happy for you both! And I'm looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks. I've been busy with a work project here, plus my summer tenant has moved in (kind of odd, sharing the house with a stranger, but she's very nice, though quite young and calls me 'ma'am' like a good southern girl). We're also still having days of bad smoke and ash from the fires in the swamp and on the border--yesterday was particularly bad! But today, I'm heading up to Atlanta to pick up Amy Hays and spend a weekend with her in Atlanta and Savannah, which should be great fun.

I'll be leaving for MN on June 4th, so I'll see y'all shortly after that. Take care--as always, you're both in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Jane

Way to go Julie! We all have been thinking of you each and every day and am so thankful for the updates Steve provides each day. Baseball season is upon our house and the car is constantly moving up and down the street many times each day. Know that we are thinking about you and keeping the cocktails on ice for your homecoming!

Take care,

Ingrid, Kevin and the boys

Hooray for you! This is terrific news and I am so happy about all the progress you've been making. And we are all so thankful for Steve's continuing efforts to keep everyone informed. I applaud both of you for your courage under these difficult conditions. Right now I'm busy getting ready for Kevin's graduation. We'll have an open house here on June 10th, so you'll probably be glad you're not here! He was accepted to the U of Wisconsin - Platteville and is slowly beginning to realize that he's really graduating. We are very excited about the day that you return and wish you continued good news in the days and weeks to come. We miss you and hope you come back very soon!

Hi Julie. So great to hear of your progress. The thought of going home must be thrilling, and yet seem so far away. Time will go quickly, though. It sounds like they work you pretty hard in therapies. I am amazed at what Stephen says you can do now. And I can't wait to see you again and see for myself! Maybe you'll be home by the time I get up north in June. I will see you there then, I guess!! Not much new here in Milwaukee. We've had some beautiful days and then the days where it doesn't get above 55 near the lake. I guess we have to take what we get. I was able to hang out rugs and blankets yesterday so that was nice. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 70's even near the lake so I will enjoy that since I am off work. The dogs both go for a "wash and wax" tomorrow- it will be so nice to have them clean- they stink and shed like crazy right now!! I have had them both to the vet in the past week- quite the experience as they both HATE that. You've never seen an 85 pound labrador shake so! I was laughing hysterically by the time the vet came in. What a baby. Think about you and pray for you every day. Keep up the good work. Love, Betsy

Julie - with any luck, I should get to visit tomorrow afternoon. Unless things change (which they have been doing), I have a hole in my schedule between 3:00 and 5:00...might be the perfect time for a raspberry malt, maybe?

I love to read about your progress, and the thought of you being at home is so wonderful; I bet you dream about it!

Love, Kristin

Hi Julie, Hey, we're still here with you!! We read Steve's notes everyday and share your enthusiasum concerning your progress. It's great to hear you are coming along really nicely and improving every day. Keep the good thoughts, attitude and determination. There's gotta be some Swede in you. Our prayers for, and thoughts of you continue.

Par & Mary

Hi Hi..

It was so fun to be with you this morning and see all of your progress!!! You are doing fantastic!!! Keep up the strong good work ...try to do those OT exercises(I know --they're boring and they hurt) but look at what you did today!! Love you!!!

Nat

Good morning and happy Monday. We had a beautiful weekend here and I hope you did, too and that you had a chance to spend some time outside. Jeff spent most of the weekend mowing; it's what he does this time of year. I did my usual weekend chores and got a couple of coats of stain on some new bi-fold doors that we're putting in the pantry. One of Sedi's best friends from high school, Jessica, is home from Iraq so her family had a party for her Saturday night. It was so much fun to see her and a lot of the kids that graduated with them. They're all so grown up now, but still a lot of fun. We had friends over for a boat ride and grilling on Sunday, so it was a pleasant weekend indeed. Keep up the good work; it sounds like you're doing so well!

Much love, Alzi

Hi Julie, It sounds like you are working hard and it is paying off. You go girl! I know you will continue to amaze us with your strength of body,mind and spirit.

Are you getting a short hair cut? Probably easier to maintain for now. I'm sure it will be cute,though you always have great hair.

I must dash--my youngest grandson, Graydon( Garett's son), is splashing in the toilet. Hope to see you again in the near future. Keep up the good work. My thoughts and prayers continue. Love Candy

Hi Julie,

It was so great to see you last Sunday and doing so well. It was also wonderful to hear that you were able to see so many of our college friends last Saturday. We are glad to hear that your chemo went well this week and you are anxious to get to work on all of your goals. We are so proud of your courage and determination. We also enjoyed spending time with Steve's brother and sister-in-law. You have so many people who love you and are a such great support system. Time for some warm memories. Five years ago on Mother's day week end we were in Wisconsin Dells at that great Villa at Wilderness Resort. Late night movies, popcorn, and being with close friends. That's when that cute picture Ian has on this website with you modeling Debbie's weekender clothing was taken. Four years ago on Preakness week end we were in Eau Claire and we able to hold Mandy's first baby, Kaylee, only 2 weeks old. Keep all those memories close to your heart and soon we will be making new ones. Glad Jane's Derby party went well. I'll be watching races again this week end. I am counting days until school is out. Continue your fabulous progress. Love and hugs, Lou and Larry

Julie - I love reading about your progress, and keep you in my heart and my prayers daily. I miss visiting you as much as I was able to before going back to work, but I know that you are working hard. My sister-in-law will cut your hair one of the next few weekends, if you still want that...we'll have to orchestrate it with the nursing staff, but a fun new 'do for spring is probably something you'd like! Love, Kristin

WOW Keep up the great progress. You'll be home in no time.

Hi Julie,

We've been following your recent progress and are very happy for you. Pati's out of town right now but wanted me to let you know she'll be back and visiting you on Friday. She will also be packing treats from the Malt Shop. Enjoy and keep up the hard work!

Hi Julie!

Wow! Your progress is really moving quite quickly now. I'm sure it's still not fast enough for you, but you are really doing something right to have made these huge leaps! All I can say is, keep it up. You are such an inspiration to anyone faced with adversity. It is so great to check the caringbridge site each night and read about your latest accomplishments! Thank you, Steve, for keeping us all informed. I find myself looking forward to your updates everyday. Julie, you'll be home before you know it. Just keep working hard and doing everything the doctors and therapists suggest, and we'll be seeing you real soon. It's so good to hear that your spirits are lifted these days. I'm sure it has alot to do with the healing process, so KEEP IT UP!! Looking forward to having you back home and in the neighborhood. Until then, we'll keep the prayers going.

Love, Sue, Rick, and Celeste

Julie -- it's really good to keep hearing about your improvements! Keep up the good work!

Julie,

Krik and I are both working so are unable to visit as often. You are quite busy with therapy and now the chemo regime again, so no doubt have less time for visits in any event. We are encouraged by your progress and endurance in all of this, and especially admire you for the many friends and supporters you have. Stay strong.

Hi Julie,

We are truly glad we got to see you on Saturday, such a nice hosptial that is. We knew we were in MInnesota when we walked in there.(LOL) It must be all the money the vikings continue to bring their fans. Well we left the cities and drove to Au Claire, stopped there got a few beverages, hotel and just crashed. We were going to go straight back to Shawano, but we decided to extend the weekend to Sunday morning early. We stoppped in Cadot for gas and as I am walking thru the gas station, I see Mom talking to some lady. Would you have believed it was Caroline. She seems really happy like you said. That is awesome for her. So as we travled home we stopped at our land in Wausau and finally arrived home to Moms to finish the trip to Waupun. I am sure there are some long days for you right now, but continue to fight, so you can start golfing soon. I must tell you after seeing those pictures you truly are married to a pilot. My experience with pilots is they truly take care of their wives and treat them like multi-million dollar aircraft. What a man you have found. I am sure I am telling you everything you already know. I must tell you that, your are very strong woman, and you have all the faith and will power, hold on to that. Dont' be afraid to ask for vistiors, this was a short trip, especially with Katie. She can talk and sing let me telll ya. Regardless all is well here, and will stay in touch

God Bless

Lori, Marica, Katie

Gosh Julie, the news is so good everytime I read Steve's updates I can't believe it! I am so glad that things are going well. I would have to say that so far our prayers have been answered. It has been very busy around here- hence why I haven't been writing lately. The girls had something on each night last week but now we are almost done with all activities so I am feeling a little 'free-er'. School doesn't actually end until June 11th so we have time yet for that, but extra activities have really wound down. Heard that Susie got back to England just fine but haven't actually talked to her since. We had a good couple of days together here in Milwaukee before she headed back. We went shopping, of course!! We hit the outlet mall in Kenosha- our new favorite store in the past year or two has become Liz Claiborne outlet. We didn't find as much this time as the last trip, but still did OK. When you are well enough you will have to come down and join us for a day of shopping again. Anyway, So glad to hear that all is going so well and that you are feeling better as well. I hope chemo went OK today and that you recover from the effects rapidly again. I think about you all the time and am still praying for you. Love you lots, Betsy

Hi Julie,

Thought you might like to hear about my Mother's Day. It started out really well at church. From there I traveled to Baldwin to pick up mom and bring her here. She had been laying down, unusual for her, and said she wasn't feeling well,but still wanted to visit. We had quite a bit of time together and she was really with it. Only asked about dad a couple of times. As you may recall he died in 1968. I told her it wasn't a good idea to divorce him as his absence was not his fault.

