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posted by Unlanibioniut on November 16, 2008 at 9:31 pm
HI Heather, Finn and Dick,
I was thinking about you the other day while working at Midcoast….You come up a lot among us nurses…and we all want to wish you well. It is wonderful to see your writings! Know that you all forever changed our lives with your love, perseverence and incredible strength. Best wishes for the Best of Health! Jodie
posted by Jodie Kaufman on October 21, 2008 at 10:28 am
Dear Heather, Dick and Finn,
Heather, do you remember me? GHS and Colby alums and friends and you were the one to introduce me to the land of Disney! Matt Davie wrote in to the Colby magazine about your news of a baby AND battling (successfully thank God) lymphona. I have discovered your website and am touched by your beautiful journal entries throughout the happiest of times with a baby paired with the most challenging of ordeals. I remember your passion for life and can see how that zest for life has allowed you to embrace motherhood and your battle with cancer. With much love, Karen
PS Maybe we can meet at WDW, I hope to plan a trip there in Dec ‘09 or Dec ‘10.
posted by Karen Wu on August 13, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hi Dick and Heather,
I also saw the Times Record and have tried to find the right words. I guess I can’t write anything more eloquent then Bridie has written. So… I will say you both are amazing and I wish you the best of everything!
Dick,
My family and I are back here in Brunswick and hope to meet Heather and Finn in person someday.
All my best wishes,
Amie Howard Thom( plus Michael, Guinevere, and Mason Thom)
posted by Amie Howard Thom on August 11, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Dick & Heather:
Saw the Times Record during a visit to my mother and wanted to say, “Congratulations!” for becoming parents, and that my heart is aching for you to have had to face such challenges during what should be the happiest time of your life. I’m so glad things are going well now. Enjoy your little man, and if you ever feel like a trip to Disney, let us know, we’re in Orlando!
Bridie (plus, Dave, Derek-6, and Kacey-4)
posted by Bridie Millett (Sara Au) & family on August 6, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Just found the information about your situation in the Times Record. We both wish for you continued strength, both individual and collective, as you wend your way through this. Our thoughts are with you as you face the challenges and realize your hopes.
Former teachers at BHS and Longfellow, now living in MD and FL.
posted by Dutch and Marilyn Souder on July 30, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Heather and Dick,
Congratulations, admiration, and appreciation to both of you, from another husband/father who is going through the same journey now, two years after you started yours. I am struck by how long this ordeal can last, how draining it can be for the patient and immediate family, and - more than anything else - the incredible, overwhelming boost that is provided by friends and family who join in the battle. Thanks for sharing your experience - it lifts our spirits as slog through the early days. I hope we can meet you the next time we’re in Maine. All three of you - Heather, Dick, and Finn - have our highest respect!
posted by Chris Miller on May 7, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Hi Frank,
I have no way of responding to you as i don’t have your phone or e mail address. Please e mail me with your contact info at hdweaf@gwi.net . Everything is fine and I look forward to reconnecting.
all best, heather
posted by Heather on November 11, 2007 at 9:11 am
Hi Heather,
Is everything OK. Please respond.
Frank
posted by Frank Bisceglia on November 4, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Hi Heather
Hope all is well. I’m in Portland, Maine today and tomorrow. I would like to see Joe. Let me know.
Frank
posted by Frank Bisceglia on August 29, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Heather, Dick & Finn: Congratulations on a ‘clean year’ and belated Happy Birthday wishes! As always, your words were fitting for closing out the web site. Altho I will miss hearing from you, I know no news means you are out and about, living Life the way it is meant to be. I think of you all so often and will continue to keep you in my prayers for continued good health and exciting, happy adventures. Take good care of yourselves and thanks again for letting us share in your remarkable journey.
posted by Jayne Winters on May 23, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Great performance last night…..and happy happy Mother’s Day.
Jean
posted by Jean Weatherbee on May 12, 2007 at 11:10 pm
heather, dick and finn, I just happened to browse your site today and was smiling broadly thinking of finn walking and talking as today is my son’s 6th birthday and happy (late) 36th to you heather. I hope to be in touch with you guys thru the years to come and please send me pictures of finn! Best wishes Tamara Takoudes
posted by Tamara on May 5, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Hey Heather…it’s wonderful to see you feeling so well and in such good spirits. We’re looking forward to May 28 with great anticipation. Our love to you all…Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on May 4, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Heather,
So nice to open your site this morning and read about how well all the Weafer’s are doing. It just made me feel so good to read those words. It’s what we’ve all hoped and prayed for. Pictures are great! Looking forward to seeing you this summer…the ice is still not out! Soon!
posted by Joan Jenkins on May 4, 2007 at 9:52 am
All I can say is GOOD ON YOU!! I do visit this site off and on and feel such joy reading the recent entries… I am so glad to hear that all is spectacular in the Weafer world!
I’m still waiting on the book…!!
Beth
posted by Beth on May 2, 2007 at 11:49 am
Heather, I’m so pleased to read your birthday post — it sounds like things are going so well! Enjoy your wonderful life. Even if the website has reached it’s natural end, I will continue to root for you and your family.
Love,
Joanne
posted by Joanne on May 1, 2007 at 10:56 am
Great pictures! Finn is becoming quite a handsome lad. Can’t wait to see all of you on one of those long summer days at the lake.
posted by Tom Villnave on April 27, 2007 at 4:06 pm
What a journey. Happy 1 Year re-birthday to all 3 of you. Love JP
How r u guys doin?
HUG AND KISSS FINN FOR MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love,
charlotte
posted by Charlotte/Mark's cheeky monkey! on April 21, 2007 at 7:32 pm
You look gorgeous! I just hit the photo gallery.
Movie star:)
posted by Shaye on April 20, 2007 at 7:31 am
Good morning!
April! What a month, what a month. Hope you are well and wanting you and Dick to know that spring is on it’s way- I can only imagine how much water is pushing through the Sassanoa right now. Thinkof the logs that are moving just below the surface, moving down river where they can take up new residence. Just for the great blues and king fishers to roost and eat.
Just thought of you all this morning- it has been ages since I have seen or spoken to Dick, please give him our best. Shaye and John
posted by Shaye on April 20, 2007 at 7:20 am
Dear Heather,
What a joy to view your website. I do believe about you “Blooming in the Spring”. I feel the energy of it It defies logic, the coming of rebirth, renewing body and spirit and mind. But those flowers just keep blooming every year, and the grass grows green. Winter is so long (and dark) in Maine. You have place amazing light into what has been a time of mourning for me. Knowing you has eased the sorrow.
Oh the fun of feeling really, really strong again!
posted by Richelle on March 26, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Heather,
I have to agree w/Nancy that you have not been on my mind daily - and that that is SUCH a good thing! I know you have been going through another trial in your life, but reading your latest post, shows us all - once again - your strength and the strength that you and Dick have together…truly an amazing love story you have shared with us all.
My love to you, Dick and Finn (and I love the new pictures - love your hair - you’re GORGEOUS!)
Pat
posted by pat(weafer) on March 25, 2007 at 9:10 pm
So wonderful to read your latest journal entry! Spring is a time of new life and so yours begins….your way with words and sharing your innermost thots truly move me. You downplay your courage, my dear, for so many people, for whatever reasons, would have given up when faced with the choices you’ve had to make this past year and a half. You (and Dick) have such wisdom for your age — you’ve gone thru many more trials than most of us will ever have to deal with in a lifetime. And have come out of them with more love and appreciation for one another and others. That is a wonderful gift. Thank you for continuing to share w/us. You remain an inspiration and help put the day-to-day piddly stuff in perspective.
PS You’ve also encouraged me to resume meditating! I started in the ’70s and have been hit or miss over the years, returning to it during difficult times and then letting it slide once Life settles down again. You and Dick have reminded me how important it is to take care of our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
posted by Jayne Winters on March 13, 2007 at 8:09 am
Hey Dick, Heather and Finn,
Hope that cold weather gave you an excuse to stay home and stay warm! Hats on everyone- hair or no hair- that winter chill that brings spring is getting to work. An aunt of mine once said that winter is the rest that spring needs, and that spring needed a long rest:) John and I are well and send our best to you three- wondering if the River is singing with ice these days or if it is just holding on tight to it all.
stay well,
Shaye and John
posted by Shaye on March 12, 2007 at 10:55 am
Hey, you guys!
I am writing to tell you how great it is that you have NOT been on my mind for a while - how’s that for a sentiment?! I have been operaitng under the assumption that no news is good news and that you three are just going about the normal business of living (for a change) and hopefully little by little moving away from the specter of illness.
I must tell you though, that if I ever have to wage a battle anything like what you all have been through this last year and a half, I can only hope to face it with the same strength and wisdom and determination. It has been nothing short of heroic - and I don’t even know the half of it!
I also can’t tell you how excited I am to finally meet Finn at Easter (you guys are going to NH, yes?) and to see you both.
As always- lots of love form everyone here. See you SOON!
XXXXXXOOOOOO Nancy
posted by Auntie Nancy on March 9, 2007 at 9:47 am
Hey Heather,
Loved Caberet - you are a wonderful actress - it was so good to see you up there, hamming it up with Craig in Mayflies - trying to get through Phillip Glass (great job everyone!), and so on.
I would wager that you did have a choice, and that it took every ounce of courage you had - you chose to hang in there so you could give birth to Finn, and then you chose live as much as it was in your power to do so. That’s no small pototoes.
All best - Morgan
posted by Morgan Shepard on March 9, 2007 at 9:28 am
Hi Heath,
I haven’t checked the website in a while, thought you may have been done posting. It was nice to get caught up today. I have heard bits and pieces through the grapevine but haven’t seen any updated pictures in a while. You’re looking great!
Maybe over the summer we can get all of the babies together. Adam is walking (trying to run after his bro), talking a little, and is starting to learn how to stand up for himself (a necessity in our house!). JD is doing karate, playing soccer and tomorrow is baseball sign up’s so things are busy, but a good busy!
You have continually been in our thoughts.
Much Love,
Jim
posted by Jim Hart on March 6, 2007 at 11:44 am
Hey Heather and Dick…From reading Pat’s post, we gather all is going well. So glad to hear that is the case. You know you are still in our thoughts and prayers at all times and we are so thankful for all the good news. Our love to you all, Perrys and Weafers. Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on March 5, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Well, girl! I never tire of hearing GOOD news!!!!!!! So glad your test results came out so well!! That news made my day!
AND, I hear Finn has conquered WALKING! What an amazing year this has been.
Hope to see you soon - don’t know when - but at least this summer.
My love to you and your boys,
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on February 27, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hi guys
I (and the rest of the Image Collection) cannot wait to see both of you and that baby and hug you with our own arms. Sounds like the play went well. Much love to you and your little family heather.
posted by maura on February 20, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Hi Heather again..
Whe’re so proud to have your news again.. we are still checking you )
still also remember you..
the little finn seems to be very happy and fine.. we are happy for you Heather and Dick…
Say hello to him and big kiss for the little boy.. in one of your beautiful shots, Finn starts recognizing your camera!!! isn’t amazing…
Love to all…
posted by Rachid and Mohamed from Morocco on February 5, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Hi kids,
I’ve been very absent from this website, but you have been in my thoughts through these last couple of months as I’ve heard about these bumps in the road.
I, too, felt like I relived those two days in January w/Adam and Finn arriving back-to-back…waiting for YOUR news while in Maine with my new grandson.
I’ve just spent 1/2 an hour getting caught up with your thoughts and the pictures! AND I hear the Cabaret was WONDERFUL! Good for you, girl! Your strength, once again, has seen you through. And vegging out and watching 2 seasons of LOST sounds like a great way to have spent those crappy days - why NOT!
Back to the pictures - what fun that was for me. Finn is just such a cutie little BOY and I loved seeing all the cousins together. (So, in your “spare” time, I’d love you to email me that photo of the 5 “weafer”(willis) children. I just so need that one on my ‘frig!)
Just want you to know you are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending my love your way,
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on January 31, 2007 at 9:48 pm
What a cutie he is! And that train cake is cool — my husband would love it (he’s a big train buff and has an HO set up in our basement)! Glad you all had a nice celebration and hope you’re staying warm in these chilly temps.
PS Your hair’s looking great
posted by Jayne Winters on January 25, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Heather, love the new pictures! Wow, time goes fast. I remember when the three babies all fit on one boppy together. Now they’re wrestling each other to the ground. Ella sure can’t get enough of that Finn!
You look great, too. Remember how far you’ve come in a year. Hugs to you and your boys.
