Just A Normal New Year

Everyone goes through a period of low emotions coming out of the holidays. As we move on from the shopping and the planning and the parties, “normal” life seems duller than normal. For Erica and me, this feeling has been a bit more intense this year as we realize that the new normal is not normal. We’ve been living the magic of the holidays since our Thanksgiving trip to the Magic Kingdom and then we are suddenly reminded of doctor appointments and treatment scheduling. Although we have settled back in to routine this month, it has not been without moments to celebrate.

Our youngest son, Bram, was home from college for several weeks beyond the new year. We don’t see him much when he is around, but I like to say that his presence was with us. We’ve also been blessed by our oldest son, Christian, coming in on several weekends. A few times to attend Steelers games (which were not always joyful) or to go skiing. As every parent knows, having your child near and safe is comforting. For Erica, it’s more than comfort. The best I can explain it is that she feels complete, even in her brokenness.

Erica and her mother joined me and Erica’s brother, Rob, on a day trip to Seven Springs. The ladies enjoyed the ski lodge atmosphere while Rob and I acted half our age. It felt like old times (with the added adventure of wheelchair riding through a snowy parking lot).

My mother chose to start her new year with us. She came from Florida to stay with us for the month of January. This has been an absolute blessing for me as I have jumped back in to a very busy work schedule. Her gift of service is unmatched, anticipating every need and acting selflessly.

Medically, Erica continues to do well. She has been given the full go on her shoulder from her orthopedic surgeon. Movement and therapy will help get her back to full motion, but there are no restrictions or concerns. (I’d be remiss to not mention here how amazed I am at the body’s ability to heal itself. To see how a bone can form out of nothing to fill a 1 inch bridge in the exact location needed, can only be God’s design. And to have the high resolution technology to watch this over time is human genius. As I’ve said many times, miracles and medicine). Her neurologist confirmed that her most recent brain scan was great news. The cancer is stable and no new side effects. Erica has had two treatments since Christmas where they test blood and vitals reveling that her body is managing well.

With all this good news, it is hard to accept that the brain and the body are still not in sync. But this is the new normal with which we start 2026. And as normal, the laughter continues.