As I finally sit to write a blog update, my house is filled with fun loving teenage boys gathered in our basement to eat food, play pool and watch the Super Bowl! I do love having the house filled with teens, it just makes our often abnormal house feel so normal! 🙂
So we survived our big family ski trip to Vermont! And as a bonus, our school was closed 2 days for winter weather, so I got back 2 of my personal days and the kids did not have as much work to make up.
Our first night of the trip was one of my faves and it set the tone for our vacation! We arrived Sunday evening in snowy Vermont, checked in, and went to the outdoor hot tub! The whole family laughed hysterically as we made our way through the snow in our bare feet to the hot tub. Tyler’s hair froze nicely, as well as Curt’s hair. Actually by the time I headed back to our room my hair was frozen stiff. First time I ever went to blow dry frozen hair! 🙂 And it was during the laughter of the hot tub and the snow I completely FORGOT that we are a family gripped with the horrors of a tough disease. I totally forgot, and was wrapped up in the joy of the moment. 🙂
The next 2 days, Curt and the kids skied, and skied and skied!
And I read and read and read! 🙂 I know I am a bit behind the times, but I started reading “The Shack” while on vacation. Great book so far!
We didn’t ski on Wed. Curt was exhausted from his 2 days of skiing, and the conditions were not that great either. So we totally chilled in the hotel room, and played endless rounds of boggle, ate pizza, and the kids drove us crazy! But they really had fun together, and enjoyed hanging with each other……..so I cherished the moment…..despite the fact that they sure were obnoxious! 🙂
Thursday the kids were back skiing, Curt and I chilled at the lodge. Curt did GREAT his two days of skiing, but he does get so much more tired these days, and as most men with or with out Alzheimer’s think, they can do things just as they did 20 years ago! Needless to say he did not ski on Thursday morning. So we headed home on Thursday afternoon, and thanks to God Almighty, not my expert driving, we made it home safely! I have been so spoiled for years, Curt has driven on all the long trips while I sit and read. Not this trip, I had to drive, so I am thankful for a safe drive to Vt. and home. Although I must add that Tyler drove for about 2 hours on the trip up to Vt………nice to have another driver!
Thanks to so many of you who prayed for our special family trip!! We are so thankful for the fun memories!
On the Alzheimer’s front………………………
When I returned to school on Friday I received an email from the Dr. who treated Curt at Johns Hopkins. Here is a copy of what he said;
“Curt has 1 ApoE3 and 1 ApoE4 allele. The presence of the E4 allele makes it unlikely he’ll respond to the Axona. It also significantly raises the probability he has Alzheimer’s disease as opposed to some other form of dementia. And yes, it really is unusual, but not unheard of at this age; I really sympathize with you having to deal with this terrible life-changing problem. In some respects the caregivers suffer more than the patient.”
So it means, that Curt would not benefit from the one newer medical food that they had considered for him…..ugh!
So we will keep pressing on, living daily with evidence of how this disease permeates our every day lives. Yet we strive to keep on, pressing on!
Philippians 3:14 ~ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus~
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Jesus and Dark Chocolate 
So funny you posted today. You have been on my heart all day long and I meant to dm you or fb you all day and never made the time to do it. But you were and continue to be on my heart, in my prayers. I am a controller/make it all better kind of girl. That is what I want to do for you. Make it all better. Make Curt all better. I hate this discouraging news. I love your response to it. You are amazing and a wonderful example of “to love in sickness and in health, for better and for worse.”
Hugs…
Susan
profound words are not forthcoming… I am continuing my prayers!
Did you mother never say to not go barefoot in the snow? I am happy our trip was a success!
Take Care my friend!
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful and memorable trip. Wow – frozen hair. Shiver. I’ll let you keep that experience.
So sorry about the latest news from the doctor. Wretched, wretched disease!! As you press on, press in to Him!
Hugs to you!
Our Book Club read The Shack to very mixed reviews. Interesting how many things impact our opinions about the things we read.
Glad you had this wonderful time together as a family.
I am so very sorry to hear that this medicine is not going to be an option. I have read back through many, many of your posts to get an idea of what you have been going through and find myself thinking of you and your family from time to time.
It really makes me stop and think about what is important and how much I take for granted.
I’ll be praying that there will be other meds or treatments that can make a difference.
Hugs,
A new friend right here in Lancaster County.
Becky K.
Hospitality Lane
I spread a wide smile reading you walking in the snow to the hot tub, the kids, pictures, skiing and fun. The letter unrolled the curl in the corners of my mouth, your strength will be rewarded. I think of you often and so glad you had time away. Vermont, a trip about 5 years ago took us on a large detour and we ended up driving he hills in Vermont, I loved it then it is a beautiful place. We have had snow over the past 3 weeks off and on and I’ll think of you today while I pull on my heavy boots to clear the drive.
While you were in the snow, we were in the sun with several friends–a cruise to the Panama Canal. We also visited friends in Florida, one of whom is dealing with the beginning of Alzheimer’s. I could see many symptoms I read on your blog exhibited in my friend. Your experience helped me deal with and understand what is going on with my dear friend and her husband. I know you would rather not be used that way, but God IS using you and your blog for His purposes.
My daughter is dealing with a difficult life situation and I had to remind her that she is right where God wants her to be to carry out His purposes. In America, we tend to think that life is good with occasional times of pain, but in other countries, they know that life is painful, with occasional times of goodness. We have to look for the joy. But it IS there and God blessed your family with a joyful time that you will always remember.
Still praying for you,
Alva Lee
So glad you had a great time on your family trip. Praise God for the safety driving, enjoying skiing and your family time.
Praying for you
So glad to hear that you guys had a great time! We all need a little R&R from time to time. And you definitely need it. Sorry to hear about the doctor’s report. I’m continuing to pray for you and your precious family. (((HUGS))) to you my friend!
Praise God for a great family vacation! I was thinking of you!! The pics are great and although I am sorry to hear about the email and Curt, please know that we are still praying and I am thanking the Lord that you had a good family time…God is faithful!!!
So glad you had such a great vacation and were able to just forget everything and enjoy for a while.
I’m used to my husband driving, too — that would be hard to adjust to.
So sorry for the doctor’s report. I just can’t imagine. Praying for God’s grace to sustain you all.
I’m late getting here, but I’m so glad that your family getaway was so wonderful! 🙂
I’m glad you had a fun and memorable trip. And glad God gave you safety in your traveling.
I read The Shack about a year ago after a neighbor asked for my thoughts on it. I have to say, it was hard to put down and very moving in many ways. I’d love to know what you thought of it.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Continuing to pray
Sounds like a wonderful vacation! Snow days are just the best, aren’t they? Sorry about the news…I will keep your family in my prayers.
Sounds and looks like a great trip. I’m a new follower from the Mom Blogs…stop by my place and return the favor.