As the day wore on I fixed a big supper, ham potatoes, salads etc. as Leif's family was coming to fish and to fix the dock. I expected Eric too. Jim and Shelley took me to dinner Saturday eve which was very nice. Anyway they all arrived., and mother became quite sick was vomitting , so I helped her with that and put her to bed to rest. In the mean time Lexie started showing the bad effects of too much ham and had uncontrolled bowell movements. More clean ups for me. By the time everyone ate and cleaned up I was starting to feel sick too and spent the better part of the night in the bathroom. It was an eventful day. On top of everything Bailee decided to go swimming and jumped off the end of the dock. Nicky saw that and ran out and did the same thing. As you know he's only 2. I will be caring for him when Leif's family attends the national competiton in destination imagination. Wish me sanity. I do plan to take him to Annika's party with a leash.

I'm so encouraged by all of your good reports. I hope that you are too. You are always in my thoughts and in my prayers as well. Love you , Aunt Mary

Hey Julie,
Just getting a card out to you. Have been following your progress and thinking about you over these past weeks.
Look for a card from me soon.
take care, Peach

Hi Julie,

You're still in our thoughts and prayers every day. We read Steve's reports and are very encouraged to hear that your progress is more and more favorable all the time. We know you are working hard to make that progress continue and we want to hear that it is. Keep progressin' !!!

Love, Par & Mary

Hi Julie,

You're still in our thoughts and prayers every day. We read Steve's reports and are very encouraged to hear that your progress is more and more favorable all the time. We know you are working hard to make that progress continue and we want to hear that it is. Keep progressin' !!!

Love, Par & Mary

Good morning! I bet you could hardly sleep last night wondering what the weekend held for the Halvorsons. As usual, it was pretty exciting. We did have a beautiful weekend; temps were in the high 70s - low 80s. The boat is in now so we had lovely rides Saturday and Sunday. I worked in the yard most of the day Saturday and got a lot done. After church on Sunday we went to the florist and got my usual bunch of annuals. I got everything planted and it looks so nice to have all that color around. Sedi and his girlfriend, Jen, came over around 5:00. He brought some steaks from the hotel and grilled them; they were great! Leif called around 7:30. He finished his finals last week and signed up for 2 summer school classes. He really enjoys it there in the summer since the frat house is pretty empty and he gets a lot more room! There's not much other stuff going on. I hope the treatment goes well. I'm so very proud of you and how you've responded to all of this and pray for continued success.

Much love - Alzi

Hi Julie -- How great it was to see you when I was in the States, and even better to read that you've been getting stronger and stronger since I've come home! Steve's updates are really uplifting; your hard work in your therapy shines through. I'm praying that this next session of chemo will go well for you, too -- you will be in my thoughts as you move back to the oncology ward today.

I'm getting back into the swing of things here -- have really tried not to pander to the jet lag. The exam season starts in earnest today and I am invigilating again, so will be off in the next few minutes to oversee an English Lit exam. I have another to do on Wednesday morning, and then a whole day Art one on Thursday. I also have two Pampered Chef shows, so all in all a very busy week ahead! Melissa has her last day of lessons at school today, then just a mass and reception tomorrow. It is Prom tomorrow night, so she is excited. We will try and send some photo's soon.

Will be thinking of you, knowing you are getting good care and are working hard on getting better. We love you lots and lots, Susie and all

Hi there,

It was great to visit you this morning!! You looked great and we could tell you were feeling MUCH better. It's great you are eating in the dining room. I hope you had a great Sunday, I will see you soon..Did you get to see the end of Bridget Jones' diary??

Love You,

Nat and Tom

Julie - I hope you have a wonderful (and restful) weekend. You have been working very hard, and I suspect that really wears you out...but in a good way. I wish for you on Mother's Day weekend some great sleep! (And maybe a raspberry malt.)

Love, Kristin

Good morning, Julie and Steve--

I'm taking a break from work here. My class didn't 'make,' as we say, so I'm working on the organization for my university's accreditation--every degree-granting institution has to go through an exhaustive accreditation review every 10 years--I remember the terror caused by the one in 2000! This time round, alas, I agreed to head up the effort for VSU, so the next three to four years of my working life will be all tangled up with the upcoming visit from SACS, our accrediting body. A daunting task, to be sure. I spent the night after I agreed to do it wondering, 'What the heck was I thinking?!?' It'll mean that after this summer, I'll have to be down here working on it, so there go my beautiful, lazy Minnesota summers. It'll also mean a reduced if not completely erased teaching schedule, which I'm not crazy about; I'll still be teaching 2 classes this fall--a freshman comp course and a senior-level course on Shakespeare and film, so I plan to enjoy them to the fullest. And of course, it'll mean endless rounds of meetings. Fortunately, I have a wonderful friend at a nearby college who just did the same job; we had a three-hour lunch meeting yesterday during which she told me about the process and what worked and what didn't--it helped a lot!

I have a tenant coming in next week. One of the Presbyterian churches here in Valdosta hires a ministry intern every summer; last year, they asked to rent my house for June and July, and it worked out very well. So when they asked again this year, I agreed immediately. She is arriving next week some time, so I need to spend this weekend cleaning out dresser drawers and closets and bathroom shelves so she has a place to put her stuff. It's a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say, as it forces me to go through clothes and things and ruthlessly throw away or donate to charity anything I don't wear or use anymore.

Otherwise, my weekend should be calm and uneventful. I'm hoping to go see 'Spiderman 3' and--if it doesn't get too hot--get a little yardwork done.

By the way, the Derby party went very well (have I written you about this already? If so, disregard!). Had about 65 or 70 people, who ate through 16 lbs of my Carolina barbecue. One couple brought the best thing--I'd put on the invitations something about 'hats being optional,' since the Queen was attending the real Derby, so this couple commissioned a baker in their town to make a hat cake. It was gorgeous! Like a round crowned woman's derby, frosted with powder blue fondant, white dots (like dotted Swiss), and a white fondant ribbon on which she'd created little horse heads and little hats! It was almost too pretty to eat--but it was also delicious. Anyway, the crowds went home happy and full by about 9 p.m.

I'm so glad to hear about how well the therapy is going--your patience and determination are amazing! I keep praying for you, and I look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a big hug!

Love,
Jane

It's great to see the daily report with good news.

At the cabin for a few days. Fishing opener. Might try fishing this summer but I don't drink beer. Is it allowed.

Glenn

Hi Hi...

You are doing great!! We have been busy with shoots, all days and into evenings, just got home. Will see you soon..Love you and keep up the terrific progress!!!!

Love, the Twinings

Julie -- it was so good to see you on sunday; you're improving so much! keep up the good work!
Love, Anika

Hi Steve and Julie, wonderful news to hear that you are having some better days, see, I was right you'll be back on that golf course in no time! Keep at it Julie, it worked for Dee. Cheers from all the Aussie contingency. Robyn

Hi Julie,
Wow!! It sounds like you are really making great progress at Sister Kinney. What terrific news! I know you will keep working hard and are looking forward to some wonderful rewards down the road, like going home. It is such a busy time now at school and the warm weather has also brought out the spring attitudes. A good thing there is only 20 school days left until vacation. We are all looking forward to a break. Our Derby week went well. Remember those two pieces of orange tarp that Debbie brought for a tent in 1981. That was our first Derby adventure in a southern Indiana camp ground. Then we spent Derby day in the infield. Did we see a horse? Luckily we moved on to motels and better seats during the other years we visited Louisville so we were close to the action. You were always the best at finding a celebrity in the crowd. Continue to improve. Love and hugs. Lou

Dear Julie, It was so nice to see you Sunday. Congratulations on your progress today! Keep up the good work. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dawn

Dear Julie, I tried to write this morning but kept getting an "error encountered" message; I just love computers! Anyway, I'll try again. The Halvorsons' had their usual exciting weekend. Leif came home this weekend for a wedding he was in. He did a fine job and evidently really enjoyed himself. After the groom's dinner Friday night, he managed to get home by dawn. After the reception Saturday, he brought a bunch of kids over about 2:00 am. They took a barrel of beers down to the lake and built a fire. He managed to get to bed by dawn. He slept until 2:00 and went back to school at 3:00 to prepare for one of his finals at 7:30 Monday morning. Ah, to be young again! Sedi stopped by Saturday on his way to play soccer with a bunch of the kids he graduated with. He was surprised at how out of shape he was and was pretty worn out but they all had such a good time that they're going to join an "old man" league (must be at least 25)! We had company for dinner Sunday night, then back to work Monday. I'm going out to dinner tonight with a bunch of girlfriends from work so I'm looking forward to that. It sounds like you're making such good progress and I'm glad they're keeping you busy during the day; I hope it makes the days go faster for you. I'm still praying hard!

Love - Alzi

Julie,

I am so happy that you are making progress. From my OT & PT days at Sacred Heart in Eau Claire ..... I had one of my therapists read a bit of the wonderful journal and they feel that you are in very good hands !!!!! Keep positive and keep working hard. I am sure a big goal of yours is to go home. Julie I know you will !!! And, some day soon .... Sandy ( Heintz) Hall and I will be coming to visit you. You know that Willy wants to see his favorite gal " boots " again too.

Work hard - set goals - stay positive !!!

Love , Patti

Hey Julie,

Tom and I have busy with Apple blossoms shoots--trying to deal with the rain and getting them in between. We try run too much at gas at 3.00 a gallon!!! We will be by this week, we think of you everyday, love you and know you have the strength of Hercules!! I AM STRONG!!! as our friend Leigh says.......see you..

nat

Hi Julie,

I think about you every day and read Stephen's wonderful report. It's good to mark your steady progress. I'll keep track and in touch. Sometimes even I have something interesting to share.

Affectionately,

Glenn

Hey Jul,

I'm down with the sniffles or allergies. I'll figure it out before I come visit. Do you need any tiny-sized clothing? Let me know.

Keep it up. You are a shining star!

