I was about to start this update with an apology for the delay in getting a new update out, but then I stopped myself as I was reminded of something that I tell people I am coaching/teaching all the time...you are enough.  As hard as it is to admit, we can't always get to it all...and that's okay.  I include this only because I'm pretty confident someone who is reading this probably needs to hear it to.  YOU ARE ENOUGH.  Own your enough-ness. :)

Any-who...Mom/Kelsey is doing well!  After a really rough and scary week or so, the steroids took care of the swelling enough for her to start a new chemo regime.  She will be taking two chemo medications off-and-on for the foreseeable future.  One medication is an IV infusion that she will get in Iowa City and the other is an oral pill.  There will, of course, be ongoing tests and scans to inform future steps, but we are grateful to have this plan for now.

We looked into options for clinical trials and alternative therapies, but really didn't find anything that mom/Kelsey would likely qualify for at this point in her disease process.  Like I mentioned way back at the start of these updates, clinical trials carry with them an inherent element of hope, so not being able to go that route is discouraging.  At the same time, that said, we are finding peace and comfort that she is doing well with what we are able to do pursue in Iowa City.

Crazy to believe it's already pretty much "the holiday season", but since we will be celebrating Thanksmas (Ritscher Christmas at Thanksgiving time) this year, Ellie and I/Lacey are quickly shifting into planning and prepping.  If you know my mom, you know how much she loves Christmas.  She's also the most amazing gift-giver I have ever met.  It's been hard/emotional/complex navigating this time (insert additional reminder...you are enough!), but we're looking forward to being together again soon.  

Though difficult to embrace fully, I find 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 a humbling reminder of our space in this earthly life.  "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."  In HIM, we are enough. 

I hope everyone is getting out to vote.  Remember to BE KIND, no matter what the outcome.  In the end, we are all in this together.

Photo: You know how there are "before and after events" in life?  Before kids, after the new job...before the diagnosis.  This photo is our "before" event...Breckenridge, CO, in February 2024.