"Good Intentions"

Wow, can you believe it is October tomorrow? What has happened to 2010? Better yet, how about this decade? After all, I remember vividly toasting the new millennium in Bonny Doon, California. Oceana was the planned event, and sure enough she arrived later that December. I'll never forget that day. Perhaps this was the only planned event that came to fruition from the millennium toast. Certainly, I didn't see us living on the East Coast. Moreover, I never imagined all of the series of unfortunate events that have occurred during this decade. Somehow, there is always a silver lining in the horizon that illuminates the present future no matter how "dark" the current reality is. It is not always easy to find and requires a certain level of optimism to achieve.
This optimism is what has kept me going, not only through the last nine months but through out my life, thankfully. What I have come to realize is that not everyone has the ability to see my silver lining and is therefore not always on the same page. Often, I get carried away in optimism (the very thing that keeps me going) and thus the ideal that I wish to create falls apart. Different realities, perceptions, and misunderstandings interfere with my optimistic ideals. Ultimately, I want what any father wants for his family, security, health and love. If I have offended anyone over the last nine months with my ideals or by overstepping boundaries, please know that this was not my intent and that I am not at all trying to take advantage of anyone's support. My nuclear family and I are very grateful for the aid our family and friends have elected to provide. Tomorrow, I have a financial appointment with CHOP, in which we will begin to pay what has not been covered by our insurance. Our family and friends have donated over $7,000.00, of which will be given directly towards our exorbitant CHOP hospital bills, physician bills and added co-pays. Patricia, Oceana and I thank you for the support.

Most importantly, Oceana is doing quite well. Healthy, (knock on wood) she remains. Oceana's body is finally manufacturing blood products on her own and therefore her central line is scheduled to be removed. Our visits to CHOP will hopefully start to dwindle as we still visit the outpatient clinic a minimum of once a week. We are doing everything we possibly can to try and make sure a relapse does not occur by changing our living space, eating healthier and by having a better awareness of the toxins in our environment. We are also considering alternative preventive methods; we are open minded to keep Oceana healthy. Suggestions are welcomed if anyone wishes to offer any knowledge on preventive practices.

I want to take a moment to thank my wife. Prior to Oceana's admittance into CHOP, Trish had quit working for my company in June of 2009, as many of you already knew. After noticing that our world revolved around CHOP and that my presence was needed there 24/7, Trish immediately stepped in and helped out with my business while maintaining her full time job. In a time of crisis, Trish stepped up and hit a home run as a team and family player knowing exactly what needed to be done. Muchas gracias mi amor.