Love, Gail

Julie and Cobber,

I've been out of town and just working to much since I last visited. Just read the lastest update. I can't believe the progress in just a few weeks. Could'nt be happier for you both. Cobb, I took your place a golf last Sunday with Schultz. I lost seven of your dollars. I'll collect from you soon. Maybe you oue me for the green fees too??? Keep up the good work.

Swede

Hurrah for you. Don't worry. I was never a cheerleader. You go girl! I'll be there this weekend. Keep the faith. Love you lots, Gail

Good morning, Julie and Steve!
I'm so glad for you, moving in to the Sister Kenny for therapy! I hope it will help ease the boredom, and the chance to be moving around again must feel psychologically great. I'm sure by the time I get up to MN to see you in a month you'll have made significant progress--and I'm looking forward to seeing that!

Today is the last day of finals, and for once I have almost all my grading done early. Usually, because of my procrastination and the Derby party taking up most of the Friday and Saturday before, I end up frantically grading on Sunday to get the final grades posted by Monday at 9 a.m. Not this year, thank goodness! I can take the time to enjoy my own party and rest up the day after.

I spent Wednesday night grading while boiling and roasting the pork for the North Carolina barbecue wse serve at the party--16 pounds of pork loin! And it's boiled for two hours in vinegar and garlic, then roasted another two hours while being basted with more vinegar and garlic, plus cayenne, salt, and a touch of sugar. This afternoon I'll be 'pulling' the pork, which means shredding it. As Kristin can attest, it's a time-consuming recipe--which is why I make it just once a year--but it's become the tradition at our Derby party and people love it.

Not much else going on down here. The smoke from the forest and swamp fires has tapered off--guess the wind shifted, thank goodness! We've had students who commute from the countines in which the fires are raging have trouble getting here for classes, as the smoke leads to closed roads. But it sounds like most of the fires are contained now, and if we get a little rain this weekend, that should help.

Speaking of rain, we're in a drought situation again. My poor tomato and pepper plants are suffering, setting little fruits that never seem to get much bigger. We're not supposed to water--except during the hours when I'm sleeping, apparently--so I'm hoping they revive when we finally get rain.

I hope the therapy goes well, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your new and active lifestyle! You're in my prayers as always.

Love,
Jane

Hi Julie,

It looks like rain today and we can really use it. I plan to go to Leifs this AM as he is going to fix a section of deck from the dock for me. I am trying to find a service to spray all of my dandelions as I've just given up. I need some of your fortitude. There is so much work to do here in the Spring.

Lunch with my college girl friends was lots of fun. As Dave would say, all of our jaws got tired. Marion had some problems navigating the Mpls. traffic. In Kansas they have a rush hour at 5:00 and it lasts 5 minutes.

As I was thinking of Dave I recalled that both he and his mother were at Sister Kinney as they both developed polio. They do great things there as except for toeing out Dave was very normal in his gait as was his mother.

I hope that your rehab isn't too hard on you and that it makes it possible for you to return home soon. Chip will be thrilled and so will all of us. I continue to keep you in my prayers Julie. Much Love, Aunt Mary

Julie - good morning! I plan to visit you tomorrow at Sister Kenny, and will be sure to call first, although you may not be having a full round of therapy appointments on Saturday. Please have Steve give me a call if you'd like me to bring anything...I have several more books on tape/CD in my car, so I'll bring those in to see if there's anything you'd like to hear. Also, if you can have a malt, I'll get you one; I've been waiting for the moment that your doctors and therapists say it's okay!

I am so glad you have taken another giant step in your recovery. Keep going!

Love, Kristin

Good morning! I'm glad your round of chemo is over and that you're tough enough to start therapy; that should help with the boredom. Now that the weather is getting nice I also hope you can start spending sometime outdoors. Not too much exciting at the Halvorsons'. Sedi was over Sunday and cleaned out our eaves as Jeff is getting too "elderly" to do roofs anymore. It sure is nice having him back home! He's looking forward to getting back into his townhouse at the end of this month. Leif is coming home tomorrow as he's in a wedding on Saturday. It will be great to have him home, though I'm sure we won't see much of him. I'm so glad you're getting better and pray that it continues. All our love to both you and Steve,

Alzi

Hi Julie. Hope this finds you doing OK today, after having had all that chemo on Monday. I'm sure it is tiring. I would think that by now Susie and Mom and Dad will have been there to see you. I hope it was uplifting to see Susie and to know that we all love you so much that we even come from other countries to see you!! I have kept track daily of your progress and have been so pleased each day for the last week plus that each day has been an improvement. I will pray that the good continues and that you have no more set-backs. It sounds as though you are to move to Sister Kenny tomorrow or Friday. More new surroundings. Maybe that's good so you can't get too bored with each place! The weather here is nice (MUCH cooler by this dumb lake again!) so I hope you, too will have warmth and sun when it is time to move. And that you soon feel well enough to get outside and enjoy some time on the rooftop again. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. Love, Betsy

Good morning! I'm spending a lovely spring morning inside, trying to get started on grading. But I'd rather be outside playing! I have one final to give today at 12:30, then home--with a detour to the mall area to hunt for the elusive LCD TV that will fit my needs and my budget--to grade and start making the North Carolina barbecue for the derby party.

Nothing much exciting or interesting has been happening lately, so this will be a short message. Our performance of the Verdi Requiem went very well, and it's lovely to no longer have evening rehearsals. We ended classes Monday, so yesterday was what our students call 'dead day'--the free day between classes and finals. I spent most of it in meetings, but had a fun dinner with friends last night that made up for the boring day! This friend loves to cook and was trying out a new recipe for a Thai dish, so her husband and I got to be the guinea pigs--pretty safe, though, as I've never had a bad meal at their house. It was really good--chicken, pea pods, and broccoli stir fried with ginger, garlic, and red pepper, with a sauce of coconut milk and peanut butter.

Well, time to get some work done. I hope the chemo goes well, and that you soon get the tracheal tube out! I'm praying for you and am looking forward to seeing you in early June! Take care--

Love,
Jane

Dear Julie,

I have been getting all of your current updates, and wanted to tell you how happy we are across WI to hear your feeling better. Katie being in her last two weeks of finals, and me in the middle of aviation inspection, we haven't been able to write and let you know we are thinking of you daily. The other night Katie and I were talking and she said how much she understands now the bond that college friends share like mom and the Moo U girls. Of course this led into more conversation about all the Mother's Day weekends we have had since we were kids. Wow how fast time travels. Hopefully we will be heading up their as soon as Katie graduates this weekend and we finish this inspection. So we hope to see you very soon. Of course Mom being pulled 20 directions, she will be in Chicago all weekend and Sheboygan watching Katie graduate from college and playiing in her last softball tournament. So this weekend for mom and Dad will be crazy.

Well Julie we are all praying for your speedy recovery, and hope that everyday gets easier and easier for you. Take Care God Bless

Lori, Katie and Mitch

May 1, 2007 7:15 AM

Dear Julie,

This is the 2^nd letter I have written to you, unfortunately you didnÕt get the first one because I was almost finished with the full-page note and I received a phone call and by the time I got back to your letter, I had been logged off from the Caring Bridge Website. Oh well, as they say, LIVE & LEARN!! So today I am going to type the letter into WORD and then cut & paste it into the Website because I have a nail appointment at 9:00, so I will have to break at about 8 to do the 3 SÕs (Shi_, Shower, and Shave (my legs, luckily I donÕt have any facial hair, YET)). I will start by telling you the latest news and then IÕll go back and catch you up with what I was doing a couple of weeks ago.

Frank & I just finished our 2^nd day of depositions for my court case. I was deposed (sounds REALLY bad doesnÕt it) on Wednesday, April 18^th and FrankÕs deposition was yesterday. The first time we arrived at the appointed building at 9:00 AM. Our lawyer went through how everything was going to work and suggested that I use YES and NO answers as much as possible (of course that was pretty hard for me, since I like to talk so much!!) We started at 10:00 AM with being sworn in (no, I did not have to place my hand on a Bible) and outside of breaking for a few bathroom pit stops, they were constantly firing questions at me, sometimes over and over again. They would just change the wording a little to see if they could trip me up. At one point my lawyer, who until this point was just sitting there listening, broke in and said, you just asked her that question 15 minutes ago and her answer was YES!!! The other thing that was so rude was that there was this young female lawyer, who was just sitting and listening, so when we broke around 11:30 AM for one of our bathroom breaks, she ran downstairs and got a sandwich and proceeded to eat it in front of all of us. It didnÕt really bother me that much, but my lawyer and Frank were both starving!! So yesterday, Frank brought a bag of trail mix with him and told the lawyer that if this turns out to be another marathon, he would break it open and pass it around. Of course he was done at 11:45AM, so he didnÕt even need to open his bag of fruit & nuts!! 10:00 PM

I didnÕt get home from my nail appointment until 11:30 AM. Then I ate lunch and put together a grocery shopping list. I also had to go to the bank, so by the time I got home and put away the groceries, I was ready to go roast in the sun. It was almost 90 degrees here this afternoon, so I really laid on the sunscreen pretty thick and also took a little dip in the pool. Of course, when I came in, I was ready for a little nap that lasted until almost 4:00 PM. Then it was time to make dinner, eat, put away the leftovers and do the dishes. I donÕt understand why I am the only one who can do dishes around here. Sometimes I just leave them to see if anyone will take the hint and put them in the dishwasher, but then Frank usually gets stuck doing them because he canÕt stand having all of the dirty dishes piled in the sink because they are in his way when he goes to make coffee. Anyway, I had better get this letter finished because Jessie and Kevin are leaving on a cruise on Thursday, so we have a date to clean the house tomorrow because the couple they are going with is spending the night here. OH SHOOT, I should have left the dishes in the sink Ð I bet she would have done them as part of the cleaning detail. I have book club tomorrow night, so I am making crab cakes, corn fritter cakes, and spinach puffs. Unfortunately, I still love to cook so my book club ladies get all my experimentation. I have to say, that my creations are always DELICIOUS!!! They donÕt call me Debbie Crocker (or is it Betty Ousley) for nothing.