Love,
Kimmie
posted by Kim Weafer on January 24, 2007 at 10:01 am
Happy Birthday Finn! What a year. I hope to see you at Cabaret Heather! Don’t feel guilty about 2 seasons of Lost. My new husband and I did the same thing. Love, Alison
posted by Alison Lowe on January 18, 2007 at 7:36 pm
So glad to see a posting from you this morning - I’ve been worried something other than the busyness of the holidays was the reason, but am relieved you are all feeling better after battling the flu. As dreadful as it was, if you want to consider it another step toward ‘normal’ life, welcome back! And you WERE able to overcome it, post chemo weakness and all! I am further amazed and happy to hear of your upcoming theater work…don’t know that we can get down to see you, but I’m so glad to hear you’re back to doing something you truly love and will undoubtedly gain emotional and physical strength from. By the way, I read a terrific review of your book in a recent DOWNEAST magazine. I’m headed to Barnes & Noble to spend a gift certificate and plan to purchase it; maybe someday, even have an autographed copy. You are such an inspiration - all of you. Belated Happy Birthday to Finn ~
posted by Jayne Winters on January 18, 2007 at 9:36 am
So glad things are going well - except for the flu, the runs, the porcelain bowl worship and skinny Finn. Sounds like things are better, though, and I am honored to have been part of the good will pointed in your direction - I am SO looking forward to Cabaret and to seeing you be a part of it all. And Happy Birthday to miracle boy - Capricorns are toughies. Ask me - January 12th (although skinny has never been part of my resume). : ^ ) All best, Morgan
posted by Morgan Shepard on January 17, 2007 at 11:32 am
Dear Heather and Dick…what a rollercoaster you two have been on. I think it’s time to get off and on to something a little flatter and slower. It’s wonderful to see you are back at the theater, which I know you love and enjoy. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day, as always. Our love to you three and all the Perrys and Weafers. C&D
posted by Carroll and Deanie on January 17, 2007 at 9:51 am
So good to hear from you — and happy birthday to Finn! Congratulations on these tentative steps back to normalcy. Best of luck on banishing the remaining tendrils of steroids and narcotics.
Joanne
posted by Joanne on January 14, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Happy Birthday to Finn.
posted by rachid and mohamed on January 13, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Happy Birthday to Finn, and his happy birthday to both his parents.
Congrats Heather and Dick……what a first year it has been for all three of you.
Jean
posted by Jean W. on January 13, 2007 at 9:27 am
A late Happy New Year all. Keep your eyes on the prize my friend. You have come a long way on your journey so far, and we are still here with you.
Skip
posted by Skip on January 12, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Happy Birthday Finn!
This site was down a bit this wk and I was panicked I wouldn’t get to wish him a happy birthday on the site that’s kept me, and us, updated on his first year of life! What an amazing year, for all of you.
I hope you guys have a fantastic day celebrating and no more stomach bugs!!! David got hit w/it two and we ALSO spent New Year’s with a stinky baby boy Thankfully in our house he was the only one who caught it, not something I would’ve been happy with.
I’m thrilled to hear you are back in your acting mode and learning to live again. I can’t imagine all you have been through and think you’re really an inspiration Heather.
Much love to you, have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Love
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on January 12, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Heather,
I just took a chance this morning and checked your site and was so happy to see that you had written. I had been checking off and on, knowing that the holidays and just life in general is busy, but was wondering how all of you were doing. Now I know! Not fair that you all had to get that nasty virus going around, happy to read that it’s behind you now. Once again I’m amazed at your strength and determination, and all that you do. I can only imagine the emotions you all have looking back at the past year. Want to wish Finn a very happy first birthday. I look forward to seeing the pictures. Enjoy that birthday cake!
Love, Joan
posted by Joan Jenkins on January 12, 2007 at 11:23 am
I was so moved and touched by reading your website. Nancy Peterson at Kent School offered me the website to read, as my son, a student at Kent, age 16, has Osteosarcoma. He had surgery to replace his knee/tibia and femur bone in 2005, followed by chemo. He had a recurrence to his lung in Sepetember and they removed it in October. His last scan showed a new nodule in his other lung. Thus, we are now facing surgery again. Not sure about going back on chemo unless after this surgery another nodule shows up. Anthony wants to be a normal 16 year old teenager and go to school and be with friends. He had to take a year off from school due to chemo and sickness, and doesn’t want to miss any more. Your website is so uplifting. Thank you
posted by Rose DiGennaro on January 3, 2007 at 10:13 am
A very brief message this time - to wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with health, happiness, peace and continued blessings of healing. It’s hard to believe Finn will be celebrating his first birthday in a few weeks! PS A lovely posting by Heather’s dad
Jayne Winters
posted by Jayne Winters on December 27, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Hi guys - just wanted to say I hope you were able to enjoy your 1st Christmas. I heard you had quite an eventful Christmas Eve, poor things. Hope all is well now and you are getting some rest - I think it’s probably school vacation week for Dick and you are spending the week as a family.
Happy New Year!
Much love,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on December 27, 2006 at 11:22 am
hello dear ones,
it seems that having you back in my life on a weekly basis has let me forget to check this website …. craig mentioned that there was a beautiful letter from Dick so I “tuned in” tonight. it, of course, made me cry. then i found the thank you from your parents, heath … with all the writing talent in this family finn will have to be very strong to resist the pull of the literary life! right now my money is on him being a musician but once he has a true vocabulary there will no stopping him!
i shall think a lot about the end of dick’s note. there has been something ‘divine’ about this journey that SO many people have taken with you - it has changed us all and made us better women, men and children. it is the most marvelous marriage of an intensely personal voyage and a universally taken trip. thank you for letting us be with you.
bonnie had a dream last night about ‘finnalicious’ walking on his own … that time is not long from now and it is one more indication of just how far you three have come. i wonder when each rehearsal with you heath, or quiet feeding with you, finn or mutual, twinkling laugh with you, dick will cease to feel like a gift? maybe never … because i don’t see the world the way i used to see it.
love to you and your family (official and otherwise) and a happy new year to all who visit this wonderful site and send their care and love so freely! - lee
posted by lkpaige on December 27, 2006 at 12:08 am
If I don’t see you guys before the new year comes, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
It was so nice to see you guys last weekend and as always you made me feel pretty special and fortunate to have you guys in my life. I amm truely grateful for your friendship and love. Let the bells ring loud for the new year!!!!
Oh, and may the Mayflies fly high!!!
Love ya,
Craig
posted by Craig on December 26, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to wish you both and Finn and everyone reading a very Merry and blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, promise, peace and health.
xoxo
Sue
posted by sue k-b on December 22, 2006 at 5:44 pm
Hi Heather, ,Dick, and big boy Finn…I have not visited for a while but did alot of reading from the site tonight. I read all of Dick’s Nov. journal and it really is an inspirational tale. I admire how you both have worked at putting things directly out there for us all…the clearity and directness is helpful for me on my own journey ( which is going well, thank you). So much of your writings help me focus on a nowness…sometimes easy to miss but so rich when the awareness is refocused.
Fun to see the pictures of your beautiful boy. Have a joyous first Christmas with him…but somehow I think everyday must feel like Christmas with him…and each other.
Hugs to you from P Street.
Judy B.
posted by judy Barker on December 21, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Happy Holidays! Hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Years together and that you, Dick get a full week of lounging while reading, playing with Finn and laughing with Heather. Christmas Vacation is one of the bene’s of teaching- hope your family enjoys it while it is here! Best, Shaye and John
posted by Shaye on December 21, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Buona fortuna con il vostro luogo. E abbastanza nice=)
posted by musica gratis on December 21, 2006 at 1:58 am
E luogo piacevole, devo dire! Buona fortuna a voi:)
posted by wallpaper on December 19, 2006 at 8:42 am
Hi Heather,
Have been thinking about you a lot of late and the anticipation and excitement you and Dick must feel as you look towards Finn’s first Christmas. Happy Holidays and the very best wishes for health and happinessin 2007.
Jean Weatherbee
posted by Jean W. on December 15, 2006 at 11:56 pm
Heather, Dick and Finn,
I was going through my old e-mails deleted ones and came across your web-site. With my poor organizational skills I haven’t kept up with your continued stuggles and victories over the last year. I have certainly inquired and prayed for you all on occasions. I just wanted to note that my family is now going through a trying period, but it has nothing to do with physical stuggles for life. Reading over your latest entries have really put our stuggles in perspective and you have helped me to realize what our family should be focusing on, the love and health of one another. I admire your courage and fight, your all are surrounded with a wonderful family and with that you have shown, you can beat just about anything. Good luck to your continued recovery and thank you for the inspiration you have provided to me and the message of importance. I wish you all a wonderful time together in health during the upcoming vacation.
In inspiration and thanks,
Blair C. Dwyer
posted by Blair C. Dwyer on December 7, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Heather, Dick and Finn,
posted by Blair C. Dwyer on December 7, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Hi dear friends Heather, Finn and Dick…
happy thanksgiving to all of you..
have great times Heather, you are right, it’s been a year passed you lived in tough moments full of challenges and difficulties, but we are so glad it finally ended and you could learn a lot of things in this life..
Don’t thank us heather, it is our duty to share with you bad or good times!! And as you said in your website, we think you are lucky, you have Dick beside you, he is really a good and a gentle man, say to him hello for us..
bear in mind that we are still thinking of all of you..
our best wishes from Morocco -in Biougra- to you…
posted by Rachid and Mohamed on December 3, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Heather and Dick,
I am so glad I took the time to check your webiste this morning.
I have thought of you both so often these last couple of weeks - remembering last Thanksgiving and being so aware that this anniversary of sorts was here.
What beautiful words you both have once again written.
I applaud your strength, once again.
Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you this morning.
Hopefully, we’ll get up there this winter for a quick visit and be able to see you and check out how much Finn has grown. I haven’t see him since the summer.
Love you all,
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on December 3, 2006 at 9:01 am
Dear Heather and Dick…Just a note to say hello and that you remain in our thoughts and prayers at all times…you are truly two remarkable people. I also see that eloquence runs in the Perry family. Not surprising. I gather you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. We did also…got together at the lake with beautiful 70 degree weather and blue skies. This October and November have just been glorious. Too bad it will probably end soon but our winters are not too bad. As always, our love to you and all the Perrys and Weafers. Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on December 2, 2006 at 9:23 am
hey there dick and heather,
i have lived my life listening to others, internalizing thier insight, and connecting it to my life. by far both of your insights have impacted my world the most and the letter that you wrote heath dick… is hitting me like a ton of bricks. (in a positive way)
love you both, mare
posted by mary ann hart on November 26, 2006 at 9:20 pm
Dear Dick and Heather,
I feel like I have just experienced the truest Thanksgiving prayer in Heather’s email and Dick’s beautiful letter to Heather.
We all do have so much to be thankful for; we all have our heartbreaking struggles, but we have a purpose and we have strength behind and beyond that purpose to guide us.
The old man in the green hat said it best, “Be Still”…there is peace and joy in that stillness. Thank you.
With love from Tilly, John, Jake, and Rose
posted by tilly rothwell on November 26, 2006 at 1:10 am
I could be mistaken but i believe i saw you at my restaurant (the Prodigal Sun). I happened upon your journal on my girlfriends laptop, and must say i am touched. As a father i could never imagine what you are going through. However you are a inspiration to all with your your will and desire. I wish you the best and continued strength. I wish you well through the holiday seasons.
Bill
posted by Bill on November 25, 2006 at 4:05 am
I know I have been quiet until now, but as I sat at the Thanksgiving table yesterday seeing our wonderful extended family, I thought this is the time for us to count our blessings and to give thanks for those blessings. So, here goes….As I write this, I know how award winners must feel…Who do you thank first?
Certainly I must thank Heather’s doctors, Dr. Joyce and Dr. Buff. These two doctors never wavered in their optimism and their plan to make Heather well again. I will thank them for the rest of my life for their determination and care. In thanking doctors, I must not forget Dr. Takudis. She was the watchdog for Finn. She knew exactly what was best for him because I am blessed with a wonderful, beautiful, and, most of all, healthy Grandson. Also, I need to say that the nurses BIDC and especially at Mid Coast made me understand just how important and valuable nurses are. They are amazing people.
I also need to say to all fathers of daughters: I can only wish for you that you can be fortunate enough to have a Son-in-Law like Dick. He is truly a father’s dream for his daughter. Watching him step up when he was thrust into a situation like this…watching him be a man any father can be proud to call son when most average men would crumble, and watching him fight as hard as Heather for her life should be an inspiration to any husband. He was a rock of support, not only for Heather, but for Heather’s mom and me. I know how much he was suffering and how scared he was but, he was still there when any of us needed him. Thank God for Dick.
However, I cannot thank Dick without thanking his family, too…or, I guess I could hope to say our family. Don and Kathy are responsible for raising such a wonderful, giving family. A family who think of others first and who are not afraid to show their love and emotion. I thank them for welcoming Heather as one of them, in spite of the foibles of her family. They are truly good and wonderful people and I am blessed to know them. Don with his calming and healing touch. Kathy just doing what had to be done emotionally and physically. When people ask heroes why they did heroic things, the answer is “it needed doing, so I just did it.” Don and Kathy are true heroes.
Don and Sarah gave undying support; spent nights with Heather in the hospital helping her through her ordeals. No one can put a value on that kind of love.
