The Huddle 2008 09 18

Hello Everyone,

Here is an update on Ellie Potvin, Karen Kozlowski McGee’s granddaughter (I’ve also included the original note I included on July 20th.

“Bill and I are in Charlotte, NC helping out wherever we can with Amy's family. Ellie is doing weekly chemo and started radiation treatments for 6 weeks, 5 days a week on her abdomen area and then her lungs. They are being very aggressive as she is stage 4, metastasized Rhadomyosarcoma. She is a plucky kid, her twin is coping and we are all walking with the Lord one day at a time. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Karen”


[July 20

Most pressing is a note from Karen Kozlowski McGee regarding her granddaughter, six year old, Ellie Potvin.

Please pray for her.

“Please ask all the Huddle friends to pray for the cure of my 6 year old granddaughter, Ellie Potvin. She is a fraternal twin of Grace Potvin and the child of my daughter, Amy and her husband, Tim. She was diagnosed on July 3rd with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma--tumors are in her leg muscles, lungs, abdomen and lymph glands. Aggressive treatment has started. In God, all is possible. Karen Kozlowski McGee”]

Please continue to pray for Ellie and her family.

Take care, Jon Jay

Nine2Nite

The Huddle 2008 09 10

Hello Everyone,

Guess who this is with Dipsy Doodle. That’s right!

Little Bobby Mathewson.

And…………………..it’s his birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!!!

Here’s some wisdom from Bob on his special day that brings it all together.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catching in my throat as Belker's Family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Take care, Jon Jay

Nine2Nite