NOW TO CONTINUEÉ. On Friday, April 13^th and 14^th I was involved with the annual American Cancer Society Walk-a-thon. I have been involved with the walk-a-thon for the last 6 years, and it was especially important to me this year because of YOU. In this 12-hour event we raised over $30,000 for cancer research. JessicaÕs boyfriendÕs (Kevin) Mom and his Aunt Jamie (who is a cancer survivor) and I put together 10 baskets and then we held a chili bake-off and basket raffle, and an old fashioned hoe-down. All together in that day alone, we raised a little over $2,000 for the ACS (that was included in the $30,000 grand total). I would love to see the CURE for cancer in my lifetime Ð I have just lost too many important people in my life so far and I say Ð NO MORE!!! I have to admit, I have been pretty upset about getting the news about you, so all I can do is say a prayer each night for you and your family because I know how much we all love you and want you to get stronger and healthier and eventually to go home to your wonderful husband, family and your little pooch.

Enough rambling by one of your OLD, dear friendsÉ

Love, Debbie Ousley

Julie - it is so good to read about how things are progressing - in a positive direction - for you. I miss seeing you; this starting a new job is hard work (as you know)! I will see you for sure this weekend, and maybe I'll be able to sneak a visit in some time when I'm out driving from place to place. I'll pray for another good night's sleep...that is so very important to your physical and mental health. My thoughts are with you.

Love, Kristin

Dear Julie and Steve,

The trip to Marshfield went really well. Johanna knew her portion of the program and looked really cute. The only hitch as I saw it was that those of us who are Lutherans were not invited to take Communion. Kathy, Joe's wife is going to complain about that. When I got home Eric had the dock in and my garden plowed. I'm looking for an agency to spray my dandelions. I have done it in the past, but its such a big job, and with all the rest of the work here I just got tired. I stopped in the New Richmond Hospital today to see Neal, Milana's father. He looked so good, and is expecting to go home today. He's a very big man, and the hospital beds just don't fit him, so he hasn't gotten much sleep. He plans to drive to Fargo this weekend to a graduation, I doubt that his doctor would approve of that.

Its the month of birthdays with Eric and Mariah both on the 6th. Jill is on the 12th, and Jordan on the 13th. Then it is two Ellefson daughter-in-laws. Carrie Paul's significant other is expecting number 2 in November and is already having complications. She spent 6 weeks in the hospital with Kaycie. It is a worry for sure.

Tomorrow I meet college friends at the Elmo Inn for lunch as Marion will be here from Kansas. That's always a good time.

It is so long for you to endure the chemo drugs. I know that you must be restless during that time, but hang in there as it is obvious they are having a positive effect. You are always in my thoughts and prayers Julie and you too Steve. You were so thoughtful after Jim died and I will never forget that, nor will my boys. Much love, Aunt Mary

Hi, Julie-
I hope you are feeling better. I have my spring band concert tomorrow night - remember that I play percussion. Tonight we went to Anika's spring concert - she had a solo and it was a great concert - we taped it for you. I am also practicing baseball - we got our team assigned today and I'm glad that most of my friends are on the team with me. In Social Studies we are doing a Wax Museum and I will be a Minuteman. We have to memorize a speech and we dress up like our characters - we will wear drama costumes - wigs and hats, etc. On Wednesday I get two of my baby molars pulled out - I hope it won't hurt too much. I get a different retainer in a couple of weeks that I will wear for the summer. We are doing Landforms in Science and we did Stream Tables - it was awesome! I am reading a good book, 'The Whipping Boy'. Maybe next time I visit I can read something to you.
I will say an extra prayer for you to get a good night's sleep tonight.
I love you and miss you lots - I can't wait until I can come and see you again.
Love,
Jorgen

Dear Julie,

You have come so far since we first heard of your illness and we thank God everyday for that. We will continue to keep you in our prayers each day. It is so good of Stephen to keep us updated on The Caring Bridge. Just want to tell you not to feel bad when you have a down time. When I was diagnosed with two primary cancers in the same year, I had Òpity partiesÓ off and on. But then I would get right back at fighting and reciting my favorite scripture verse Phil. 4:13 ÒI can do all things through Him who strengthens meÓ. I had to chant this a lot, but it got me through and now I am 8 years cancer free. So, go ahead and have those times, but get right back on track and continue the fight because He will help you and be with you all along the way. Thank goodness you have the love and support of Stephen as I had from Jim. We both send our best wishes and love to both you and Stephen and hope to see you in Arizona in the future.

Jim and Lona Lee Stauffacher

Tucson, AZ

Hi Julie,

It is wonderful to hear of all the improvements that you have been having! We have been thinking of you and praying for you since Lou told us about your illness. I have been keeping up on your progress through Lou and this site, which is so great to have something like this so everyone can communicate with you and Stephen. It has been a while since we have seen you, but I am Larry Skow's sister Lois. We will keep praying that every day finds you better and better! God Bless You Julie, and your family,

Lois Johansen

Luck, Wi

Julie, I am so happy that you are making such wonderful strides; soon you'll be ready for a raspberry malt, for sure. I'll miss seeing you today and tomorrow, as I sing all afternoon today (spring choir concert) and will be going to my orientation for work tomorrow. I'll try to make it in Tuesday after work. In the meantime, you are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. I love you.

Julie-
I'm so excited to hear that you're improving! Keep up the good work! I'm hoping to come visit you as soon as I can; life is very busy with only a month left of high school! You're in my prayers. I love you!

Hi there Strongheart!

It was so much fun visiting with you today....lots of girltalk and giggling!! And the nurse's shoes!!we need to get a pair. We WILL go shopping!!!

Love you,

your the best.....Nat

Hi Julie, I am glad your husband keeps us up to date on your progress. I have been thinking of you often and I pray for you everyday. It is great that you are doing better and how great it must have been to be outside today in the sunshine I look forward to seeing you again, will wait till you are stronger and visiting is ok. Missing you, Bless you, Carol Karlson

Hello! I am a friend of your sister, Kari. She was my high school volleyball coach and a true inspiration to me. Know that my family and I are happy to hear how things are progressing and we are praying for you. It's great to hear how so many people care for you two. God bless!

Good morning, Julie and Steve!
The recent postings have been bringing such positive and welcome news--I'm so glad to hear that you're getting to do some fun things, like visit the roof garden and eat Popsicles! In our family, eating, of course, counts as a recreation--or maybe a religion! Keep up the good effort, Julie--we're all pulling and praying for you.

I'm glad it's Friday--really glad. We end classes on Monday, so this week has been spent having conferences and grading. The weekend holds the promise of yet more grading, too, interspersed with bouts of laundry and some basic house cleaning. The really serious, pre-Derby party cleaning will have to wait until next week, along with the 2 days devoted to making the North Carolina barbecue.

I'm also singing with the symphony chorus this semester--we're doing Verdi's Requiem, which is one of my favorite pieces to sing; performance is tomorrow night, so we're having three hour rehearsals--Tuesday night, last night, tonight, and tomorrow morning. It'll be amazing if we have voices left to sing at the performance! I'll be both glad and sad when this is over--glad for the free time, but I'll miss the singing.

Have a good weekend, you two--
Love,
Jane

Julie/Steve,

It was good visiting with you both yesterday. Julie, you are making excellent progress. It was good to hear your voice again. Remember that Popsicles, as good as they are, are just one step away from a malt in the hierarchy of good and nutritious food, and you are almost there. Of course donuts are at the pinnacle, but those will come soon enough.

Steve, your devotion, sensitive care, and positive outlook will only mean that Julie gets to the peak of the pyramid that much sooner. And I want to be there on that day.

Good morning Julie & Steve -

What a blessing, and what joy. We're sure you are both thrilled to be thinking about outdoors and home. We hope you can get out again today, it looks like it will be gorgeous, we can hear the birds right now. You're always in our prayers. Keep up that progress Julie, we see you having a GREAT summer!

Jim, Shelley, Dan & Krista Hallen

Hi Julie,
What great news! We are so glad like everyone that you have had such a good week with remarkable improvements. WOW!! We are so proud of you with such courage to fight back. What a lift to get outside for fresh air and sunshine. Continue to make such wonderful gains. I am studying the horse names for next weeks Derby. I'm trying to think of one that you would like. I keep coming up with Stormello. You have weathered the storm, and now the calm with being mello. I'll have to send you a list so you can check out the choices for yourself and see who you like. My students can't wait until Monday morning to pick a horse name and then the Derby week begins. Reflection time Julie, last year we celebrated the Kentucky Derby in Stillwater at the Freight House and watched the race near by. Two years ago we were all together in Eau Claire at the Northwoods Pub. We had many parties in Luck, but of course, the best was being right at Louisville during the 80's. Think warm thoughts. I hope Jane is ready for her big crew. It is always a fun day. You are taking the same route as our Unity friend, Norma Thompson. She was at Abbott and Sister Kinney earlier this year and now at home. You have the same Doctor too. May God continue to surround you with his love and healing powers. Love you always, Lou and Larry

Oh yay julie. I am so happy to read that you are doing better. I will be home next weekend so I will definitly come and visit you and maybe come up with some brilliant things for you to do in all of your spare time. :)

My roommates and my prayers are with you each and everyday.