Kim and Tiffany. How does one thank them? Kim pregnant with twins and yet they opened their home and their hearts to Lucille and I. I don’t know how we would have gotten through this without them. The thought of sitting alone in a cold, emotionless hotel room while your daughter is battling the fight of her life is terrible. It was always wonderful to come back to their home after being at the hospital with Heather and finding the love and warmth that they both give.
Wendy. What can I say? True friend? She is so very much more than that. Sister? She is more than that, too. She is a God-send. I am truly at a loss for words to thank her. Wendy, I don’t know what Heather would have done…or any of us would have done without you. You are always there….just taken for granted. But, I always thought it was a compliment to be taken for granted…for one to know that you are always there; always to be depended upon. As I said, I am at a loss for words, so I will just say Thank you for being Wendy.
Jen, who administers the website, and still finds the time to be with Heather when she needs her. Another true friend. Another blessing in our lives.
Finally, but certainly not least, there are all of you wonderful people who through this website give your undaunting support. It makes us feel there is always hope. It makes us know that if love and prayer help, our daughter will win this battle. No person has ever been armed for a life battle with as much love and prayer as you all provided. I can’t begin to tell you how important your messages are, not only to Heather, but to Lucille and me. When we are feeling down, we come to this site and read all the words of love and support that you all provide. When Heather was at her darkest, Dick would read her the entries and one could sit there and watch her draw strength and love from them and use that to fight this evil enemy. I believe that cancer is the most evil of diseases because it not only attacks the body, but attacks the soul. Lucille and I have watched as loved ones stricken, would finally just give up and surrender to this insidious disease. You never let Heather do that. My God! I believe that cancer demon was very sorry that he tackled Heather, for surely she, and her army were the wrong enemy for it. She and her allies are unbeatable.
We know we are not completely out of the woods yet, or even that we may never be. But, we can see daylight, and while it was dark for a long while, we could always look up and see the light of your love showing us the way. If anyone ever doubts just how good people can be, they only need to read this website and they will know. I thank every last one of you for giving us our daughter back. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Joe and Lucille Perry
posted by Mom and Dad on November 24, 2006 at 11:13 am
Happy Thanksgiving to all - and to all a good repast, represent, and refuture. You’ve said all the words and felt all the feelings - thanks for the courage to share all of them, the good, the bad, and the rest with all of us this year. You are both such amazing people. Finn has fantastic taste in music, incidently - Lee says he prefers my CD over any other. : ^ )
All the best to you.
Morgan
posted by Morgan Shepard on November 22, 2006 at 9:19 am
Thanksgiving….it’s amazing how we look at the holidays differently with each year that passes. We do, indeed, count and appreciate our blessings. Our family, our friends, our experiences (good as well as bad) for helping to shape us into the people God intended us to be. In church on Sunday, Pastor Jim said people often ask, “Where is God? Why did He let this happen?” yet there is nowhere in the Bible that promises us a lifetime of good and happy times. What God DOES promise is to always be there with us. And so He is.
I am thankful for having known you, Heather, tho only through a few occasions at DMR. I am thankful for your and Dick’s desire and ability to share your lives with us, for articulating so perfectly thoughts that many of us have swirling around inside us yet cannot put down on paper as we would like. I am thankful that you have had the strength, physically and emotionally, to get thru this past year. I am thankful Finn is such a healthy, handsome, joy-filled little boy. I am thankful you have voiced what it’s like to be pushed to the edge and seen the view from there. My husband is a cancer survivor and I can identify with the fear, the anxiety, the not-knowing. Yet I knew, somehow, that he would beat it. And he has. And so have you, Heather.
You’re right, there are no guarantees in Life. It is up to us to not take it for granted, to try and enjoy every single day - even when we feel lousy. Take time to notice the smell of fresh rain, the rainbow, the snowflakes, the smell of baking bread, the laughter of a child.
Congratulations and may this Thanksgiving hold very special memories and blessings for you and your family. Jayne Winters
posted by Jayne Winters on November 21, 2006 at 11:33 am
Hi Heather, Dick, Finn and the rest of the Perry/ Weaf clan,
We are coming up on Thanksgiving and I would like to say that I give thanks for each of you and the blessings that you give each other. I so appreciate being able to read your intimate thoughts, and be part of the loving nature of your friends and community. Checking in here and seeing what has been written helps me (a satelite of your world) work through my greif over your families cancer trials, and nurtures my hopes for your future.
I think the posting that most strikes me today is from the nurse at your hospital that writes to you that she saw your Hawk. I delighted in the fact that nature exists everywhere, and that this woman who meets hundreds of people each year found you.
I hope that your thanksgiving day and those that follow are filled with lots of drolling children and dogs, and that you all enjoy the gravy.
SMR
posted by Shaye on November 21, 2006 at 10:47 am
Hi Guys,
Thank you both for being so open during this past year. Your battle became the battle of others, and our prayers and hope became yours. You have taught me quite a bit over the past months.
Dick, I was moved by your letter to Heather. Your honesty and realism through a time that most couldn’t imagine, is appreciated. You put things in such perspective.
Have a great Thanksgiving; you’ll be in my thoughts as always.
Much Love
Jim
posted by Jim Hart on November 21, 2006 at 10:38 am
You two are just amazing.
I needed to read something like that tonight.
Somehow, through all this, you’ve managed to help ME at the right times - just by being who you are.
I love you both. Kiss Finn for me
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on November 20, 2006 at 9:15 pm
During the first half of today’s Patriot’s game, I was acutely aware that a year ago on this Sunday during the first half of another Patriot’s game I got a call from Dick that he needed me, because he could no longer deal with Heather’s sciatic pain alone. I rushed over and helped hold her until 3AM when Dick and I looked over the bed at each other and acknowledged that we were in over our heads and took Heather to the Midcoast emergency room . In a matter of several hours we got the news that changed our lives. So this is an anniversary of sorts, and I cannot help but wonder what the next year will hold. During the last, we have battled cancer , greeted three new grandchildren, lost both of our beloved Newfs and welcomed two more. We have faced death and embraced new life. So I rest in the relative peace of this Sunday and am thankful.
posted by Dad Weaf on November 19, 2006 at 7:07 pm
Hey guys.
Greg and I were talking yesterday and he pointed out that a year ago this weekend (I think) we were at your baby shower, and how amazing it is all that’s happened since. What an absolutely incredible year for you all! You’ve had a heck of a fight - and a beautiful baby, and we’re so proud of you.
Lots of love and a happy Thanksgiving in case I’m not able to get on here before then!
Meg, Greg, Liv and David
posted by Meghan Cranney on November 19, 2006 at 7:49 am
Hey there cous… It has been a while, and I am soooo sory for that. It has been quite hectic in good old Va Beach, not that that is any kind of excuse. We are planning a trip to Ct. between Christmas and New Years and then another in the spring. We must make some time to get together, it would be nice to have the whole family together at one time again. Please say hi to everyone for me and I hope to see you soon.
Love Ant
posted by Anthony, Jenn and Kids on November 18, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Wow, you’re closing in on a year since your diagnosis. I still tear up when I think of that phone call from Mom Weaf and I smile when I recall those morphine moments. It’s been a hard year but we’ve also had many blessings. I am in awe of your strength. Remember how far you’ve come. We’ll see you next week.
Love,
Kimmie, Tiff, Bo and Ella
posted by Kim Weafer on November 17, 2006 at 8:43 am
I just wanted to let you know that I see “your” hawk all the time
from our break room on the 11th floor. I always think
of you…..
xx
Amy
your L/D nurse
posted by Amy DeMartino on November 10, 2006 at 9:33 pm
Heather,
I think you did a great job explaining to all of us who read your website, just how frightening it can be when you feel something is the least bit different, changed, or new. And the cripling fear that hovers while you go through every scan and test to show that you are “ok”. It is something that everyone who has ever been in your position lives with, adjusts to, and eventually finds someway to live with. I believe it will get easier for all of you with time. The important thing is, you are ok, and in spite of everything you were going through, you enjoyed Finn’s first Halloween and even took him to his first swim at the pool. The pictures are great, he looks so much bigger than when I saw him in July. He’ll be in that Moosehead sweatshirt before we know it!
Sending all our best ot all of you!
Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on November 10, 2006 at 4:24 pm
So nice to hear an update from you - I’ve been wondering how you all have been doing. I’m happy to hear you are ok after such a scare. I can’t imagine how it feels to have some new “symptom” and be panicked that it means something awful. I think it will be a while before you get to a normal place w/that….
Finn is adorable! I can’t get over how big he is. Can you believe it? Every month that goes by w/my own kids really boggles my mind. They change so much the first couple of years. Finn, though, remains so handsome and still the spitting image of his mommy
Lots of Love,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on November 10, 2006 at 1:20 pm
hi you three,
i’m thinking of you tonight. how have you been doing? sending my love from up north!
posted by Molly Haley on November 8, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a note to say hello and that you are still in our thoughts and prayers at all times. We hope all is progressing well and that you are getting stronger with every passing day. We’ve had a lovely fall this year…we’ve spent a lot of time at the lake where the foliage has been very pretty. Still warm enough to get out in the kayaks…I’ve been trying to do some bird photography with a zoom lens from the kayak and also through a spotting scope on shore. Have had some moderate success but nothing beyond that. As winter approaches we are beginning to see cormorants and loons along with the usual herons and egrets. The ospreys have pretty much gone, however. As always, we send our love to you three and all the Perrys and Weafers…C&D
posted by Carroll and Deanie on November 7, 2006 at 11:57 am
Luogo interessante, buon disegno, lo gradisco, signore! =)
I’m not saying that I will never moan and groan again as I struggle through my Bikram Yoga class, or as I trudge up some hill in Litchfield, or even walk across a parking lot on a cold day because I probably will…but after reading your poemI think I will stop and change my attitude! You are such an inspiring woman! Dick, you are a blessed man!
Beth
posted by Beth on November 2, 2006 at 12:09 pm
Happy Halloween Dear Ones,
This is Finn’s first Halloween - a landmark for us all. Did he dress up for the occasion? (if so, pictures, please) I hope that all is well with physical therapy, pool sessions, tests and the various hurdles that seem to crop up before you! We ALL always have the 3 Weafs in our minds and hearts. Keep on truckin’. xxxl.
posted by lee on October 31, 2006 at 10:03 pm
Luogo interessante, buon disegno, lo gradisco, signore! =)
Heather,
I’ve sort of (underline sort of) lived this with you, Dick and Finn and I still can’t even imagine. I still can’t even imagine … can this possibly be real?
I know you are tired, but you are also brave and alive. Brave and alive is limping around that track. Brave and alive is getting up every morning and looking in the mirror seeing a bald, puffy stranger. Brave and alive is having to drive to Boston 1-2 times a week praying for good news. Brave and alive is telling me everything is good when I call to check in when I know it’s not because I just talked to Mom Weaf. So try not to worry about your future. You are more beautiful and more alive now then you ever were with hair. If we could all be as honest with ourselves as you are with yourself.
I have so much more to write but Ella is chewing on Pearl’s rawhide bone and Bo is pulling out every CD we own. You know how it is. Gotta go.
Love you lots,
Kimmie
posted by Kim Weafer on October 25, 2006 at 10:48 am
Dear Heather,
Your poem is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever encountered. It makes me feel empowered; I think it will make many people feel empowered. If you can fight as hard as you are fighting, why can’t the rest of us do the same? You are truly an inspiration to us all.
October 17, the day of your poem/prayer, was the Celestial Trigger Day, according to my friend Anneke who dedicates much of her life to meditating alone where she lives in the Arizona desert. On that day, all wishes and prayers were infinitely more powerful than usual. You found new strength on that day; and you prayed on that day; and you wrote on that day. May the power of your words be increased a hundred fold. Love to you and Dick and Finn. Power to you and Dick and Finn!
Love, Tilly, John, Jake, and Rose
posted by tilly rothwell on October 20, 2006 at 11:56 pm
Heather, I can’t stop thinking about your poem. Reading you journey (and Dick’s) has changed my perspective forever. So many go through the motions of living their life. You do not and anyone who knows you won’t either. Thank you, Alison
posted by Alison Lowe on October 20, 2006 at 10:46 pm
sniff.
SMR
posted by Shaye on October 20, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Heather! You may not remember me. I gave you a massage at Sweetwater Day Spa this summer! It was awesome to find you page. I am no longer doing massage, but do work for the Y in Bath and was blown away to find your poem. Our staff have read it and we cannot tell you how moved we all are. We wish you the best and know that our thoughts are with you. It is so good to see you on the road to recovery and it is even more awesome to see your beautiful baby!! Take Care Amy
posted by Amy Carmichael on October 19, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Tomorrow morning when I head down to my treadmill, thinking, it’s Friday, why don’t I just skip it today, I will be thinking of you, and it will make it that much easier to hop on there! You’ve inspired me once again……..thank you!
Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing a great job!
