An Abundance of Friends

Since almost 2 weeks have passed since my last update I thought it might be appropriate to at least let all of you know what has been going on in our lives these past two weeks. I finished my second cycle of velcade last Thursday, got quite sick on Friday, as expected, and am now in the "week off" and enjoying the absence of any heavy drugs being injected into my system. In celebration of completing the second cycle Susan and I were invited to the mountains to stay with our friends, the Dowells, who have built a beautiful home in the Colorado Rockies. We spent two nights at their house with them just relaxing. It was so nice. Marta fixed great meals, we took long walks, and we sat in front of the wood burning stove and talked and talked (and drank a little wine--another one of the benefits of being off the velcade!) We returned on Monday very refreshed. When we arrived home we found dinner had been placed on our front step by our friend, Jeff Hammerberg, who stops by at least once a week (usually more often)just to check on us. We weren't home even two hours and our friends the Jennettes dropped by with a freshly baked apple pie. Of course, we had to drink some wine with them. While we were enjoying that visit another friend and former teacher of both of our daughters, Brett James, and a friend of his drop in "just to say hi". Oh, and while we were away at the Dowells, our close friend Ruth Clements, brought our 2 daughters fresh baked cinnamon rolls. (yes, we left our 2 daughters home for the weekend--they don't take after their father, thank god!)

This morning the founder of this blog, Ted Bettridge, calls and says he has fresh baked french bread and would like to drop by. He arrived a short time later with 3 loaves of warm bread. So, of course, he and I have coffee and bread slathered in butter and jam. While we are still eating, in walk Susan and Ingrid (yes, the blogger from Italy, who is here visiting her guy wholives next door). Ted was thrilled to finally meet Ingrid, after reading her many interesting postings from Siena. Then the doorbell rings and it is Peggy Rottner, with more food to keep us healthy. Just another morning at the Pattersons!

And this is how it has gone ever since that day I was diagnosed, almost a year ago, and our friends, Doris and Devraj Sharma showed up at our door that evening with dinner for the entire family. And as long ago and as far away as that day now seems, I continue to marvel at the warmth, generosity and steadfastness of our friends. Of all the things I have learned during the struggles of this past year, I think the most important one is what all of you have taught me--which is how to be a true friend.

I continue to feel better than I have in a long time, even though I tire easily and Fridays are just "the pits". I start the third velcade cycle on Monday and I'll have more numbers a week from this coming Thursday. Until then, take care and I love you all. Dan