Day 80 --Busy but not very active

 Spent most of the day getting set up for the DSP.  Talked to Aubrey about a timing issue, and asked Anna to give me tips about staging the day.  I'm sure I won't have the Powerpoint done, and I think I need to do the course at least twice to figure out the best use.  I'm still going to try to have as  much of the manual in the computer as possible by the 26th.  It will help ensure I am familiar with the material so I can maximize the flow.  Anna told me she calls all her participants -- to remind them - but to also suggest they bring a sandwich or something for lunch -- since we will only have 30 minutes.  I will be using that time to ensure that the certificates are correct so I can hand them out at the end of the course.

Tomorrow is Jarrod's big day.  Not only does he turn 13, but he and Josh get to go to Epcot to celebrate.  I am very proud of how Jarrod is making this transition --- he is an absolute joy to have around and have conversations with.  When he gets back, I will make a special trip to see his latest Lego acquisition -- since he has been to two weeks of camp to become familiar with the robots that can be built.  It is really privilege to see this young man getting so comfortable in his skin, and displaying some of the decisions he has made about who he is and how he is managing all the changes going on for him.

Speaking of changes -- I know Renee was "ranting" in that great piece she did on Josh's blog: she really revealed the side of her that knows the frustration of dealing with the reality that her youngest has a potentially fatal disease and equally articulated thr strong, caring and determined faith in the strength that has and continues to grow as the four of them deal with the really tough hand they have been dealt.  I read her blog, and realized that they are the only ones that can play the hand they have, and accepted the reality that I nor anyone else can even approach the right thing to do for them -- and they are managing the very best way.  I just hope that I have some resource to assist them when they need it. I have always hesitated to impose myself on Lee and Renee out of respect for their strengths and assurance that they are well equipped to develop their relationship into the strong bond that it is today.  I think Margaret saw and appreciated how there were melding their family -- I just sorry that she is not here physically to witness and appreciate their coping skills.  I am confident she knows, and is smiling.