Love, Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on October 19, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Wow — what a great post! In expressing your own struggles, you just gave me a perfect example of something I’ve been thinking about all morning. I’ve hurt my shoulder and groin at the same time, so I can’t swim or run right now. Instead of going to the Y this morning to water jog and do my PT exercises, I stayed home and pouted. Then it occurred to me that this is the difference between a true champion and an also ran: the true champion does the work even when it’s not fun, or flashy, or immediately gratifying. You, my friend, are a true champion, and I am going to the Y after work.
Love, as always,
Joanne
posted by Joanne on October 19, 2006 at 8:49 am
Thank you for that beautiful posting. What a writer you are … What a woman you are … Thanks too for trying so hard for so long. We all love you. xxxl.
posted by lee on October 18, 2006 at 11:22 pm
Heather,
You are so strong. Keep moving, keep believing…
posted by jess on October 18, 2006 at 10:16 pm
I’m moved by your strength, courage and tenacity Heather.
Thinking of you……
Don
posted by Don & Jean Weatherbee on October 17, 2006 at 8:18 pm
You are amazing.
Love,
posted by Meghan Cranney on October 17, 2006 at 6:55 pm
I love you.
You teach me everyday.
Thank you.
I am a better person.
Wendy
posted by Wendy on October 17, 2006 at 6:46 pm
SO GOOD.
posted by Jim Hart on October 17, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Heather…quite a visit to the Y. I know they will become less and less of an ordeal and more and more rewarding. One thing to remember, however…never underestimate the white haired old men. Our love to you, Dick, Finn and all Perrys and Weafers…Carroll
posted by Carroll and Deanie on October 17, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Hey, Heather…so glad to read your most recent post and see how well you are doing. We pray for your continued recovery and regained strength. You and Dick remain in our thoughts and prayers at all times. Our love to all…Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on October 16, 2006 at 8:26 am
Hey girlee,
Heard tons bout your recovery. Craig speaks nothing but praise. You rock. Life in Cali is what it is as I try to follow a dream. www.pilotproject07.com is where I have been the last three months. I will say this much. I found out about what had happened when I was in Joshua tree, and i did a little prayer. Hope it helped. When I come home, want a beer at the Sea Dog. Winter. Take care and say hi to Dick and the little one. I keep on pursuing the dream. Love ya. Kurt E
posted by Kurt Ela on October 15, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Heather,
You make me smile. How wonderful to hear you so happy, healthy - you have come so far. How wonderful to be able to say to you again, you make me smile.
I haven’t gone to the photos yet (sometimes I have trouble getting them) so I’ll try that now.
You just made MY day, girl!!!
Love,
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on October 14, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Heather,Dick and Finn,
I have at last made it to your page! What a wonderful and beautiful site. You all look so amazing! With everything that you have been going through you all look so wonderful. The love that you have for each other is evident in the photos. Finn looks so wise! I’m always thinking of you guys and I always send prayers out to you on the smoke from the sage I burn. I love you all and can’t wait till Caberet!! There will always be a special place in my heart for Mayfiles.
Thank you,Thank you, Thank you!
I wonder what Caberet will be like when we do it at Chris and Al’s age!?
I love you and If you ever need anything at all please call.
Craig
posted by Craig on October 12, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Oh, you sound so wonderful and optimistic!
The henna stuff looks really cool — if a bird pooping did that, it’s one talented bird!
Joanne
posted by Joanne on October 12, 2006 at 9:18 am
Hey Dick,
Heather made you cookies and you didn’t bring any to school? What’s up with that. Remember all of us little people next time Heather bakes for you!
Lou
posted by Lou Sullivan on October 11, 2006 at 8:50 pm
[URL]http://www.musica-latina.anticoit.org[/URL]
posted by Musica latina on October 11, 2006 at 9:23 am
Heather,
I was just checking in again and picturing Finn, warm and sweet from a bath, dressed in fuzzy pjs with the feet, settling in for a snuggle with you before bed. My own Finn bug (Temple bug) is now too big for those pjs with the feet and he has his first loose tooth! I feel like he is graduating from college, yikes!!! I miss those eight-month-old days. Give Finn a BIG SQUEEZE and a nibble on those sweet soft checks for me.
posted by jess on October 7, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a short note to touch base and say you remain in our thoughts and prayers 24/7. We hope all is progressing well and send our love to all Perrys and Weafers. The weather has definitely turned a little cooler down here…high today is supposed to be in the 60s. But we love the fall weather and look forward to it. Going down to Bluffton next week for a few days and will remember our good times there with you two. We look forward to doing it again in the future…next time with the mighty Finn. We love you both, or I should say, you three. Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on October 7, 2006 at 7:18 am
Heather,
I hope that I didn’t offend you with the last message that I sent. I said that when I saw the pictures of you in the hospital looking drained and grey it made me angry. I said that I wanted you to be that little engine at the top of the mountain shouting, “I thought I could, I thought I could!” You’ve been through cancer training and cancer boot camp and you’ve been out there on the battlefield. You have kicked some major cancer butt. I just want cancer to leave you alone, I think it has taught you enough already! I don’t mean to sound all high and mighty or like I know what is best for you. I just want you to be all better and I’m not as patient or as understanding and peaceful as you seem to be!
posted by jess on October 3, 2006 at 10:12 pm
Thanks so much for the continued sharing and updates. Life is filled with peaks and valleys; we shouldn’t expect any less of your ongoing recovery, but how wonderful it is to read of your walks with Finny, enjoying the crisp fall air and the colors of this special season. You have all come so far in 12mos….We continue to send prayers for restful days and nights, giving your body and spirit the time needed to pursue your “new” projects. I so admire your love of life, even during the disappointing times. Do you realize how difficult change is for most of us? And here you are, embracing and seeking new music, new art, new baby food, new everything. Most of the messages focus on you, Dick, and Fin, but I have to say a great deal of credit (if that’s the word) for your courage and grace and perserverance must be attributed to your parents and extended family, for they were instrumental in the development of Baby Heather thirty-something years ago. They must be very proud of the young woman and mother you have become, and likewise Dick’s family. Your love and strength as individuals and a couple are truly unique in today’s world. I must end, but wanted to also thank you for the new photos. I LOVE the picture of you and Finn reading on the couch, and the one with him snuggling on your chest. What an absolute angel he is! Take care guys ~
posted by Jayne Winters on October 3, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Ah, October. I love October. It’s so full of…Fall. Rarely — if any — freak heat waves. Instead, cool, steady weather that warms up in the center of the day, and then cools down in the evening. Much like our energy. S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g in the morning and reaching into the afternoon, then c-u-r-l-i-n-g u-p again as the sun sets.
I hope you are enjoying some languid days with Finn. Do not fret about being productive. There will be plenty of time for that. When you have the energy, good. And when you don’t, submit yourself to doing nothing. There should be no guilt, no pain, in doing that. You have earned each and every moment of your life. Enjoy it. It is a rich life full of love, and life, and hope.
You’re just awesome.
xxxoo Di
posted by Di on October 2, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Dear Ones,
I just had a delightful romp through the photo gallery. There are lots of great new ones … and, yes folks, Finn really is that adorable and ‘lit-up’ ! Have you decided on a Halloween costume for him yet? (a bug seems appropriate!) You have so many wonderful ‘firsts’ to look forward to as a family. Aren’t we all lucky? xxxl.
posted by lee on October 2, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Okay, I’ll try that AGAIN - don’t know how that happened!
Heather and Dick,
Talked w/G&G tonight and heard you had good results today in Boston - good, good, good. I’m alwlays thinking of you both and glad that this week ended up a good one for you. Have fun tomorrow; I hear there’s a book signing . . .sorry I can’t be at this one!
Kisses to Finn,
Love
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on September 29, 2006 at 9:00 pm
Heather and Dick,
posted by Pat (Weafer) on September 29, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Hi Heather and Dick…Just a short note to say you all are in our thoughts every day. We hope all is well and that you are feeling better and better with every day.
posted by Carroll and Deanie on September 29, 2006 at 11:51 am
hello dear Heather, Finn and Dick again,
so happy to hearing from you.. glad to see you in fine, great energy as well, we’re still with you and thinking about you..
Give the little Finn our loves and our greeting to Dick..
Your friends from Morocco.
posted by Rachid and Mohamed on September 28, 2006 at 12:23 pm
Hi Heath, just read your last message. You are the bravest person I know. Glad to hear that you are having good days. I can’t wait until they are all good ones. Finn is such a doll. He looks alot like you. I am so happy you got to experience what motherhood is. There is nothing like it. I’m at work now, so gotta go. My love to all of you. Love Aunt Robin
posted by Robin Hunt on September 27, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Heather, you are a champ and a fighter and just so amazing. Your resolve, your outlook, your courage, your strength, your perserverence continues to impress me. Little Finn is so beautiful and looks like such a happy guy — his smiles lighten my heart, so I can only imagine how he melts yours. I send positive thoughts of healing and strength and patience to let ithe healing take it’s time. Keep resting, nourishing, building strength and keep writing. We are all following your journey and learing from you and your strength. You are a fighter and you have won, now just let your body heal . .. . and then come visit us !! Take care of yourself, we are still with you. -stacy
posted by Stacy Gold (ngs friend) on September 26, 2006 at 11:00 am
Heather,
Maria told me about your website, and I apologize for not writing sooner.
You are an incredibly strong person (you always were), and you have a beautiful family.
Heartfelt wishes for a complete and speeded recovery,
- Phyllis
(from GHS, and a lot of theatre from way back when…)
posted by Phyllis on September 25, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Heather and Dick,
I’m retired, and with the time I have now, I made it a point to look for your website because Don had mentioned it to me a few times. Your journals have brought me to tears a variety of times. Your courage, strength, reliance on each other is inspirational to all couples, and will get you through all of this. You are going through situations that most couples never fathom in their lives. I know it’s trite, but this adversity will get you through anything else that you might face in the future. I want you to know, Heather, that I have all sorts of time to help out with rides, appointments, etc. Please telephone or email me if you need anything. Dick can vouch for my reliability. I think. Dick, you’ll vouch for me, won’t you?
All my best thoughts for you.
Jack
posted by Jack Wallace on September 24, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Think of you often and the incredible journey you and your family have been navigating this last year and am hoping that safe harbor is now in sight. Loved the picture of you and Finn on the couch reading together.
Jean
posted by Jean W. on September 23, 2006 at 8:44 pm
It hasn’t even been a year since this all started. Can you believe it? Not even a year. And yet I’m sure it feels like years since you first found out you were pregnant. That innocent couple all excited about the new person growing inside. Yet Finny was not the only thing growing inside — not fair! And yet, he has handled it all so well. You and your family and your close friends have all handled it so well.
I’ll be thinking of you as you grapple with whether or not it’s time to surrender or to push yourself just a bit. Despite all you’ve managed to handle in a year, there is no race now — you needn’t rush this part. As you said, it’s time for new beginnings…so enjoy them as they slowly unfurl, shift, take shape, and shift again.
Hoping to talk to you again soon, and maybe even see you. But I really want to make sure I’m all well again, so am going to play it very safe. I do not want to be the one to contribute to a downturn!
Much love, Di
posted by Di on September 23, 2006 at 7:46 pm
Hey! I’m still thinking and praying for you guys! Heather, that picture of you and Finn together, grinning from ear to ear takes my breath away. The baldness and the rebirth…so amazing. My love, Alison
posted by Alison Lowe on September 22, 2006 at 6:15 pm
So good to hear from you. Finn is just beautiful! I fear David is already his size, can you believe that? They’ll be good playmates when the family gets together. Babies galore! I love the picture of him sleeping. And hearing how he seems to just know what you need melted my heart. For having such a short life so far, he sure seems to have a lot of important knowledge doesn’t he? What an angel.
Keep us posted. Enjoy your walks during the fall! Hope to talk to you soon.
Love to you, Dick and Finn,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on September 22, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Hey Heather,
Re: Bumps in the road. Please know you have a plethora of shock absorbers out here. Beautiful, beautiful baby boy. Lee tells me he’s a gem to care for. You’re a champ!
Best to all of you,
Morgan
posted by Morgan Shepard on September 22, 2006 at 10:34 am
Hi, Heather. So now we know what the bumps in the road were. I suppose it’s some comfort to know that these are known complications of the process and not some new challenge. Enjoy the beautiful weather when you can. I love the new photos.
Joanne
posted by Joanne on September 22, 2006 at 8:32 am
Heather,
What a joy it is to see photos of you and Finn together again! What a handsome boy he’s growing into, there is such joy and wisdom in that sweet soft face. To tell you the truth I feel angry when I look at the photos of you in the hospital. I see all the brightness, the joy, the humor, the light, the life drained out of you and it makes me angry. I don’t want you to be, “The Little Engine That Could” chugging up that damn mountain chanting “I think I can, I think I can…” I don’t want you to be Sisyphus still pushing that bolder up the same damn hill. I want you to be at the top shouting, “I thought I could, I thought I could…!” Love and best wishes to you, Dick ,and Finn bug. Jess
posted by jess on September 21, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Hi Heather,
Still here, still reading, still caring, still sending those positive vibes. We folks out here are covering your back! Step back and look, you’re talking about building your strength back and not about yet another treatment, Hooray!
