His name is " THE WALL"

Hi Everyone,

We are happy to let you know that Earl has completed his pre-op chemo. "HURRAY" He was discharged yesterday and actually it was hard to get him out of there. Earl has this amazing way of drawing people to himself and making friends wherever he goes. He is a welcome presence and brings a smile to everyone's face. It has been said that seeing Earl come close to you is like getting a hug.... oh and he is famous for his hugs too.
We have a busy two weeks ahead of us as we get ready for GRAD and our trip to Toronto. Earl's graduation dinner and dance is on Monday June 25th,at the Winnipeg Convention Center, where he has be asked to say grace prior to dinner. What an Honor! His convocation will take place at 9:00 am on Friday June 29th at the Winnipeg Concert Hall and this is open to family and friends. We are very proud that Earl, despite all his challenges has managed to graduate with the rest of the students that he has gone to school with in Pembina Trails.

At 4:00pm on the 29th we depart for Toronto, where we spend a couple of days with friends before Earl is admitted to MT Sinai Hospital. We will get a chance to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame and to the Theater. Earl will be admitted on July 2nd at 4:00pm and will undergo some tests and procedures on Tuesday. We will have a day off on Wednesday, so hopefully if Earl is feeling good we will get a pass and do some Toronto Sightseeing. Thursday is surgery day.... so those of you that pray please mark this day boldly on your calendar. I don't have all the details of the surgery yet, but I think it will be about 9 hours.
I will keep the BLOG updated during our stay in Toronto. And I remind you that it is wonderful to open it up and see that you have sent comments. I will be staying at the Chelsea Delta and Earl will have a phone in his room. He will also have his laptop with him or we might buy him a DVD player so if you have some DVD's that you don't watch anymore perhaps we could borrow them and have some movies to watch while we are there. Earl also has a NINTENDO DS, so he could use some games if you know anyone who has them and doesn't need or want them anymore.

We are at home now so Earl would love to have a phone call, it always cheers him up to hear from his friends and loved ones.

Take Care,
Debbie

Life Continues

HI Everyone,
Earl was so excited on Sunday at his baptism, even commenting that it was the best decision he has ever made. He confidently stood up in front of a full church and shared his faith story, and I even heard a story of a woman having to share her tissue with the man beside her. Needless to say Earl has a strong and powerful story to tell, and watch out when he has an audience.

Earl also spoke at a team building conference for the City of Winnipeg last Wednesday and did a fabulous job encouraging participants as they get ready to launch the summer programs of Parks and Rec in our city. He even got a standing ovation.

Well, chemo does continue and Earl was really not looking forward to the end of two great weeks off. He reluctantly reentered the hospital to start his 2nd last treatment before we go to Toronto. He had a rough night on Monday, and was a little sick and when he woke up in the morning was cold and had a little fever and a higher WBC (white blood count) They took a chest x-ray in the afternoon to check his lungs, but thankfully it was clear. They started a round of antibiotics and delayed his treatment. It will hopefully happen to day, so please say a little prayer, as we don't want to get to far behind.

Take care and keep in touch.
Debbie