FANTASTIC NEWS!! Julie, we were so pleased to hear what wonderful progress you are making. It's truly miraculous! Stay strong, keep the faith, and positive attitude. It will help you tremendously. We think of you and pray for you everyday! Celeste will be so happy to hear you are doing better. Keep it up!

Love, The Dorsey's

WOW!!!!

You go Girl. What wonderful news. My family is very delighted for you!!!!!! Keep that chin up.

Hi Julie,

I'm very happy to hear that you're making progress. I've been meaning to stop by, but have been out of town (long story). It's nice to know that you're getting such good care and have such a great support system of family and friends. I'll see you soon.

Holly

Hi Julie,

So much good news!! I check your status reports every morning and today I feel that sunshine is beaming in for you and for all of us who have been praying for your recovery. Who would have thought that a popsickle could taste so good?

Today its off to Jordan's school as he has an historical reenactment that he wanted me to see. No one else can go as Milana's dad has colon surgery today and the family will be there. Tomorrow Louise (Diane's mother) and I are going to an immigrant program for Sarah. Bailee has something too, but I can't make both as its too much distance.

On Saturday the Ellefson boys and I are going to Marshfield for Johanna's First Communion. I baked sugar cookies yesterday to bring along. It looks like a really nice weekend which will be good for Joe and Kathy as they expect quite a crowd.

I'm hoping that Eric can put in the dock pretty soon and the boat as I have some teacher friends coming out and it would be good to take them out on the lake. Lets hope I can keep from running into the dock this time.

Keep up the good work Julie, I'm so relieved and happy things are so much better. Much Love, Aunt Mary

Yipee! I'm so glad that many good things happened to you yesterday; you deserve it! You do realize that people will probably start bringing food now! It has been raining steadily since Tuesday and the road I take to work every day is flooded so I started the day with a detour. The rain is supposed to finally stop some time this afternoon and the weekend forecast looks great. Continue to fight the good fight; we're all still praying.

Much love - Alzi

Good news....good news. Happy Wednesday indeed! I like popsicles too. In fact, I will be visiting Cub tomorrow so I can toast you with a cherry one.

Love ya, Gail O

Happy Wednesday Julie and Steve. It's not such a nice day today in Milwaukee with temps in the upper 40's and a strong N/NE wind. It rained quite a bit last night but has been dry today. We are predicted to have a nice weekend again, though with temps back to the 70's. Hope they are right with that forecast. So glad to hear of your progress. I would think the taste of even juice would be wonderful after nothing for so long. I will pray for good MRI results and good swallowing study results so that all can move forward. Not much else for news here. It is busy now until the second week of May when most of our school year activites are done. The girls seem to have something almost every night. Nice to know that summer isn't too far away. Thinking of you and praying that your progress ocntinues. Lots of Love, Betsy

Hi Julie -- Just wanted to check in and wish you well from all of us in the Cook household. It's been a busy few days and although I haven't written, I have been keeping track of your progress through the CaringBridge website every morning. You are doing so well and we are really proud of your determination! We (and many others over here) are praying for you and your recovery.

Our weather continues to be pretty nice, although a bit cloudier and cooler today. We're even getting to the point where we could use some rain! I heard the radio say today that the temp last night was the warmest ever recorded; just another example of global warming, I guess! The kids are really hoping that the warm summer predicted for here does materialize, as I know that days at the beach are planned for when Anika and Rachel come over. They talk every day about what we should do when they are here, and it will be hard to make final choices from the long list that has been drawn up!

It's nearly time to go and get Melissa and Stuart from school, so I will say cheerio for now. You are always in my thoughts and prayers! Love from Susie and all

Good morning, Julie and Steve. I am writing after 10:00 pm, so obviously was running too late to stop by the hospital after my dinner out tonight. The therapist who was to have been there had to stay home with her brother, who is an adult with disabilities, as her parents were out of town and her brother's PCA cancelled at the last minute. She is busy thinking of activities and things that might appeal to you, though, Julie, to keep you from being bored.

I'm glad you have had a series of good days...you have so many people on your side, praying for you and sending you powerful thoughts. You are a wonderful person, and you deserve to get better.

If any others are reading this guestbook, and have ideas about things Julie might enjoy doing right now (to keep her from going stir-crazy!), please send them to me; my email should be displayed below. Thanks.

Good evening Steve and Julie,

I look forward everyday to read your marvelous account of Julie's day. Expecting small miracles everyday. So far, my prayers are being answered everyday. We think about you always sending healing vibes.

I was so happy to hear your Mom and Dad got to visit. Steve I bet it felt good to go wak something for a while. I am glad you are taking some time for yourself.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help and when Julie is up for visitors again.

From the sounds of things all and all, Julies first week at Abbott has been promising. Way to go Julies, I know you can win this battle.

Thinking of you always

Pati and David

Dearest Julie,

Keep up the fight and keep the faith. Sounds like you have a couple of big days ahead. We're all behind you with prayers. I was soooo encouraged yesterday. You look so good. See you soon.

Love you lots, Gail Ofstehage

Special greetings to my hero, Stephen!

Hi, Julie and Steve--
I'm in my office awaiting a student for conferences, so I thought I'd take some time out to write to you. We're coming to the end of the spring semester, which means grading every darn night--ugh! And it'll be that way right through until the bitter end; I'm sure I'll be calculating final grades right up to the last moment. Ah well--it'll make the semester break that much more pleasant when it arrives.

It's great to hear that you may soon be back to eating and drinking. I have a friend--a retired colleague--who just had surgery on Friday; she was all excited when we called last evening because she was to get her first meal since Thursday night--I can't imagine what it would be like to go without eating for the time you've had to. So I'll hope they soon have you back eating delicious hospital food soon!


Got the Derby Party invitations out over the weekend--I had about 100 printed, and I ran out! Fortunately, not everyone shows up, of course, though we usually get between 50 and 70 people every year. Makes it a little cramped in my living room at race time! I'm having to get a new TV this year, as mine got fried when the squirrel chewed through the ground wire to my house in December. I've been putting off buying the new one, largely because there are so many things now that one has to decide--HD or not? LCD or plasma? 780p or 1080 i? I've had to have Ben translate for me. I think I've decided on one, and I'll have to get it soon so I can be sure it's in working order before the party on the 5th.

Not much other news here. We're staying relatively cool (around 80 weith low humidity), which is nice; the fires in the Okeefenokee Swamp occasionally send haze and the smell of campfires over us, but yesterday and today it's been clear and fresh.
Take care--I love you and am praying for you.
Love,
Jane

Good morning, cousin! I'm hoping every day gets better for you and that your spirits will also get better soon. We had a pretty quiet weekend. Saturday was warm but very windy. I did a bit of yard work, mostly raking the leaves and dead growth from winter. It felt good to get that done. Many of the flowers are coming up now and it really makes me anxious for summer to get here. Jeff cleaned the boat and got a tire repaired for the dock, so hopefully we can get the boat and doc in this weekend. Sunday Sedi took us out to dinner at a very swanky restaurant. As Assistant General Manager of the hotel, he's also the Food and Beverage Director and one of his job duties is to go out to dinner once a month. We told him we were more than happy to help him out. He's having some problems with pain in his elbow from playing basketball and is worried it will give him problems golfing! Certainly seems trivial compared to what you're going through! I talked to mom last night and she said she visited you. She's so happy to be home and was looking forward to an evening out with some friends. I pray for good news for you today and everyday and I hope to be able to come and see you sometime next month.

I love you - Alzi

Good Morning Julie and Stephen. It is a fairly nice morning here in Milwaukee with the rain having ended and the sun trying to come out. It was gorgeous yesterday with temps in the 80's- afraid I got a little too much sun sitting out on the patio! That first sun of the year is just too much to pass up. Glad to hear that you are doing well. And as for the whining- well, go ahead. You deserve to whine with all that you've been through! Just don't let it stop your progress and hard work to get better. I spoke to both Jill and Kari last night. They are so good at keeping me in touch with what is going on and are both encouraged with your progress, slow as it may seem to you. I think about you very often and you are an inspiration to me when I get down about something. As I have said over and over- I just wish I was closer to be able to see you and help in any way I can. I hope you have a good day today and that things continue to improve. I plan to be home in June and will definitely see you then. Love you lots, Betsy

Hi Julie, we are reading Steve's entries each day and being so grateful for every bit of progress that we hear about. We are praying that your days will get better and better and thankful for your being able to "scratch you nose" and communicate more successfully. Know that you both are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Peace and blessings, Bob and Wanda Stauffacher, Tucson

Hi Julie,

So happy to hear that things are going better. Our 135th anniversary at church yesterday was really great. Bailee went with me and wore her great grandmother Anna's middy dress and one of her hats. She was the hit of the day, so many pictures were taken of her one would have thought that she was a beauty queen. All of the women were encouraged to wear hats and the men ties. We had 275 people for the pot luck that followed the service. There must have been 50 different salads, meatballs of course and cheesy potatoes,plus a huge variety of pies. A program followed. The original old log church has been found on the old Ken Sorenson farm abouit a mile away and it will be moved to our church area.

I mention this as Ken taught with Jim at Afton Lakeland all the time that Jim was there. He and his wife and sister attended the ceremony yesterday.. Ken has the same type of cancer that you have. His moved from the lungs to the brain stem, and he is now in complete remission. His treatmets which were months in length and were at the Mayo Clinic. That was good news to me.

TS must present a different attitude at home as I have always admired him for his strength and courage in difficult times. He has always been there for all of us, a marvelous man indeed.

