Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Difficult Weekend, May 11, 2009

As we’ve mentioned, at the end of each day, we note the “roses” and “thorns” of the day…and there are always more roses than thorns. This weekend tested that scenario a bit, as either medication doses, tumor changes, or a virus hit Craig’s intestinal system. Managing Craig physically is challenging most days, but diarrhea added a new level of complexity and exhaustion (I got better at it by the end of the weekend, however!!). So, the hospice nurse was in twice for visits and adjustments. Today he seems to be mostly back to “normal” – Yay!

On the roses side, Craig’s daughter Michelle and granddaughter Karida were in for the weekend. They helped me make a giant pot of applesauce for Craig, which he loved. Being on a rice, bananas, and applesauce diet was not thrilling for him, but he was relatively compliant! Four-year old Karida (5 in June) drew us some great pictures, too. It was a challenge trying to minimize her awareness of Grampa’s difficulties. On the other hand due to her mother’s excellent preparation with her, she was also able to briefly talk to Grampa about passing away soon.

I ran across a quotation recently that seems like it fits what I’m feeling and facing:

“There are times, it seems, that God throws a cosmic switch that moves the tracks beneath us, hurling our lives headlong in a new and uncertain direction. Of these times just two things are certain: It’s best we don’t know what’s ahead. We can never go back.” Richard Paul Evans, “The Sunflower”

Here are the last of the current batch of photo montages—I’m finally caught up! These ones are of Craig with friends:

www.claricomm.com/Friends_Mar-Apr_2009.pdf

www.claricomm.com/Friends_Apr-May_2009.pdf

Love,

Susanne

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