Skip
posted by Skip on September 21, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for your update Heather. It helped to calm the concern I was having. You’re in my thoughts often. Love the new photos!
Don
posted by Don & Jean Weatherbee on September 21, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Hi Heather,
Its nice to hear from you. We continue to think about and pray for you. Those pictures of Finn are so nice. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a baby that looks like BOTH of his parent so much.
I look forward to the day we can get our kids together as the babies are but a day apart. Adam is a big boy, 23 pounds! Maybe he’ll start to sleep soon?
Continue to take care of yourself. You’re in our thoughts always.
Jim
posted by Jim Hart on September 21, 2006 at 10:57 am
Hi Heather,
Thank you, thank you, for writing and letting us know how you are doing, have been anxiouly awaiting any news. All in all, I hear good things, and am, as always, amazed at how you handle all that you do. Your triathalon day sounds incredible, and to read how sensitive little Finn is and instinctively knows about being on his best behavior! Speaking of Finn, he has changed a lot since I saw him in July, what a cutie. I remember those quiet little cuddle moments, they’re the best. I’m glad you and Finn are out enjoying these beautiful September days. Think of you every day, all our best to you, Dick and little Finn.
Love, Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on September 21, 2006 at 10:25 am
I’m still here, too! I’m sorry things haven’t been bump-free. I hope the road smooths out from now on. If only life came with shock-absorbers …
Joanne
posted by Joanne on September 19, 2006 at 10:54 am
You bet we’re still here! As we’ve been getting back into the school year, we’ve though about how you and Dick must be juggling the new schedule. We’re anxious to hear how your check up went, Heather, and how you’re doing.
Love,
Christy & Erik
posted by Christy & Erik on September 17, 2006 at 7:50 am
Heather and Dick,
Talked to Donnie yesterday and it seems that your trip to Boston gave you a lot of positive information and explanations. Thank goodness. This will all be worth it, kids, I know you just want it all to be DONE - that’s what all of us want for you too - just hang in there…and keep drawing from your inner faith and strength. It’s already been a very long road - I remember the baby shower, before you “knew” - I hope you are rounding a bend on the road to healing and wellness.
As I watch my two new grandsons grow leaps and bounds (AND Bo and Ella!) I know you are watching Finn develop and grow - it’s an amazing time. . . . .
You are always in my heart and thoughts.
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on September 17, 2006 at 7:45 am
I’m still here I’m wrapped up in the busy world of work and babies but think of you guys daily and still check this thing daily. I’m getting sporadic emails from mom and knew things weren’t as smooth sailing as we (and you) had hoped. Update when you can. We’re all still here for you.
Love,
posted by Meghan Cranney on September 15, 2006 at 7:37 pm
Dick and Heather,
Ups and downs, ups and downs. You are still always in my thoughts. Things have been very busy here for some reason. I guess it’s Fall. I am still fighting the fact that summer’s over . . . .
Keep up your emotional strength, you two, for that, I think, is what will help you through this recovery period. I will I could “zap” you to be fully recovered.
Kisses to Finn
Love
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on September 13, 2006 at 7:20 pm
dear Heather, Dick and Finn…
hello again.. we’re so glad to listen from these news, so happy to find you in the site and your home- “home sweet home” -writting again and expressing your own feeling, thoughts and enjoying yourself!!..
we’re doing well here in Morocco this summer ….
cogratulation again for you , for your small familly as well…
Your friends
Rachid
Mohamed
posted by rachid and mohamed on September 9, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a note to say hey and that you are still in our thoughts and prayers, as ever. We hope you are doing well and getting your life back to normal. We had a good labor day weekend at Bluffton…the weather was good and we were with good friends. We are headed back up to the lake today. The weather is beginning to moderate and we look forward to fall. We saw Linda while at Bluffton and she brought May over for a visit. Linda said she got real excited as they neared the house and she ran all over the yard at breakneck speed after getting out of the car. I really think she remembered those days 10 years ago. We love you both and send our love to all the Weafers and Perrys. Carroll and Deanie
posted by Carroll and Deanie on September 9, 2006 at 7:36 am
Hi Heather, Dick and Finn -
You have been such an inspiration to me. I find myself seeing life a little differently everytime I read your reflections and the posts. You are in my prayers.
Reba is coming home from Morocco a couple of months earlier than originally planned. I believe she will be back in Maine sometime next week and she will surely want to connect with you, Heather. She is very emotional about leaving her extended family, particularly Mohammed……….
Sending you lots of love and light,
jody
posted by jody king on September 7, 2006 at 8:19 pm
Hey cutie pies! Hope everyone is settling into some sort of routine now. Not much to say, except that we’re still thinking of you.
xxoo Di
posted by Di on September 7, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Heather, I hope you are finding yourself again. Best wishes, Jess
posted by jess on September 7, 2006 at 11:15 am
Hi Heather,
Glad you’ve made it home. Wow, what an experience that chemo treatment sounded like - you are incredibly brave. Just wanted you to know I’m still thinking of you and wishing you well and hope that we see each other sooner rather than later.
best wishes for continued rest, strength and loving!
Keisha
posted by Keisha on September 6, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Why am I not surprised that you have come home earlier than most patients? That your blood work showed amazing improvement so quickly? That love continues to embrace you, from family and friends to those of us who know you only slightly? That your book would be sold out? That you have the grace and spirit to update your own comments for us, so that we can share your wonderful news? I envision you and Dick snuggling with Finn, moving into this new chapter of your lives and entering it with a wisdom and appreciation never thot possible. I hate to sound like a Pollyanna, but I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, even cancer and the pain and suffering that accompany it. Without the tough times, we certainly could not recognize and cherish the good. No one ever said Life was easy - altho for some reason I expected it to be as I got older?! - but Faith always brings us through it. I’ve read somewhere that “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a dream and today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Like you said, all there is is NOW. Happy snuggling!
posted by Jayne Winters on August 31, 2006 at 4:19 pm
You will have my support forever… forget “just a short while longer”. Always in my thoughts. I cannot wait to see you, Dick and the baby, again. We’ll smudge and drum circle and dance in the moonlight.
Love you always, your friend Tam
posted by Tam on August 31, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Hi Heather,
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on your progress, and I do mean progress. That’s what I read in your words, that you are moving forward. You have been through an incredible time and I’m sure every day brings new feelings and emotions as you move further away from the depths of murkiness. So glad you’re back home now, hopefully enjoying these last days of August. We think of you often and look forward to your updates. I remember just a year ago this labor day weekend, we heard the good news that you were pregnant! Take care.
Love, Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on August 30, 2006 at 10:46 am
Dear Heather and Dick…just a note to say we’re thinking about you and hope all is proceeding well. We spent a few days at our lake house last week and had a couple of beautiful days…got our sailboat in a couple of times and really enjoyed it. Then the heat and humidity came back. We’re back in Columbia and getting ready for Labor Day with friends at Bluffton. Normally we’d go down tomorrow but will probably wait until Thursday or Friday after the passing of Ernesto. Please know you are still in our thoughts all the time and we pray for your continued recovery. Our love to all the Perrys and Weafers. C&D
posted by Carroll and Deanie on August 29, 2006 at 4:35 pm
I, like many others, have been regularly tracking your journey online, quietly, sending my thoughts. I will rejoice in seeing the newly borne beautiful butterfly who will emerge from the cocoon!
posted by Tracy Burke on August 29, 2006 at 10:22 am
…ditto (Lou Sullivan’s post). Enjoy every moment!
posted by Anonymous on August 29, 2006 at 10:02 am
Hi Heather and Dick,
I’ve visited the site several times since your last post, Heather, and can’t help noticing that you have rendered us all pretty much speechless! I sense that we are all heaving a collective sigh of relief. It feels sort of like maybe you just swam across an ocean, and all you really need right now is to lie on the shore and recover for a bit. As if you are getting your wind back, and since the main challenge is behind you none of us knows what’s next. (welcome to life, right?)
So there is a sort of silence on the website now. I remember in my counseling courses learning that silence is not a bad thing, so when I visit your site and find the quiet of the page I just enjoy it. . . . soak it in. . . . remember the past year or so . . . wonder who else is visiting with me . . . add my prayer for continued recovery. Welcome home Heather. Welcome back to school Dick. Peace to your family.
Love,
Lou
posted by Lou Sullivan on August 29, 2006 at 5:24 am
heather:
my pryers go out to you. i’m hopeful, just by reading your hopes. i’m buoyed by your accomplishments. you will be fine - wonderful, and fine.
and i’m a little jealous that you’re in Bath. hee.
take care of you.
posted by the princess of doom on August 27, 2006 at 8:53 am
Hi guys - I read this when you posted it Heather, I just felt like I should have something meaningful to say. After a few days, I just wanted to say how glad I am that you’re home and that you’re finally starting this next chapter with your family. I hope that you never put a period on the end of this sentence! I love checking here for updates, and when we have a healthy Heather, I think you should maintain this when you can with updates for all of us on yourself and of course Finn But hey, that’s just me! I hope you guys have a great weekend.
Much love,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on August 25, 2006 at 3:15 pm
Hi Heather, Dick and Finn,
Just a quick note to say we really miss you. Looks like we’ll have to join a play group. It sure is quiet around here! So happy you are home and have your family together again. Can’t wait to see you and the adorable little Finn Bug.
Love,
Kimmie, Tiff, Bo and Ella
posted by Kim Weafer on August 25, 2006 at 8:58 am
Coming Home
by Mary Oliver
When we’re driving, in the dark,
on the long road
to Provincetown, which lies empty
for miles, when we’re weary,
when the buildings
and the scrub pines lose
their familiar look,
I imagine us rising
from the speeding car,
I imagine us seeing
everything from another place - the top
of one of the pale dunes
or the deep and nameless
fields of the sea -
and what we see is the world
that cannot cherish us
but which we cherish,
and what we see is our life
moving like that,
along the dark edges
of everything - the headlights
like lanterns
sweeping the blackness -
believing in a thousand
fragile and unprovable things,
looking out for sorrow,
slowing down for happiness,
making the right turns
right down to the thumping
barriers to the sea,
the swirling waves,
the narrow streets, the houses,
the past, the future,
the doorway that belongs
to you and me.
Welcome home, Heather, Dick and Finn
Love, Kathy and Steve
posted by Kathy and Steve on August 24, 2006 at 10:19 am
Welcome home Weafers Three,
I’m sooo glad to hear that you make the trip north. Now I can visualize you nesting in your clean abode, snuggling and continuing to heal. The prayers of many still gather and and are sent…blessing be to you three - joy and peace.
love,
sheri for the nadells
posted by Sheri on August 24, 2006 at 9:21 am
Heather,
Tears streaming down my face, once again, I must say that I think there’s another book in here somewhere. For you to be so articulate now, during your healing is truly amazing to me. I think you will never cease to impress.
That’s it from here, it’s late. You know you are in my thoughts always. Don’t know when I’ll see you, but we’ll get back to regular email at some point. Interestingly, I was startled by your comment “I’ll be putting a period on this soon………..” So many of us check in here daily. But the period will be a good thing, I think, as I ponder your comment. It shows your progress to health, doesn’t it? Your success.
What a remarkable young women you are.
My love to your boys!
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on August 23, 2006 at 10:02 pm
Yeah!! You pick the date,I’m thinking that the spring sounds good I often look at your picture on the cover page and think, how could this have happened. You have shown us all that althougt we never know why, we can learn and grow. Looking forward to seeing all of you, especially Finn!
Love,
Heidi
posted by Heidi & Pete on August 23, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Heather — it’s so great to hear from you! Best of luck in adjusting to your new “you” and to your new “normal.” I wish you and your family the best in going forward.
Joanne
posted by Joanne on August 23, 2006 at 10:54 am
Dear Heather, My daughter shared this poem with me this summer. I thought of you right away and now I feel ready to share it. Enjoy.
The Invitation
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or
have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be
careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn’t interest me if the story you’re telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself;
if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
I want to know if you can be faithless
and therefore be trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty
even when it’s not pretty, every day,
and if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine,
and still stand on the edge of a lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes”!
It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and
despair, weary and bruised to the bone,
and do what needs to be done for the children.
It doesn’t interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and
not shrink back.
It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,
and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
– Oriah Mountain Dreamer
posted by Mary Buckowsky on August 23, 2006 at 8:59 am
Hi, guys. I’m just dropping a note to say that I hope all is going well. I was thinking this weekend about how hard it must be to forge a new life now — one with Finn in it and one that isn’t dominated by cancer. Your don’t really have a template for it — before you had cancer, you didn’t have Finn; and you’ve never experienced motherhood without this huge cloud of illness shadowing you every day. I hope the transition is going well and that each day allows the knot of tension to ease a little more.
