Me & My Dad: Update

September 1st, 2015

I know I’ve been out of touch for a few months. I’m writing now to let you know I haven’t disappeared for good, and to tell you a little about what’s going on with me.

My dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in mid-June. A month later he started chemotherapy, but after one treatment, the doctors determined that treatment was too dangerous for his weakening, 88-year-old body, and discontinued it. He’s currently at home in hospice care and I am with him in Ohio.

I have spent a fair amount of time with my dad and mom this summer. Taking this time away from my business has made sense in every way.

I’ve been able to continue working with some current clients via Skype, and I’m confident that when I get back to Boulder and am ready to dive in again, I’ll be able to reignite the fire at the heart of my business and continue to help you get your voice and your story out into the world with power and grace.

I am so deeply grateful for the time I’m getting to spend with my dad right now. So many dear friends and family have come through the house to see him during these weeks, many who have traveled from afar to be with him.

In spite of his growing weakness, and the struggle he has in speaking, he receives visitors with so much graciousness and sincere gratitude. I’m inspired by his deep appreciation for all the relationships in his life, and his open-hearted presence and good humor in the face of this unforgiving illness.

Here are a couple of pictures of me and my dad. The first from 1979ish and the second from last year.

My Dad’s a retired Presbyterian minister. You might remember this post I made in which I referred to a passage from a 16th century text he shared with me about how to be a better public speaker.

Singing hymns together is a long-time tradition in my family, so since I’ve been in Ohio my siblings and I have been piling up on my Dad’s bed at bedtime and singing hymns (and lullabies and old folk songs and anything else we come up with.)

This time together has been so precious, and I have to say I’m falling in love again and again with my dad and my whole family.

Right now my Dad’s condition is stable, so I’ve made the decision to return to Boulder to do the story slam on September 12 & 13, and to present my solo show in the Boulder International Fringe Festival September 17-27.

I hope to see you at one of these events, and I look forward to being in touch when I’m back on the ground in Boulder.

Til then, thanks for sticking with me.