Dear Family and Friends,

Incredible that it has been a year (November 2, 2006) since our diagnosis. As I have said before, it has been warp speed ahead, standing still.

In the month of October we spent 10 days in the hospital. We had gone in for blood and platelet transfusions, then he got a fever (48 hours watch inpatient) then, his counts went down. So that earned us a few more days and a couple more transfusions.

In our stay this time, our roommates did not speak any English. This was an opportunity for us to brush up on our Spanish. Her 6 year old son had leukemia and after 2 years of treatment and a few months of remission, they were back. We spoke of the blessings, hardships and faith that dealing with cancer brings. I told her the biggest gift of all for us was the quality of time we have had with our son that we would not have otherwise had. We get busy in our lives/jobs and the quality of life diminishes as our focus wanders from our children¦and we wonder why our nation is in such a moral/value mess? Our mothers and grandmothers had it right, we just didn't listen. I would not have said this in the not so long ago past, that's a whole other topic; don't get me started!

Just out of curiosity, I counted the days spent in the hospital since 11/2/05, not counting chemo/clinic, physical therapy or radiation treatments; we have spent a total of 125 days in the hospital. We are so happy the worst part is over. Based on our current schedule, our last chemo is January 9, 2007 (exactly one month after Cody's 11th birthday). We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and the light gets brighter each day.

He has been feeling very good, looks good, has more energy and has been eating better. In addition to 'real' food, he is still on a feeding tube at night and probably will be until we are done or when he reaches 65 lbs. whichever comes first. (He is currently at 59 lbs was at 52 lbs).

Cody has wanted to play the drums for awhile. We did not relent as we didn't really have a place that he could practice without disrupting the neighborhood. We went garage sale-ing one day about a month ago and found an electric drum set. (has headphones so the only one that hears the drums is the drummer) We brought it home and what a blessing it has been! Mike, from our church comes over once a week to teach Cody. It has given Cody something to strive to excel in. Academia just doesn't cut it for him. However, Sonja and Sarah from church come by once a week each to help with tutoring, he enjoys that part and it has helped him get over the learning hump. There have been many others that have offered their time and services over the past year too. We thank you all and are forever grateful.

Cody's spirits have been very good. He has not wavered in his faith; in fact, he has become closer to God. (us too) As parents and Christians, it is amazing to witness your child as the recipient of many of God's gifts through all of this and for him to acknowledge them as such. Pretty mighty for a 10 year old!

We decided we will rent our house out and go on a road trip across America this summer for the month of July(ish). We plan to make up for some lost time and take a much needed family vacation. We are starting to plan the trip. It is exciting to just "plan" something. We know we would like to go up north to Oregon , Washington and Canada . Then loop down to Nebraska and Colorado then head for the east coast, then west and south through Texas . Not sure what order yet and not sure what vehicle yet. We both have lots of family and friends spread all over. My mom's side of the family has a reunion in Nebraska every summer and has for the last 60+ years. We haven't attended as a family so would be fun to be able to make this summers reunion in Nebraska and plan some reunions with our east coast relatives as well.

We went to Traveland to look at camping vehicles, just for fun and to get ideas what could be feasible. We decided diesel would be a good idea and/or something on the smaller side (that gets good gas mileage) so we could take advantage of all the State Parks and would be economical and small enough to enjoy the ride and not stress about a long vehicle to drag around and park etc. Just the thought of it is exciting for us all. We will see what transpires from now to then. In the meantime, we will continue to plan. (What a great word!)

Thank you, once again, for your continued faithful prayers.

The Days

PS We just received word that our good friends (in Oaxaca , Mexico ) youngest son (a toddler) was taken to a hospital in Mexico City . They do not know what is wrong. Would you please pray that God gives the Montero family strength, peace and courage to go through this dilemma? Thank you