I’m going to be in Maine visiting my mother in mid-September. I really hope I get a chance to see you and your wonderful family then.
Joanne
posted by Anonymous on August 21, 2006 at 9:24 am
Hey Heather & Dick,
We’re just back from sailing up the coast for the past couple weeks. One of the first things we did was check in to your site, as we’ve missed being able to keep up with all that’s been going on with you since we left. We know the ups and downs are tough as you make your way through the post-treatment phase. New and unexpected emotions seem to arise each day… that’s all part of the healing and return to life. Keep holding on… you’re making it.
Happy birthday to you, Dick! We hope you are home to celebrate your day together!
We got some great shots of our seal friends and lots of seabirds on this trip. Though we did see a few Minke whales on our passages off the coast of Pemaquid, we we’re too awestruck to bother taking away our eyes to grab the camera. (Tisk, tisk… I know.) We’ll email you a link to our slide show when we get it up.
Hope you’re snuggling in and enjoying this day together. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Love and hugs,
Christy & Erik
posted by Christy & Erik on August 21, 2006 at 7:42 am
Congratualtions, on getting home guys! Happy B-Day, Dick.
posted by Jim Hart on August 21, 2006 at 6:59 am
Happy Birthday Dick! I hope you were able to enjoy it with your family all HOME!! YAY!
Love,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on August 20, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Dick and Heather,
A few posts ago I was looking ahead and hoping that you’d make it home for Dick’s birthday. Well, what DO you know???!!!! You made it.!!!
I hope this is an easy adjustment for you all - you have been through so many changes. And even going home - yes, that too, is something to adjust to. Rest, and try not to push yourself too hard Heather.
Thanks for getting the books back to me and I will get them to the kids soon. I’ve only had a little time to quickly go through it and your photos are wonderful.
Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you and since I didn’t get birthday cards out to you boys this year, wishing you, Dick, a very Happy Birthday!
Love
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on August 20, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Dear Ones,
Hopefully you all are settling in to your new reality and you are more at ease. I’m looking forward to being able to help out when you are back in Bath and get to know the exciting new versions of yourselves and be an honorary Auntie to Finn.
Great news here … Ian started grad school and loves it and David landed a job as an editor out in Santa Barbara and loves it. Bonnie got her driver’s license and is nearing the end of her summer reading. John is wondering how to keep the 21 new faces he has hired straight. His Dad is happily playing pool and winning at bridge in his new assisted living situation and I am enjoying taking one deep breath after another…
Keep up the good work. We are all still thinking loving thoughts of you all day, every day. keep the faith. lee
posted by lee on August 19, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Don and I caught your piece on Channel 3 last night. It was great “seeing” you and hearing about your process. It will be interesting to see where your photographic journey leads you next. Kudos too, to the midnight tripod carrier!
Jean
posted by Jean W. on August 19, 2006 at 9:00 am
Hi all,
Just a quick note to say we’re thinking of you every day. I’m sure everything that Heather is feeling and experiencing is all very typical for someone going through everything she has been through. I think of all the emotions I feel just reading about her experience, never mind living through it. We’re at the lake next week and you will all be in our thoughts. Hope to see you back up there soon. Love, Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on August 18, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Hi Dick and Heather!
I don’t think I left you a note this week so before it ends, just wanted you know you’re in my thoughts. I hope this week has treated you well.
I head back to work next week. I’ll try not to let that discourage my posts here For all you’ve been through, this place really is amazing to come to. Before I was on leave, I’d pop on here in the middle of my work day just as a reality check. It’s nice to see the good in people isn’t it?
Love to you,
posted by Meghan Cranney on August 18, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Good Morning Heather,
A year ago today we were on Popham Beach with you blowing bubbles into the wind as you snapped away taking pictures ……. what a journey since then. So glad to hear that you are headed home to continue the healing process and to get into the routine of being an everyday family — albeit an extrodinary family that I am sure is ready to get back to doing the ordinary.
Jean
posted by Jean W. on August 17, 2006 at 8:43 am
Dear Heather and Dick and Finn.
Checking in to your website regularly, have been absolutely blown away by what has happened to you. The way you and your family and friends are dealing with this makes me feel somewhat inadequate. All photos of Finn are adorable but the one I love best is you and Dick in the swimming pool. I am thinking of you often and am so glad to know that you are making a good recovery from the transplant.. Mike and I had a BBQ with the diving club here at our house a few weeks ago. We showed your truc lagoon photos on the big screen. will buy your book and come and get it signed personally by you one day in the not too distant future. Mike is keen to bring me again to America and visit Maine. He is arranging a trip to the galapagos with his friend next year. I am still cycling and training for next years traithlon. Next year I will compete to raise money for a charity called CLIC for cancer and leukaemia in children. Will be 50 next year and hope to win my age group (hardly likely but I’ll give a go). you are in my prayers everyday. lots of love Julia. xx
posted by julia on August 16, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Hey guys! I’m so glad I got to finally check into the site after being unable to for a week or so. Wonderful news about the continued recovery, and a reminder that our prayers and thoughts are still needed. So many times I check in and wish I had some great words of wisdom, but even when I don’t have words to write, I close my eyes, and think of your family, and in my mind’s eye I try to see myself lifting you all up for a while. Know that many of us are thinking about you throughout our days, and doing what we can to try to help carry you along, just as you have carried all of us so often. My prayer for you now is that you may have peace.
Lou
posted by Lou Sullivan on August 15, 2006 at 9:24 pm
shes coming home, shes coming home, ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
finny’s big and grown, hes big and grown ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
dick doesn’t have to do it alone, do it alone ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
cause their all at home, their all at home ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
Again! One more time!! Who brought the mag-a-rita’s!
Be gentle on yourselves, transitions abound, and your are bound to get into a transition you don’t want to be in , that is a part of the life that you have been working so hard to keep
LOVE, love, and more love
PS great book, we read little pieces every day:) Shaye and John
posted by Shaye on August 15, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Hola Weafers Three,
Just got home from the lake and ‘checked in’ - SUCH wonderful news! YAAAY and bravo, Heather. Hope your are resting still with Finn in your arms and Dick beside you. Can’t wait to hear of a trip north.
love,
Sheri for all the Nadells
posted by Sheri Nadell on August 14, 2006 at 9:51 am
Welcome home soldier!
As in every war, between countries or private battles like your own, there is some adjustment time needed by every warrior. Take the time! You can truly say that you earned it. I am proud of your tenacity and strength thru this ordeal. You have showed many what a hero really is.
Skip
posted by Skip on August 14, 2006 at 7:18 am
Hi Guys, I am so happy Heather is doing so well. I just knew she would do whatever she had to to get well. Heather, you are an inspiration to me, and so many other people. Not many people could have done what you did. Sounds like Finn is doing well too. That’s great! I hope you are still feeling better every day. Hope it won’t be long before you get to go home to Maine soon. Love to all of you.
Aunt Robin and Uncle Teddy
posted by Robin Hunt on August 13, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Heather:
I had a dream about you last night…that I came to visit and we played board games and laughed like we did when we were kids. In my dream, I said, ‘everything is going to be ok’. And it will. I can’t wait to see all of you in Maine and share some giggles. I’ll bring the Atari.
Maria
posted by Maria on August 13, 2006 at 11:18 am
Dear Heather, Dick, and Finn,
For a week, we had no internet. The provider handed us off from one department to another - at one point I offered them $1,000 if someone would come and fix it!
I had many things to do, but I needed to check your site to make sure you were better. The repair people could never know just how bad I needed to read Dick’s words.
So, this morning, I have caught up with all the postings. Now, I sit here stifling my tears of joy for you three. You have made it. You three have made it. Now to try to get back to an ordinary life. I would imagine it wil be like post traumatic stress syndrome for a while. This thing, this ugly thing, that consumed you and took your ordinary life away, is finally gone. But it will lurk in the shadows for a while. Embrace the orindary things now, it will not creep back in. Feel the sunshine and nuzzle Finn. Nuzzle Dick too.
I would like to believe that the hugs I sent and the thoughts of you three helped to knock out a few of those ugly little cells. I am content with that.
You, Heather, have probably grown more than any of us could imagine. You were a good person before, but now, there is no limit.
We love you and send you three our congratulations.
Sara
posted by Sara Buchheim on August 12, 2006 at 8:37 am
I’ve been away all week and have not been able to check your website. What wonderful news to hear that you are healing so quickly! I hope you, Finn and Dick are able to get home soon and enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer.
Love, Shannon
posted by Shannon Erb on August 12, 2006 at 7:56 am
Dear Ones,
Rest and recoup… as every teacher knows: transitions are tough…very sound advice not to try to go it alone … I imagine that the smell of Finny’s scalp, the homey sounds all around you, (mutiple baby gurgles), seeing less strain on the faces of your dear family and resting while they keep watch will help with the fears and the changes. We love you. - lee
posted by lee on August 11, 2006 at 10:54 pm
Well, thank goodness you are human, Heather. I was really starting to wonder!
I’m sending you positive thoughts, but this time for your spirit to renew now that your guard can come down. It is kind of like the fight or flight response…you were in the fight mode, and now that the imminent danger has passed your body suddenly lets you know just how stressed you’ve been.
I am sending you so very many hugs. I believe that you can cry a river and still need the healing touch even now. It doesn’t make you any less amazing or beautiful.
Di
posted by Di on August 11, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Hi guys!
Glad to hear things are going well and that Finn was, of course, so happy to be reunited with his mommy! I hope you have a wonderful weekend together. We’re headed up to NH to spend some time at the lake where Greg’s parents have a house. My little guy’s first taste of lake water! I hope he likes it as much as Finn liked Moosehead
Love,
Meg
posted by Meghan Cranney on August 11, 2006 at 4:01 pm
hey there, so good to hear that everything is going better than expected. wanted to let you know i was thinking about all of you. jd is taking swimming lessons and he is doing great! at each lesson i think about the both of you swimming to and from indian island and give you energy to be able to do it next year!!!
adam wants to help finn, bo and ella to crawl and stand up. time for the crib to be rigged for an active infant. it’s funny i counldn’t wait for jd to crawl, stand and walk. with adam i was hoping it would take longer… i know it just means he is developing… we love you, mary ann
posted by mary ann on August 11, 2006 at 7:38 am
Heather, Dick, Finn et al,
It’s a beautiful morning! Just thinking of you all there and hoping for another good, healing day. You have a houseful there. Hope all the babies cooperate for a calm, restful day - maybe they’ll all take a good, long nap AT THE SAME TIME. I don’t have much to say, just want you to know you are in my thoughts.
Love
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on August 11, 2006 at 6:36 am
AWESOME! We were all so happy to hear how well things were going! Tom returned from the lake while the boys and I stayed up for an extra day or so at camp. He updated us on the happenings and we all felt such a relief for all involved. Still a journey to travel ahead … but clearly all those thoughts, prayers, and positive energies are doing their part! Stay on your path … it’s a good one! All the best to the three of you and your families and friends. Our thoughts and prayers continue …
Tina, Tom, Ben and Cam
posted by Tom and Tina Villnave on August 10, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Dear Ones,
Wonderful news…moving prose,,,great progress. Thank you for letting us picture you in your Osprey nest, Heath. The image is calming and bright. Not only has truth, wonder and questioning poured from you two throughout this period…it has cascaded from everyone who says a little something on this site and also is absorbed by all who read it! My mind boggles when I think how many caring folks check into this site for strength and encouragement. This journey has connected so many souls and it is epitomized by the idea of flags flying for you at the top of a mountain in India. When you no longer need our constant prayers we will ALL be sending them somewhere else where they are needed. You have taught us that it makes a difference. We have all learned so much from you and your family and each other. Rarely have I seen so many risk opening up to share a soul-glimpse. You have inspired great beauty, grounding hope and soaring enlightenment. Enjoy every moment of your climb to good health - I know you will! xxxl.
posted by lee on August 10, 2006 at 10:36 am
I need a new ISP….
Hope it isn’t too late to say
YAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!
Love you all so much!
Michele
posted by Michele Livermore Wigton on August 9, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Hi kids,
So the news from G&G tonight is more good news. Another temporary home, but one filled with love and support……and your son.
You are amazing, Heather….week “three” isn’t even over yet and yet you are continuing to surpass the expectations that were set for you. Hang in there, girl, we’re all out here, thinking of you, praying for continued positive progress for you. Trite as it may be….one day at a time….probably is the best way to heal. Seems like a good idea to me, but then, what do I know…..just hoping that you ALL can get some GOOD rest and healing time together.
You know I love you
Pat
posted by Pat (Weafer) on August 9, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Wow!!! That is fantastic news!!! Can’t wait to see you guys and get our little men together.
Sending you lots of love from Heather Lane,
Tim, Vanessa and William
posted by Tim Record on August 9, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Hi Heather, Dick and little Finn!
Such great news! I am so happy for you and your families! God is good!
Love,
Lise
posted by Lise Beedenbender Zinn on August 8, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Yeah,yeah,yeah!!!
Great news.