Keep practicing your golf swing Steve as Julie was taught by the best. Much love to you both. Aunt Mary

Hi Julie, It's great to hear your progress! We're praying for you to keep seeing improvements and return home as soon as possible. We hope to see you soon.

Love from all of us!

Hi Julie,
It's so nice to read that you have had several days now with good rest, movement, and able to communicate so well. I bet it was great to see your folks today. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. It was a nice spring week end. Two years ago we were in Shawano for Lori's wedding on the 23rd. What a fun event that was! Then digging back in the memories it was 20 years since Doris and Harley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and we shared in the week end party. That is when I met Larry. So that means Harley and Doris are now celebrating anniversary no. 70! Wow! Larry is going to the Nursing Home tomorrow during the day for cake with them. She seems to have adjusted to the home and doing well now. She will be 90 in May. Harley still gets around town at 89 and doesn't like to miss anything. Keep remembering warm and special thoughts to get you through the hard moments. Keep improving! We all love you so much. Our best wishes to you, Steve, Jill, Kari, your folks, and all of your family that are watching over you so well. God bless all of you. Love, Lou and Larry

Hi Julie!

We are so pleased to hear you've had a restful few days. I'm sure it's exactly what you needed. It's such great news to hear you are able to speak again. The doctors must know what they are doing, or this would not be happening. It was a lovely spring day today, a bit on the windy side, though. You need to stay strong and work very hard to get better so you can get out and enjoy this beautiful time of year. You're doing a great job at staying focused and knowing what you have to do right now. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers everyday. It's a struggle for you daily, I'm sure, but stay with it and we'll have you back soon. I miss seeing you out for your walks with Steve and Chippy. Celeste says "hi" and wants me to tell you to get better soon. She's very concerned about you and asks about you everyday. When you are up for visitors again, we'd love to come see you again. Stay strong and remember there are so many people who are praying for you to heal. Love, Sue, Rick & Celeste Dorsey

Julie, I am praying for you everyday. You have to fight and get better, OK! I'm also praying for Steve and your family. I wish I could take this all away. I can't stand the idea that you are suffering so. But get well soon and please let me know when you're up for visitors again. I so miss you and after May 4th I will be very available with my time to help you in any way I can. Love you so much!

Carolyn

Hi Julie,

What a relief to learn that you are getting some relief at last.I have had accupuncture several times, once on the Yangtze on my China trip. The excitement of the trip and all that I was being exposed to made it impossible for me to sleep, and a month without sleep is not good. It worked just great and I'm sure it will help you rest too. Not much new here, going to spend the day with mother today and our 135 year celebration at church Sunday. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and hoping and praying that good things are ahead for you. Much love, Aunt Mary

Good morning Julie and Stephen. It sounds like things are quiet for you at this time, which is a good thing. Glad you can get out and do a little golfing, Steve, as I'm sure time gets long for you, too, especially when Julie is sleeping so much. Let's pray that all this rest helps her healing process. I am willing those tumors to shrink. Wish I was closer to help with the physical therapy 'stuff'. And I like the idea of the accupuncture. Alternative medicine can be a real asset when added to tradional therapies. Today is a beautiful day in Milwaukee. It is sunny and already in the 60's. Of course the east wind (off the lake) will kick in by afternoon and cool it down a bit, but still such a delight to see the sun and feel it's warmth. I hope to get outside at some point and at least walk around the yard and check out my plants and things to see how much is awakening! I am thinking of you as always and hope you continue to rest peacefully. Love, Betsy

Hello Julie & Stephen -

It is nice to hear there is some calming peace coming to you both. I hope it helps strengthen you. How great that we, your friends and relatives, can help celebrate each new improvement. Your improvements and rest are worth celebrating!!!

I'm heading to an overnight with 9 girlscouts at the Mall of America tonight--they keep the rides open just for us. I dread it and get all crabby, and think--why me. Then I think about how far you have come and what you have endured. I realize how trivial my 24 hour torture is. Funny how I think, poor me for even the smallest things. Seeing how strong you both are through all this, helps me remember to stay strong and count my blessings.

Love & prayers - Shelley, Jim, Dan & Krista Hallen

Julie,

Phil gave us the information on your website, which I was familiar with when one of my accounts sons had cancer last year...

We wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily! I see Chip every so often thru our front kitchen window, as he is looking out at daily activities in the neighborhood.

We all miss you and will continue to send prayers and positive thoughts towards you, for you to continue to keep up the faith and strength needed to get thru this time.

Take Care~

Kevin, Ingrid, Dan & Evan Highland

Hey Steve--Nat here...Just wanted to let you know WE are thinking of you too all the time. You are the strongest man I know, what you are going through and the hurdles you have to jump!! We will see you soon, we love you and Julie.

Nat, Tom, Mike and Bridgette

Julie,

Hello! We're glad to hear you had a calm day yesterday. Hopefully that continues and you continue to make great progress! Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

We are planning on coming to visit you sometime in the near future with my parents.

Andrew, Nicole, Logan and Lil' Bean (baby #2)

Good morning, Julie and Steve!
It's a bright, sunny day here in Georgia, and I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself because I won't be able to spend much time outside enjoying it. But at least the sunshine makes working in the office a little more pleasant. Steve, glad you had a chance to get out and hit some golf balls; I'm looking forward to getting up to MN so I can play a little golf this summer, too.
Glad to hear you were able to rest yesterday, Julie; I agree with Susie--being rested up makes all the difference in my mood. Just ask my students! They can always tell when I've been short on sleep!
Mom gets back to MN today, I think--Kris and Gary went to Tucson to help her close up the house for the summer, so they'll help her negotiate the airports and the luggage on the flight home. I know she's coming to see you soon--and I wish I could, too. We're coming close to the end of the semester, but I'll be teaching here during the May semester, so it looks like I won't be home until early in June. Amy's doing a site visit to Atlanta the week before Memorial Day, though, and will stay through the holiday weekend, so that gives me something to look forward to. I'm trying to decide what she'd like to do here--I think Atlanta and Savannah are probably the best places to take her--Valdosta's not exactly a tourist's dream destination!
Take care, you two. I love you and think of you often, and you're always in my prayers.
Love,
Cousin Jane

Good Morning Julie,

I just want you to know, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Ousley (sister) has been keeping me up to date since your illness began. I think about all those Kentucky Derby Years and how many laughs we had. You are a wonderful person and have touched many lives - that is quite obvious from all the wonderful messages that have been left. Stay strong and know that we are all "BETTING ON YOU" for a full recovery. I will keep you in my daily prayers.

Love, Brenda Haase - (Schwab)

Julie,

We are praying you come home soon. You are a very special friend. Chip and Buster are taking naps together most days, mainly just hanging out looking out the door(like dogs do). We all miss you.

Love,

Phil Debbie Elise and Cara

Good morning, Julie -- I have read Steve's latest update and hope that your peaceful day meant a peaceful night, too. I know that a good night's rest can make all the difference to the way I feel, and I hope that today you will feel the benefit, too. I know there isn't anything I can say to "make it better", but please know that there are many, many people praying for you and your recovery. You are truly loved!

I'm looking out the window at another beautiful morning here -- we have had such good weather! It's been warm and sunny for over a week now, so all our flowering trees are in bloom and people's gardens look gorgeous. I need to go out and do some errands in a minute, to be back by lunchtime when Pat and Eddie are coming to help me put up my new curtains in our livingroom. Pat has kindly done the hemming -- if left to me, nothing would look straight! (But then you know all about my lack of sewing skills, don't you??)

I just want to wish you all the best for another good day, making progress and feeling better. We think of you all the time and all five of us send lots and lots of love, Susie, Andrew, Abbie, Melissa and Stuart

Dearest Julie. I was so sad to hear that yesterday was not a good emotional day for you. But then I am not surprised that you will have days like that with all you have been through so far. I have spent all day trying to think of something profound and uplifting to say, but I'm afraid motivational speaking is not my forte! Please just remember that we love you and are praying for you and we will all "be there" for you no matter what. I recall reading that someone had said to remember that God only gives us what we can handle. Well, my minister said it better, I think, in that he said God only gives us what HE and we can handle together, he does not want us to go it alone. Rely on Him for strength. A friend sent me a prayer today and I immediately thought of you. I will pass it on and hope it gives you at least a little comfort: This morning when I awakened and saw the sun above, I softly said "Good Mornig Lord, bless everyone I love." Right away I thought of you and said a loving prayer, That He would bless you specially, and keep you free from care.I thought of all the happiness a day could hold in store, I wished it all for you because, no one deserves it more. I felt so warm and good inside, my heart was all aglow. I know God heard my prayers for you, He hears them all you know.

Keep believing Julie that things will get better. I love you and will keep you in my prayers. Love, Betsy

Hi Julie !!!! There is not a day that goes by without thinking about you & saying a prayer to give you the strength you need to get through each day. I so much appreciate the daily updates that Steve posts for us every day. It sounds like you are being a real trouper, trying to take the good days with the not so good days. I can see your smile, positive attitude, & your funny sense of humor that I remember you always having, will get you through. You have the love & support from so many friends & family members!!!! God Bless You, Julie!!!!!

your R.F. College friend, Yvonne

Julie,

We - Willy, my parents Merlin & Loris, and myself are thinking of you daily. I want you to think of Mary Crownhart - as an example of someone who enjoyed people, golf ..... life and fought hard. Julie, with so many people in your corner praying for you ..... prayer is powerful medicine. You must focus and be positive and fight - fight - fight !!! We have had so many great times and I believe that there will be more weekend get togethers. More great times for you and your family. You have to believe it too.

