Full Circle

There’s just something about our lives right now that feels a little bit like deja vu. Again, it’s September 2009. Ovarian Cancer awareness month. You already know it was two years ago that Mom was diagnosed. The heavy hearts, anxiety, and fear of the unknown have returned. With that, however, comes an overwhelming amount of love from all directions.

I am so proud and very blessed to have the family that I do. Anyone who knows me and my sisters well enough knows we think our Mom walks on water. What an amazing woman. She is filled with grace, class, strength, love, and beauty. She is generous, selfless, and kind. Her laughter and smile can change the atmosphere of any room.

I love and appreciate my sisters so much. I couldn’t be luckier. Yes, we have our moments…but there is no doubt that we are always here for each other…especially in times such as these, but in the good times too.

Lastly, thank you so much for the love and support that you have shown and continue to show us. We know we are not alone. Your hugs, smiles, comments, emails, and acts of kindness, seemingly big or small, go much further than you could know.

Just yesterday we got some amazing news. RCDM had been in the process of counting votes and picking the charity for the now annual fundraiser (to be held on March 27, 2010). There were so many wonderful and deserving charities in the running. It was announced that the Arizona Cancer Center would the beneficiary! Mom, and us girls, are totally overwhelmed. The love and support we feel from the firm is indescribable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

So…back to full circle. Two years ago, when Mom was diagnosed, Nicole had just finished the bar and was awaiting the results. Well, thank God it isn’t Nicole awaiting bar results again…no, this time it’s me.

Also, if you recall, two years ago when Mom was diagnosed, Nicole was carrying Ms. Colleen Marie Cundiff (Chloe). Well…meet her and Billy’s new nugget!! Nicole is getting close to finishing up her first trimester and we are all SO excited!! The new baby is due to arrive in April.

About Miss Chloe…well, she is no longer a baby. She is a little princess and a total diva now, there is no doubt about that! She is lip gloss, high heels, and accessories all the way! It’s the cutest thing ever. She will be 2 in December and is learning so much every day. Matter of fact, it was Chloe who made the pregnancy announcement by pointing to her mommy’s tummy when she was asked where the baby was!

Billy played for the Detroit Lion’s in their preseason games. He did so well! Precious Chloe would walk around and say “Daddy Roaaaar!!!” While Billy was gone, she really started to miss him. You can imagine her excitement (and confusion, I’m sure) when Nicole would point to the TV screen on Billy’s kicks and say “it’s Daddy!” Until Billy came home, whenever a football game was on, she would point to every player and say, “Daddy!”

More Chloe pics…they just don’t get old!




Although the last few weeks have been a little rough, Mom has had a pretty great summer. It started with a bang in Las Vegas for Billie’s 21st birthday. That was such a memorable weekend! We danced, we laughed, we saw the Beatles LOVE show, it was beautiful! We almost died on the way home, however. Ask Dani about that. Haha! 😉

This summer has also brought tons of time at the cabin. Each of us absolutely loves being there. We are so lucky to have a place on earth that really feels like a sanctuary for our family. The land has been in the family since 1963. Mom’s Dad laid every red brick by hand. It is such a special place and there is no doubt that Mom feels happy, safe, and a true sense of peace when she is there. This summer has brought many jeep rides, bike rides, long walks, and wild animals – bear, deer, and a surprising amount of sheep!

In between, mom visited Hawaii (with Dad, Nicole, Billy, Chloe and Billie) and New Orleans (with Nicole and Billie) this summer.

Mom has also had the joy of spending a lot of time with her dear friend Terry, both in Calgary (she loved the Stampede!) and here in Phoenix.

Mom and I had an absolute blast in New York! We went to the U.S. Open on the first day and saw the opening ceremonies and some great matches. The food and cocktails weren’t bad either! She and I also did a little shopping and went to see Michael Franti and Spearhead. Mom was ear to ear smiles! Our last day, we were completely spoiled. She and I had excellent tickets to see Hair and Wicked. Both were amazing!!! When Hair was over, we even got to get on stage and dance with the cast! It was more than cool. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We can mark “dancing on Broadway” off our bucketlists…although, I’m not sure it was on there in the first place…but now we can write it on there, and then scratch it off! Wicked had us on the edge of our seats. Even though Mom had seen it several times before, she was just as excited as I was. Somehow, we found last minute 2nd row seats at only $10 above face value! Those were some of my best days of my life, honestly. Thanks, Mom.

Dani and Dan have been traveling fools this summer as well. They just got home from Wisconsin visiting some friends and checking out Brewer stadium. Dan has a goal of hitting every major league baseball stadium in the country. Dani is along for the ride and really enjoying the adventure! This weekend, they are coincidentally in Napa (as Nicole mentioned Mom is there too, visiting Judy). Hopefully they will get a chance to meet up and share a glass a wine.

Mom will have to tell you all about her trip when she gets home. I’ve heard she really enjoyed visiting the olive farm on Thursday!

Up next, Des Moines to visit Billie! I know it’s hard for her to be so far away while so much is happening here at home. I know it meant the world to Mom that Billie came home last week to take her to Tucson for her appointment with Dr. Chambers. The two of them really needed that time together to talk and process. While it was hard to see her go back to school on Mondy, we can’t wait to see her again in just two weeks, this time on her turf. When we land that Friday, we get to head directly to the Dave Matthews Band concert! YAHOO! I’m hoping to talk Nicole and Dani into joining us. I think Billie would love having all of us there for a girls weekend, right B? 🙂

Well, I think that’s all for now!

– Michelle