Love Heidi
posted by Heidi & Pete on August 8, 2006 at 7:46 am
Reading this good news was the best way to start my day! Can “hear” the excitement in Dick’s words. What a difference a week can make. Couldn’t be happier for all of you!
Love,
Joan
posted by bruce & joan jenkins on August 8, 2006 at 7:29 am
Happy news.Congratulations. I am very happy .
posted by mohamed on August 8, 2006 at 6:23 am
I’ve kept quiet on the website front lately but with this news how can I not shout out - YIPPPPEEEEE! YiPPPPPPEEEEEEE!
This IS the best news and I’m still smilin’.
You now I love ya, all three of you. Get your butts home!
Keep healing.
Love,
Wendy
posted by Wendy on August 8, 2006 at 6:07 am
Don and I saw your exhibit on Saturday…..loved your eels especially and found your good news today! I am so happy for you all….and there is still summer left! A year ago, minus ten days we were at Popham with you snapping away at us…..an incredible journey since then.
Jean
posted by Jean W. on August 8, 2006 at 12:01 am
Woo-hoo! Way to go Aqua-dart! Reeeeaaaaach for that wall!
messages and thoughts
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HI Heather, Finn and Dick,
I was thinking about you the other day while working at Midcoast….You come up a lot among us nurses…and we all want to wish you well. It is wonderful to see your writings! Know that you all forever changed our lives with your love, perseverence and incredible strength. Best wishes for the Best of Health! Jodie
Dear Heather, Dick and Finn,
Heather, do you remember me? GHS and Colby alums and friends and you were the one to introduce me to the land of Disney! Matt Davie wrote in to the Colby magazine about your news of a baby AND battling (successfully thank God) lymphona. I have discovered your website and am touched by your beautiful journal entries throughout the happiest of times with a baby paired with the most challenging of ordeals. I remember your passion for life and can see how that zest for life has allowed you to embrace motherhood and your battle with cancer. With much love, Karen
PS Maybe we can meet at WDW, I hope to plan a trip there in Dec ‘09 or Dec ‘10.
Hi Dick and Heather,
I also saw the Times Record and have tried to find the right words. I guess I can’t write anything more eloquent then Bridie has written. So… I will say you both are amazing and I wish you the best of everything!
Dick,
My family and I are back here in Brunswick and hope to meet Heather and Finn in person someday.
All my best wishes,
Amie Howard Thom( plus Michael, Guinevere, and Mason Thom)
Dick & Heather:
Saw the Times Record during a visit to my mother and wanted to say, “Congratulations!” for becoming parents, and that my heart is aching for you to have had to face such challenges during what should be the happiest time of your life. I’m so glad things are going well now. Enjoy your little man, and if you ever feel like a trip to Disney, let us know, we’re in Orlando!
Bridie (plus, Dave, Derek-6, and Kacey-4)
Just found the information about your situation in the Times Record. We both wish for you continued strength, both individual and collective, as you wend your way through this. Our thoughts are with you as you face the challenges and realize your hopes.
Former teachers at BHS and Longfellow, now living in MD and FL.
Heather and Dick,
Congratulations, admiration, and appreciation to both of you, from another husband/father who is going through the same journey now, two years after you started yours. I am struck by how long this ordeal can last, how draining it can be for the patient and immediate family, and - more than anything else - the incredible, overwhelming boost that is provided by friends and family who join in the battle. Thanks for sharing your experience - it lifts our spirits as slog through the early days. I hope we can meet you the next time we’re in Maine. All three of you - Heather, Dick, and Finn - have our highest respect!
Hi Frank,
I have no way of responding to you as i don’t have your phone or e mail address. Please e mail me with your contact info at hdweaf@gwi.net . Everything is fine and I look forward to reconnecting.
all best, heather
Hi Heather,
Is everything OK. Please respond.
Frank
Hi Heather
Hope all is well. I’m in Portland, Maine today and tomorrow. I would like to see Joe. Let me know.
Frank
Heather, Dick & Finn: Congratulations on a ‘clean year’ and belated Happy Birthday wishes! As always, your words were fitting for closing out the web site. Altho I will miss hearing from you, I know no news means you are out and about, living Life the way it is meant to be. I think of you all so often and will continue to keep you in my prayers for continued good health and exciting, happy adventures. Take good care of yourselves and thanks again for letting us share in your remarkable journey.
Great performance last night…..and happy happy Mother’s Day.
Jean
heather, dick and finn, I just happened to browse your site today and was smiling broadly thinking of finn walking and talking as today is my son’s 6th birthday and happy (late) 36th to you heather. I hope to be in touch with you guys thru the years to come and please send me pictures of finn! Best wishes Tamara Takoudes
Hey Heather…it’s wonderful to see you feeling so well and in such good spirits. We’re looking forward to May 28 with great anticipation. Our love to you all…Carroll and Deanie
Heather,
So nice to open your site this morning and read about how well all the Weafer’s are doing. It just made me feel so good to read those words. It’s what we’ve all hoped and prayed for. Pictures are great! Looking forward to seeing you this summer…the ice is still not out! Soon!
All I can say is GOOD ON YOU!! I do visit this site off and on and feel such joy reading the recent entries… I am so glad to hear that all is spectacular in the Weafer world!
I’m still waiting on the book…!!
Beth
Heather, I’m so pleased to read your birthday post — it sounds like things are going so well! Enjoy your wonderful life. Even if the website has reached it’s natural end, I will continue to root for you and your family.
Love,
Joanne
Great pictures! Finn is becoming quite a handsome lad. Can’t wait to see all of you on one of those long summer days at the lake.
What a journey. Happy 1 Year re-birthday to all 3 of you. Love JP
HEYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How r u guys doin?
HUG AND KISSS FINN FOR MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love,
charlotte
You look gorgeous! I just hit the photo gallery.
Movie star:)
Good morning!
April! What a month, what a month. Hope you are well and wanting you and Dick to know that spring is on it’s way- I can only imagine how much water is pushing through the Sassanoa right now. Thinkof the logs that are moving just below the surface, moving down river where they can take up new residence. Just for the great blues and king fishers to roost and eat.
Just thought of you all this morning- it has been ages since I have seen or spoken to Dick, please give him our best. Shaye and John
Dear Heather,
What a joy to view your website. I do believe about you “Blooming in the Spring”. I feel the energy of it It defies logic, the coming of rebirth, renewing body and spirit and mind. But those flowers just keep blooming every year, and the grass grows green. Winter is so long (and dark) in Maine. You have place amazing light into what has been a time of mourning for me. Knowing you has eased the sorrow.
Oh the fun of feeling really, really strong again!
Heather,
I have to agree w/Nancy that you have not been on my mind daily - and that that is SUCH a good thing! I know you have been going through another trial in your life, but reading your latest post, shows us all - once again - your strength and the strength that you and Dick have together…truly an amazing love story you have shared with us all.
My love to you, Dick and Finn (and I love the new pictures - love your hair - you’re GORGEOUS!)
Pat
So wonderful to read your latest journal entry! Spring is a time of new life and so yours begins….your way with words and sharing your innermost thots truly move me. You downplay your courage, my dear, for so many people, for whatever reasons, would have given up when faced with the choices you’ve had to make this past year and a half. You (and Dick) have such wisdom for your age — you’ve gone thru many more trials than most of us will ever have to deal with in a lifetime. And have come out of them with more love and appreciation for one another and others. That is a wonderful gift. Thank you for continuing to share w/us. You remain an inspiration and help put the day-to-day piddly stuff in perspective.
PS You’ve also encouraged me to resume meditating! I started in the ’70s and have been hit or miss over the years, returning to it during difficult times and then letting it slide once Life settles down again. You and Dick have reminded me how important it is to take care of our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Hey Dick, Heather and Finn,
Hope that cold weather gave you an excuse to stay home and stay warm! Hats on everyone- hair or no hair- that winter chill that brings spring is getting to work. An aunt of mine once said that winter is the rest that spring needs, and that spring needed a long rest:) John and I are well and send our best to you three- wondering if the River is singing with ice these days or if it is just holding on tight to it all.
stay well,
Shaye and John
Hey, you guys!
I am writing to tell you how great it is that you have NOT been on my mind for a while - how’s that for a sentiment?! I have been operaitng under the assumption that no news is good news and that you three are just going about the normal business of living (for a change) and hopefully little by little moving away from the specter of illness.
I must tell you though, that if I ever have to wage a battle anything like what you all have been through this last year and a half, I can only hope to face it with the same strength and wisdom and determination. It has been nothing short of heroic - and I don’t even know the half of it!
I also can’t tell you how excited I am to finally meet Finn at Easter (you guys are going to NH, yes?) and to see you both.
As always- lots of love form everyone here. See you SOON!
XXXXXXOOOOOO Nancy
Hey Heather,
Loved Caberet - you are a wonderful actress - it was so good to see you up there, hamming it up with Craig in Mayflies - trying to get through Phillip Glass (great job everyone!), and so on.
I would wager that you did have a choice, and that it took every ounce of courage you had - you chose to hang in there so you could give birth to Finn, and then you chose live as much as it was in your power to do so. That’s no small pototoes.
All best - Morgan
Hi Heath,
I haven’t checked the website in a while, thought you may have been done posting. It was nice to get caught up today. I have heard bits and pieces through the grapevine but haven’t seen any updated pictures in a while. You’re looking great!
Maybe over the summer we can get all of the babies together. Adam is walking (trying to run after his bro), talking a little, and is starting to learn how to stand up for himself (a necessity in our house!). JD is doing karate, playing soccer and tomorrow is baseball sign up’s so things are busy, but a good busy!
You have continually been in our thoughts.
Much Love,
Jim
Hey Heather and Dick…From reading Pat’s post, we gather all is going well. So glad to hear that is the case. You know you are still in our thoughts and prayers at all times and we are so thankful for all the good news. Our love to you all, Perrys and Weafers. Carroll and Deanie
Well, girl! I never tire of hearing GOOD news!!!!!!! So glad your test results came out so well!! That news made my day!
AND, I hear Finn has conquered WALKING! What an amazing year this has been.
Hope to see you soon - don’t know when - but at least this summer.
My love to you and your boys,
Pat
Hi guys
I (and the rest of the Image Collection) cannot wait to see both of you and that baby and hug you with our own arms. Sounds like the play went well. Much love to you and your little family heather.
Hi Heather again..
Whe’re so proud to have your news again.. we are still checking you
)
still also remember you..
the little finn seems to be very happy and fine.. we are happy for you Heather and Dick…
Say hello to him and big kiss for the little boy.. in one of your beautiful shots, Finn starts recognizing your camera!!! isn’t amazing…
Love to all…
Hi kids,
I’ve been very absent from this website, but you have been in my thoughts through these last couple of months as I’ve heard about these bumps in the road.
I, too, felt like I relived those two days in January w/Adam and Finn arriving back-to-back…waiting for YOUR news while in Maine with my new grandson.
I’ve just spent 1/2 an hour getting caught up with your thoughts and the pictures! AND I hear the Cabaret was WONDERFUL! Good for you, girl! Your strength, once again, has seen you through. And vegging out and watching 2 seasons of LOST sounds like a great way to have spent those crappy days - why NOT!
Back to the pictures - what fun that was for me. Finn is just such a cutie little BOY and I loved seeing all the cousins together. (So, in your “spare” time, I’d love you to email me that photo of the 5 “weafer”(willis) children. I just so need that one on my ‘frig!)
Just want you to know you are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending my love your way,
Pat
What a cutie he is! And that train cake is cool — my husband would love it (he’s a big train buff and has an HO set up in our basement)! Glad you all had a nice celebration and hope you’re staying warm in these chilly temps.
PS Your hair’s looking great
Heather, love the new pictures! Wow, time goes fast. I remember when the three babies all fit on one boppy together. Now they’re wrestling each other to the ground. Ella sure can’t get enough of that Finn!
You look great, too. Remember how far you’ve come in a year. Hugs to you and your boys.
Love,
Kimmie
Happy Birthday Finn! What a year. I hope to see you at Cabaret Heather! Don’t feel guilty about 2 seasons of Lost. My new husband and I did the same thing. Love, Alison
So glad to see a posting from you this morning - I’ve been worried something other than the busyness of the holidays was the reason, but am relieved you are all feeling better after battling the flu. As dreadful as it was, if you want to consider it another step toward ‘normal’ life, welcome back! And you WERE able to overcome it, post chemo weakness and all! I am further amazed and happy to hear of your upcoming theater work…don’t know that we can get down to see you, but I’m so glad to hear you’re back to doing something you truly love and will undoubtedly gain emotional and physical strength from. By the way, I read a terrific review of your book in a recent DOWNEAST magazine. I’m headed to Barnes & Noble to spend a gift certificate and plan to purchase it; maybe someday, even have an autographed copy. You are such an inspiration - all of you. Belated Happy Birthday to Finn ~
So glad things are going well - except for the flu, the runs, the porcelain bowl worship and skinny Finn. Sounds like things are better, though, and I am honored to have been part of the good will pointed in your direction - I am SO looking forward to Cabaret and to seeing you be a part of it all. And Happy Birthday to miracle boy - Capricorns are toughies. Ask me - January 12th (although skinny has never been part of my resume). : ^ ) All best, Morgan
Dear Heather and Dick…what a rollercoaster you two have been on. I think it’s time to get off and on to something a little flatter and slower. It’s wonderful to see you are back at the theater, which I know you love and enjoy. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day, as always. Our love to you three and all the Perrys and Weafers. C&D
So good to hear from you — and happy birthday to Finn! Congratulations on these tentative steps back to normalcy. Best of luck on banishing the remaining tendrils of steroids and narcotics.
