Note from Erin: I'm going back and posting from Dad's original emails, so you can catch up. The actual first date of this blog was in January 2015.
Christmas Day 2014
I've often been annoyed by Christmas letters that talk about health issues, one after another. But now it might be our turn.
As many of you know, John was diagnosed in February with colon cancer that had spread to his liver. So that has been the background of almost all of the year. Our life has changed immensely because of that diagnosis. In spite of that, as well as because of it, many parts of our lives have changed for the better.
- We have discovered the immense support and caring of friends. It is humbling and overwhelming at times.
- Joyce and I feel more intensely in love than almost any other time in our 45 years of marriage. We try to cherish and appreciate each day.
- The kindness and support of strangers continues to amaze us.
- Friends support to Joyce, the often too tired caretaker, has been incredibly generous and helpful.
- “Things” are less important, friendship are more important
- Joyce describes it all as “life concentrated.”
- In July we worked in a great vacation to Colorado to visit Erin and Mike, as well as staying at Duane (Joyce's cousin x 3) and Barb Gritzmaker's “Treehouse” near Winterpark. Erin took us for a first time kayaking in her inflatable kayaks, and we saw three operas, which were a part of Central City Opera where Erin works.
- Retirement has been accelerated. We closed our office officially on November 26. That has been an emotionally challenging event, as clients are a part of our “family.”
- We are in the wonderful/challenging process of finishing up, moving out, donating, selling and throwing away accumulations of 29 years at the office. Almost done now.
- We are also required to keep patient files for 7-10 years. So a section of John's workshop has become the “File Room.” So we have moved home about 60 file drawers of records and office supplies. Sorting comes later.
The prayers and support of so many people has upheld us, making life special. To celebrate our life journey, you are invited to an open house on January 18. See the details in the attachment.
So, savor and appreciate every day. “We don't know what's coming tomorrow.” *
John and Joyce Swank
* from “Side by Side”