Julie our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Patti and Willy

Dearest Julie,

Wow! so many messages posted ,you will get worn out just reading them. I know how frustrating things can become, but one must realize that they can bring some relief to you. You have been so strong through all of this that you are a model for all of us. Keep up the good fight Julie, we are all in your camp and will continue to fight with you.

Yesterday I took care of Nick so Leif could go to an interview for the St. Paul schools. Keep him in your thoughts as he really needs this job. Nick was really good. We went up to mom's house and cleaned out a few more things. We have it listed for sale, so sad as it has been in the family since 1900. I would have considered buying it, but it is too expensive and it needs a ton of work. Also we need to get as much for it as we can as mother will need the money for her care. She doesn't know any of this of course.

In other family knews, Brit has pneumonia, and Milana's dad is having major surgery next week.The good news is that his heart is functioning well after his 2 heart attacks. Eric's van is not functioning as well so he has been using my Acura, my favorite car even if it is 13 years young. I hope he returns it soon.

I need to do a whole lot more raking here, I just hate raking!! Why doesn't God just blow these leaves away?

Take care now and keep strong, things will get better. Much love to you and to Steve. I do so much appreciate the updates. Aunt Mary

Dear Julie,

Hello from Waupun WI. I must tell you that I read about you everyday when I get to work. Day by Day it seems as if your recovery is moving along well. Your husband writes like he should be a professor. I am highly impressed, he must be a pilot. It has been crazy lately, we have been working for 14 days straight preparing for a huge aviation inspection. The stress level is high, and patients are running out day by day. You know me, my patients are running out because again to many irons in the fire. Sometimes I wonder if my husband thinks twice about being married? He continues to remark that I don't come from normal people because we can never sit down and just relax. I try though with my glass of wine and a bath by 10:00. See Days of Our lives was on at ten, now they moved it again. I just will have to ask Lou what is going on.

I didn't know you a had a dog, let me tell you my beagle is my kid. I have one Shawn has two outside beagles for hunting. I think I spend more on Vet bills than on myself for anything. I got pet insurance and that is nice. My dogs knee surgery is pretty up there in price but he will have it in June. All the extra flight pay wont even pay for it, so now we pay pet insurance. My mom laughs at me. She cant believe what we do for our dogs, but that is my kid. So my dear friend, I am thinking its time we come visit. We don't want to come in and bother you unless you want company. Sounds like your ready for some. As soon as the army is completed with this inspection we will be on our way up to the land of a lot of lakes. Adopted Aunt Julie, you are one of the strongest, courageous women I know. You live life to its fullest. Katie and I both have said Lou and Julie lived life, and had a lot of fun doing it. So since your sister Lou still loves the Derby and Katie and I would love to share a whirlpool with wine again, keep a happy face, and continue to progress as well as you are okay. Your an inspiration for the new modern woman. You have a great fashion sense, oh and lets add that your married to great man, who can literally fly you anywhere in the world LOL . So my friend/ Aunt keep your head up, God only gives you what you can handle that is what my friend Karl tells me.

God Bless take care

Hi Julie, It's Lou. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. With the treatments you will be making improvements soon. I had Easter at our house a week and a half ago. We had 8 little ones here so it was lively. They were all dressed up in their fancy outfits. So cute. Angie has her dance recital this week end, so more fancy outfits that you would love. It was also my birthday last week and like so many years it snowed. It brought back memories of our week end in Hayward last spring. Remember the nasty weather, but we had so much fun shopping Main Street and finding the fudge shop, plus a gift shop that had a wine cellar. We enjoyed that huge cabin outside of town, sitting by the warm fireplace sipping coffee and talking for hours in our pjs. It was nice to read that Jane remembers our Kentucky Derby experience and she still celebrates every year. Remember our first trip to Churchill Downs and you loved the horse named Woodchopper. It's almost Derby time again. The college girls are calling to see how you are. It has been so nice to have Steve updating us. They all send their love. May God send his healing touch and bless you. Love and hugs, Lou and Larry

Julie - I just returned from a weekend (4 days) with Krista at German camp (Concordia Language Village in Bemidji). There was no English spoken except from me! I kept thinking of you and Stephen and how frustrating the communication must be. Of course my situation was different because I could always beg them to speak English. I am so glad to hear you are able to speak once in a while now--wow, what a relief that must be! Have no fear, I never got lost or went into the men's bathroom by mistake, and I think I have this goofy accent thing going, but I keep humming the Star Spangled Banner just to clear my head. Jim and Danny had a relaxing weekend without girls around. We pray for you daily, and hope you cotinue to improve.

Love Shelley, Jim, Dan & Krista Hallen

Good Morning Julie and Stephen. I hope this finds things going better today and that last night was restful for both of you. Good to have that move out of the way. Now you can get on with getting stronger and better! It is a rainy morning here in Milwaukee (wasn't predicted of course) but is to be sunny this afternoon. Not quite as warm here "by the lake" as farther to the west, but still feels like spring so I will take it. I am at work today for my 12 hour stint but had a minute so thought I'd check in on you. I pray today is a better day and send my best thoughts, prayers and love.

Love, Betsy

Hello.

I am a friend of Kari's in Milaca. Last year, I relied on my Caringbridge website to update family and friends at the birth of my premature babies. I was amazed (and continue to be amazed) at all the people who were touched by our family story. I also appreciated the communication tool my Caringbridge offered around the hospital schedule and the emotional and mental well being we were feeling at the time.

You are in the thoughts and prayers of our family.

Hi, Julie and Steve--
I got back from my conference in New Orleans and was thrilled to read all the good news of your progress! Sounds like yesterday was rough, with the move and all, but I'm sure it'll be a temporary set-back. I hope that you feel much better today, and can rest and recover your strength a bit.
We had some cooler weather down here over the last couple of days--nothing like the cold and snow up north, but cold for us! I was joking with a few fellow yankees that it felt like a Minnesota summer--but of course I'm already thinking longingly of being up north--I am so very grateful for our loving family, and I'm so very glad that many of them can be with you. I am with you in my prayers and thoughts and am looking forward to being with you in person soon.
I've been working on the invitation for my Kentucky Derby party (this year will be the 14th annual), so that reminded me of the year that you, Jill, Carolyn, Lou, and a couple of other friends swung through Indiana and picked me up to go to the Derby! What a fun and crazy weekend that was--7 women in one hotel room! It was great fun--one of my treasured memories!
And in addition to the Iowa Lutherans, the Valdosta Episcopalians are praying for you, too!
Love you lots--hugs to you, Steve, Ian, and Chip!

Cousin Jane

Good morning! I wrote yesterday but got a message that my "cookies" weren't installed so I don't know if you got it or not. If you did, this will be a repeat.

We are finally having nice weather here. Sunday Jeff took the plow off of the tractor and put the mower on so he finally got the lawn mowed. I worked in the flower beds getting rid of last year's growth. I'm hoping the flowers will make it. They started coming up when the weather got so nice, but then we had a week when the temperatures got to below freezing in the evenings. Some of them look quite stressed!

Jeff and I have temporary custody of Sedi's cat. Sedi's been living in the hotel since he got back to Des Moines in January. He has a townhouse, but when he moved to Missouri he rented it out and the renters will be there until the end of May. Anyway, a hotel is not an ideal place for a cat, so she's ours for now. It's been a long time since we've had a young cat. She's Siamese so she's loud, pushy and quite entertaining.

I hear yesterday was rough. I hope you can get some rest today and start to feel better soon. A bunch of Lutherans in Norwalk send their prayers your way and you're always in ours.

Much love - Alzi

Hi Julie. Good news again tonight as I read today's progress report. Stephen said you noted that you were so bored. When I was there to visit on Monday that was one thing I kept thinking- that you were awake and aware and yet could not talk and that the time must go so slowly for you. Hopefully more therapies will fill some time for you. I can't possilbly know how this is for you but can only imagine how difficult it is to be patient. But all of us have seen great improvements, so keep going, keep strong. Love you and think of you often, Betsy

P.S. Mom and Dad are here and send their love and good wishes, too. We all pray for an uneventful move tomorrow- enjoy getting outside for once!!

Hi Julie -- It's Sunday evening, the end of what has been a beautiful weekend here, and I just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you. The first thing we do every morning is to check the CaringBridge website; I am so happy that you are making such progress -- Stephen's udates have been uplifting! I know tomorrow will be a big day as you move hospitals; we will be praying that further treatment and more good care will mean you'll get stronger and stronger. We love you lots and lots, Susie and family

Dear Julie,

Sunshine at last and some warm temps. It has really brought out the goose population. I have been shooting bottle rockets into the wetland trying to discourage them from nesting. Don't tell Owen . We have had a major problem with then because of our huge amount of grass out to the lake. I need to finish up the raking , but I don't have much enthusiasm for it. Good news here, Sarah's DI team took second at state and will now go the Nationals the end of May. We are all very proud of her. And proud of you as well, talking at last, what a relief that is for you and everyone else. Good things are just around the corner Julie. My love to you . Aunt Mary

Hi Julie-have been thinking of you constantly and am glad to hear you are making positive progress in recovery! Cousin Par had been keeping me aware of you situation and of course I feel grateful to have such great relatives! Though distance separates us at this time, you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, from cousin(2nd) Rosemary

Hi Julie,

I am so pleased to read Steve's update on your progress. You are certainly heading in the right direction. I know it's not fast enough for you, but please be patient and realize this is tremendous!! We are so proud of you for hanging in there and being strong. You're truly a brave person to be working so hard on your recovery. The day will come when you are back home, out for your daily walks with Steve and Chippy, and stopping along the way to say "hi" to all your neighbors who love you so dearly. Stay strong and know that we are with you every step of the way to recovery. Love, Sue, Rick, and Celeste

Hi Julie. I was happy to log on here today and see an update from yesterday. I was hoping that your progress was continuing and it sure sounds like it is. I know you would like it to go faster but just remember how far you have come from just 10 days ago; from 5 days ago, really. I am hoping to come back up and see you again soon, but don't know how it will go with the girls' schedule and all. This is a busy time of year with recitals and concerts and all. Please know I am thinking about you always and love you much. Have a good night and a good move on Monday. It will be good to move forward with treatment since you seem to be responding so well. "Talk" to you soon. Love, Betsy

Julie,

Hi Julie!!!! Carolyn has been keeping me informed with everything going on and I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and praying for a fast recovery. You are such a brave person and I know that you are a fighter and you will make it through this. Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with Carolyn some time and visit soon. Take care of yourself. Talk to you soon.

Julie - so happy to return to Bloomington this afternoon from Glenwood and read such encouraging news. God does answer prayers! I'll see you tomorrow; I can use my last parking pass at Methodist then. I hope you have a great night tonight.

Love, Kristin

Hi Juje. Thinking about you and hoping things are still going well. I talked to Kari last night and she spoke to Jill so I think I am up to date on everything. I am praying you had another good night and are able to sit up for a while again today. Just remember we love you and are praying for you. Be strong. Love to you and Stephen, Betsy

Dear Julie,

It's so good to hear that the treatments seem to be helping. You're in our thoughts and prayers every day and hope you'll be well enough to come home before long. After all, who else can I just sit on the deck and share a glass of good wine with?

=^)

Hello Julie...Carolyn gave me this link...what a great idea..I'm so happy to hear you are showing improvement...hang in there....Val

Dear Julie, It was so good to see you on Monday and I found it so hard to leave knowing I was headed home to Oak Creek to be so far away again. It sounds as though you have made great strides since Monday!! I am so happy to hear of the improvement. I know this is taking longer than you would like but please be patient and continue to be strong. We are all pulling for you and praying like crazy. You are NEVER far from our thoughts. With Love, Betsy

Hi Julie,

I wanted to get a quick greeting in to you before I left for Hudson to get mom's taxes and finally return Nick's shoe. I think that he will be my guest for the weekend as Sarah's Imagination team qualified for state and will be on deck this weekend. They were the only elementary school team to qualify in their district so we are very proud of her. Now lets hope that it finally warms up as Nick is an outside kind of guy.

I just know that the report at 3:00 will bring a lot of encouragement to all of us, but most certainly to you. It had to feel so good to view the world from a sitting position at last. You are always in my prayers and my friends at church as well. You have no idea how many people are asking God to heal you. Get that rest you need so the move can take place. Much Love to you and to Steve. You are both real troopers. Aunt Mary

Hi Julie,

Bill and Barb checking in here. You are in my prayers daily. Hope you can feel the strength and support thoughts we are sending your way, with wishes that you feel better today, tomorrow, the day after that, and then the day after that, and on and on.

Barb Johnson and Bill Porter

Good morning, Julie. I thought I'd be the 1st one in today, but I see cousin Suzie beat me to it! I'm so glad that you continue to make such good progress; we are all heartened by it.

We had snow and cold here yesterday and I think we're all ready for spring to get here. Easter was very cold and windy, but it's still my favorite church holiday, so joyous. We thought we would be alone for Easter, but we found Leif, in bed, when we got up Sunday morning. He went to church with us and stayed until about 2:00, then went back to Iowa City. It was such a nice surprise to have him with us. Sedi and his girlfriend had Easter dinner with her family, but they did come over around 5:00, so it was a good day for us.

Anyway, you continue getting better and we'll continue praying; that seems like a fair deal.

All my love - Alzi

Hi Julie -- just wanted to let you know that you are thought about by all the Cook family here and prayed for by many on this side of "the pond"! I have really appreciated all Stephen's email updates and now am glad to read about your progress on Caringbridge. It doesn't take the place of being able to visit, but sure beats regular mail -- being so far away would be so much harder without the computer to help stay in touch! We love you lots and lots, Cousin Susie

Hey Hey!!

You had a good day today, your hubby told me. Awesome on the movement of the arms!! I love you and will see in the am. You have never given up on anything..no need to start now.. We all love you soooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!

Nat

Julie,

I see you often, but wanted to put it in writing too. Plus, I can't be the only Kinney sister that doesn't log it and write! Everytime I come to visit you, I pray that I can project love and that you will feel it. You are loved so very much by so many people. I pray you feel that and feel God's love surrounding you and know you are never alone.

I am so excited and grateful to see the progress you are making. I know it is slow and small, but it is so encouraging. I think about you a hundred times a day - and I don't believe I am exaggerating. You have hundreds of people thinking of you, praying for you (that may be in the thousands as I know you are on prayer lists, too), and loving you.

Love, Cousin Annie

Julie,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have been getting daily updates via phone and email and now with diagnoses and treatments starting, we know you can beat this thing.

The four of us send our love and look forward to seeing you up and around when we are up to visit.

Jeff, Allison, Sedi, Leif

Hi, Julie -
I hope you are doing better. You are in my prayers and I hope you get stronger soon. My friend Luke came over tonight after I finished my homework. I brought home my art project - a Whaley-draggle (a a mythical creature, a mix between a dragon fly, a whale, a vulture and a stingray). I will bring it next time I visit.
Lots of love,
Jorgen

Julie - We have been thinking about you daily, and you and your family are in our prayers. I am so glad than Ian set you up on caringbridge. I had another friend who said it was really a blessing for him and his family to see all the daily notes. He wasn't up for visitors, but loved to read the notes. It gave his family support also.

Also, my sister in law had a feeding tube in her stomach and was very comfortable with it. She was actually at home & fed herself a formula through it. She has since had it removed and given birth twice. I think it will make you much more comfortable, and even more unique :-)

Continue to feel better.

Love Shelley Hallen (oh, okay, and your cousin Jimmy, too) take care.

Dearest Julie, I know that God is looking over you and he will bring you some relief from all that you have had to endure. All of my family is so concerned about you because we love you so much. We are so in hopes that you will get stronger and will be moved to Abbot Northwestern. That's where I had my back surgery and its a great facility.Its such a cold dark Spring and now we are looking for snow again. I have a church council meeting tonight and dread the thouht of an icey,slushy, drive on these rural roads. All of my kids were here for Easter. Mom too and sister Sally, Frank and Paul and family. We were 14 adults and 10 kids. The kids had such fun . I had Jim hide their baskets this year as when I do it they all know where they are before we even eat. Not so this time. Brit looked for half an hour and begged Uncle Jim for help. Nick lost one of his shoes and I just found it today, in my bedroom under the loveseat. He chased Jenna and Kaycie all overthe house. Mom was really good. I went to church at 7:00 and went down to Baldwin to get her. It was a busy fun day. Much love to you and to Steve too Aunt Mary

Dear Julie,

We have you, Stephen, Ian, and the rest of your family in our prayers, and we send our love and very best wishes to you. We are praying for your guardian angels to hover around you constantly. Thanks to Stephen for keeping us posted daily. Love, peace, and blessings, Bob and Wanda in Tucson

Dear Julie,

Kristin forwarded this web address to me so now I won't be the only Kinney sister that hasn't checked in. Anyway, you are in our prayers and thoughts often throughout the days and I'm so glad to hear you're making some progress. I hope you can find some comfort with the knowledge that so many people are praying for you and that you are so dearly loved.

XXOO - Alzi

Hi Cousin,

We think about you a lot and our prayers are with you. We have been passing Steve's excellent updates along to the Scottum clan and now they can get this info directly. We pray that your most recent positive progress continues and we can expect to see a "well Julie" in the very near future. Keep up a positive attitude. Know we love you and you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Par & Mary Peterson

Hi Julie,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you every day. As strong willed as you are, I think you will be on your feet sooner than I can run 10 miles for the army. We have been talking about you a lot latey, your ears should be ringing, of course all good stuff. Lou is right, my mom always thinks of you when she sees M'ms. I told my mom though that this party must go on, and sooner or later we must have another Dells weekend. They have some really cool new places to shop. So my friend/adopted Aunt get some rest, let your husband/PC pilot in command continue to take great care of you, and we will be seeing you soon. God Bless Julie, and well write soon.

Dear Julie--
I've been thinking about you and praying for you every day. I'm very grateful for Steve's daily messages, and Ann and Kristin have also been good about keeping me posted. I wish I could be up in Minnesota to visit with you. You are loved dearly by so many, and we're all pulling for you.
Love,
Jane

Dear Julie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you every single day. It has been so nice of Stephen to keep us updated on your condition. It sounds like you continue to get lots of cards, good wishes, and visitors. Know that you are always surrounded by so much love and friendship from so many. The college friends continue to call to see how you are doing. They all send their best wishes. I forward Stephen's messages, but now they can check Caring Bridge. I even heard from Lori Yeager and she remembered our time at Wisconsin Dells with the blue m and m's. That should make you smile. We have so many precious memories and will make more someday when you are better. Continue to be brave and strong. Remember God is always with you and will continue to give you strength. We all love you dearly. Friends Forever, Lou and Larry

Julie - I missed seeing you today, and now I will be in Glenwood for the rest of the week (until Friday). I will keep you in my thoughts - where you always are! - every day. I love you lots.

Julie, I miss you so much and wish I were closer so I could visit you every day. But you are in my prayers daily and my family asks about you daily. Love you so much and am praying you recover quickly!

Carolyn

Hi Julie!

Here is it Easter Sunday. What an important day for us all. We're praying for your total recovery.

Love you,

Gordy and Patti

Hi Julie,

We're pulling for you! Glad your family can be with you on Easter.

Love you, Gordy and Patti