Joanne
Happy Birthday to Finn.
Happy Birthday to Finn, and his happy birthday to both his parents.
Congrats Heather and Dick……what a first year it has been for all three of you.
Jean
A late Happy New Year all. Keep your eyes on the prize my friend. You have come a long way on your journey so far, and we are still here with you.
Skip
Happy Birthday Finn!
Thankfully in our house he was the only one who caught it, not something I would’ve been happy with.
This site was down a bit this wk and I was panicked I wouldn’t get to wish him a happy birthday on the site that’s kept me, and us, updated on his first year of life! What an amazing year, for all of you.
I hope you guys have a fantastic day celebrating and no more stomach bugs!!! David got hit w/it two and we ALSO spent New Year’s with a stinky baby boy
I’m thrilled to hear you are back in your acting mode and learning to live again. I can’t imagine all you have been through and think you’re really an inspiration Heather.
Much love to you, have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Love
Meg
Heather,
I just took a chance this morning and checked your site and was so happy to see that you had written. I had been checking off and on, knowing that the holidays and just life in general is busy, but was wondering how all of you were doing. Now I know! Not fair that you all had to get that nasty virus going around, happy to read that it’s behind you now. Once again I’m amazed at your strength and determination, and all that you do. I can only imagine the emotions you all have looking back at the past year. Want to wish Finn a very happy first birthday. I look forward to seeing the pictures. Enjoy that birthday cake!
Love, Joan
I was so moved and touched by reading your website. Nancy Peterson at Kent School offered me the website to read, as my son, a student at Kent, age 16, has Osteosarcoma. He had surgery to replace his knee/tibia and femur bone in 2005, followed by chemo. He had a recurrence to his lung in Sepetember and they removed it in October. His last scan showed a new nodule in his other lung. Thus, we are now facing surgery again. Not sure about going back on chemo unless after this surgery another nodule shows up. Anthony wants to be a normal 16 year old teenager and go to school and be with friends. He had to take a year off from school due to chemo and sickness, and doesn’t want to miss any more. Your website is so uplifting. Thank you
A very brief message this time - to wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with health, happiness, peace and continued blessings of healing. It’s hard to believe Finn will be celebrating his first birthday in a few weeks! PS A lovely posting by Heather’s dad
Jayne Winters
Hi guys - just wanted to say I hope you were able to enjoy your 1st Christmas. I heard you had quite an eventful Christmas Eve, poor things. Hope all is well now and you are getting some rest - I think it’s probably school vacation week for Dick and you are spending the week as a family.
Happy New Year!
Much love,
Meg
hello dear ones,
it seems that having you back in my life on a weekly basis has let me forget to check this website …. craig mentioned that there was a beautiful letter from Dick so I “tuned in” tonight. it, of course, made me cry. then i found the thank you from your parents, heath … with all the writing talent in this family finn will have to be very strong to resist the pull of the literary life! right now my money is on him being a musician but once he has a true vocabulary there will no stopping him!
i shall think a lot about the end of dick’s note. there has been something ‘divine’ about this journey that SO many people have taken with you - it has changed us all and made us better women, men and children. it is the most marvelous marriage of an intensely personal voyage and a universally taken trip. thank you for letting us be with you.
bonnie had a dream last night about ‘finnalicious’ walking on his own … that time is not long from now and it is one more indication of just how far you three have come. i wonder when each rehearsal with you heath, or quiet feeding with you, finn or mutual, twinkling laugh with you, dick will cease to feel like a gift? maybe never … because i don’t see the world the way i used to see it.
love to you and your family (official and otherwise) and a happy new year to all who visit this wonderful site and send their care and love so freely! - lee
If I don’t see you guys before the new year comes, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
It was so nice to see you guys last weekend and as always you made me feel pretty special and fortunate to have you guys in my life. I amm truely grateful for your friendship and love. Let the bells ring loud for the new year!!!!
Oh, and may the Mayflies fly high!!!
Love ya,
Craig
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to wish you both and Finn and everyone reading a very Merry and blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, promise, peace and health.
xoxo
Sue
Hi Heather, ,Dick, and big boy Finn…I have not visited for a while but did alot of reading from the site tonight. I read all of Dick’s Nov. journal and it really is an inspirational tale. I admire how you both have worked at putting things directly out there for us all…the clearity and directness is helpful for me on my own journey ( which is going well, thank you). So much of your writings help me focus on a nowness…sometimes easy to miss but so rich when the awareness is refocused.
Fun to see the pictures of your beautiful boy. Have a joyous first Christmas with him…but somehow I think everyday must feel like Christmas with him…and each other.
Hugs to you from P Street.
Judy B.
Happy Holidays! Hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Years together and that you, Dick get a full week of lounging while reading, playing with Finn and laughing with Heather. Christmas Vacation is one of the bene’s of teaching- hope your family enjoys it while it is here! Best, Shaye and John
Buona fortuna con il vostro luogo. E abbastanza nice=)
E luogo piacevole, devo dire! Buona fortuna a voi:)
Hi Heather,
Have been thinking about you a lot of late and the anticipation and excitement you and Dick must feel as you look towards Finn’s first Christmas. Happy Holidays and the very best wishes for health and happinessin 2007.
Jean Weatherbee
Heather, Dick and Finn,
I was going through my old e-mails deleted ones and came across your web-site. With my poor organizational skills I haven’t kept up with your continued stuggles and victories over the last year. I have certainly inquired and prayed for you all on occasions. I just wanted to note that my family is now going through a trying period, but it has nothing to do with physical stuggles for life. Reading over your latest entries have really put our stuggles in perspective and you have helped me to realize what our family should be focusing on, the love and health of one another. I admire your courage and fight, your all are surrounded with a wonderful family and with that you have shown, you can beat just about anything. Good luck to your continued recovery and thank you for the inspiration you have provided to me and the message of importance. I wish you all a wonderful time together in health during the upcoming vacation.
In inspiration and thanks,
Blair C. Dwyer
Heather, Dick and Finn,
Hi dear friends Heather, Finn and Dick…
happy thanksgiving to all of you..
have great times Heather, you are right, it’s been a year passed you lived in tough moments full of challenges and difficulties, but we are so glad it finally ended and you could learn a lot of things in this life..
Don’t thank us heather, it is our duty to share with you bad or good times!! And as you said in your website, we think you are lucky, you have Dick beside you, he is really a good and a gentle man, say to him hello for us..
bear in mind that we are still thinking of all of you..
our best wishes from Morocco -in Biougra- to you…
Heather and Dick,
I am so glad I took the time to check your webiste this morning.
I have thought of you both so often these last couple of weeks - remembering last Thanksgiving and being so aware that this anniversary of sorts was here.
What beautiful words you both have once again written.
I applaud your strength, once again.
Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you this morning.
Hopefully, we’ll get up there this winter for a quick visit and be able to see you and check out how much Finn has grown. I haven’t see him since the summer.
Love you all,
Pat
Dear Heather and Dick…Just a note to say hello and that you remain in our thoughts and prayers at all times…you are truly two remarkable people. I also see that eloquence runs in the Perry family. Not surprising. I gather you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. We did also…got together at the lake with beautiful 70 degree weather and blue skies. This October and November have just been glorious. Too bad it will probably end soon but our winters are not too bad. As always, our love to you and all the Perrys and Weafers. Carroll and Deanie
hey there dick and heather,
i have lived my life listening to others, internalizing thier insight, and connecting it to my life. by far both of your insights have impacted my world the most and the letter that you wrote heath dick… is hitting me like a ton of bricks. (in a positive way)
love you both, mare
Dear Dick and Heather,
I feel like I have just experienced the truest Thanksgiving prayer in Heather’s email and Dick’s beautiful letter to Heather.
We all do have so much to be thankful for; we all have our heartbreaking struggles, but we have a purpose and we have strength behind and beyond that purpose to guide us.
The old man in the green hat said it best, “Be Still”…there is peace and joy in that stillness. Thank you.
With love from Tilly, John, Jake, and Rose
I could be mistaken but i believe i saw you at my restaurant (the Prodigal Sun). I happened upon your journal on my girlfriends laptop, and must say i am touched. As a father i could never imagine what you are going through. However you are a inspiration to all with your your will and desire. I wish you the best and continued strength. I wish you well through the holiday seasons.
Bill
I know I have been quiet until now, but as I sat at the Thanksgiving table yesterday seeing our wonderful extended family, I thought this is the time for us to count our blessings and to give thanks for those blessings. So, here goes….As I write this, I know how award winners must feel…Who do you thank first?
Certainly I must thank Heather’s doctors, Dr. Joyce and Dr. Buff. These two doctors never wavered in their optimism and their plan to make Heather well again. I will thank them for the rest of my life for their determination and care. In thanking doctors, I must not forget Dr. Takudis. She was the watchdog for Finn. She knew exactly what was best for him because I am blessed with a wonderful, beautiful, and, most of all, healthy Grandson. Also, I need to say that the nurses BIDC and especially at Mid Coast made me understand just how important and valuable nurses are. They are amazing people.
I also need to say to all fathers of daughters: I can only wish for you that you can be fortunate enough to have a Son-in-Law like Dick. He is truly a father’s dream for his daughter. Watching him step up when he was thrust into a situation like this…watching him be a man any father can be proud to call son when most average men would crumble, and watching him fight as hard as Heather for her life should be an inspiration to any husband. He was a rock of support, not only for Heather, but for Heather’s mom and me. I know how much he was suffering and how scared he was but, he was still there when any of us needed him. Thank God for Dick.
However, I cannot thank Dick without thanking his family, too…or, I guess I could hope to say our family. Don and Kathy are responsible for raising such a wonderful, giving family. A family who think of others first and who are not afraid to show their love and emotion. I thank them for welcoming Heather as one of them, in spite of the foibles of her family. They are truly good and wonderful people and I am blessed to know them. Don with his calming and healing touch. Kathy just doing what had to be done emotionally and physically. When people ask heroes why they did heroic things, the answer is “it needed doing, so I just did it.” Don and Kathy are true heroes.
Don and Sarah gave undying support; spent nights with Heather in the hospital helping her through her ordeals. No one can put a value on that kind of love.
Kim and Tiffany. How does one thank them? Kim pregnant with twins and yet they opened their home and their hearts to Lucille and I. I don’t know how we would have gotten through this without them. The thought of sitting alone in a cold, emotionless hotel room while your daughter is battling the fight of her life is terrible. It was always wonderful to come back to their home after being at the hospital with Heather and finding the love and warmth that they both give.
Wendy. What can I say? True friend? She is so very much more than that. Sister? She is more than that, too. She is a God-send. I am truly at a loss for words to thank her. Wendy, I don’t know what Heather would have done…or any of us would have done without you. You are always there….just taken for granted. But, I always thought it was a compliment to be taken for granted…for one to know that you are always there; always to be depended upon. As I said, I am at a loss for words, so I will just say Thank you for being Wendy.
Jen, who administers the website, and still finds the time to be with Heather when she needs her. Another true friend. Another blessing in our lives.
Finally, but certainly not least, there are all of you wonderful people who through this website give your undaunting support. It makes us feel there is always hope. It makes us know that if love and prayer help, our daughter will win this battle. No person has ever been armed for a life battle with as much love and prayer as you all provided. I can’t begin to tell you how important your messages are, not only to Heather, but to Lucille and me. When we are feeling down, we come to this site and read all the words of love and support that you all provide. When Heather was at her darkest, Dick would read her the entries and one could sit there and watch her draw strength and love from them and use that to fight this evil enemy. I believe that cancer is the most evil of diseases because it not only attacks the body, but attacks the soul. Lucille and I have watched as loved ones stricken, would finally just give up and surrender to this insidious disease. You never let Heather do that. My God! I believe that cancer demon was very sorry that he tackled Heather, for surely she, and her army were the wrong enemy for it. She and her allies are unbeatable.
We know we are not completely out of the woods yet, or even that we may never be. But, we can see daylight, and while it was dark for a long while, we could always look up and see the light of your love showing us the way. If anyone ever doubts just how good people can be, they only need to read this website and they will know. I thank every last one of you for giving us our daughter back. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Joe and Lucille Perry
Happy Thanksgiving to all - and to all a good repast, represent, and refuture. You’ve said all the words and felt all the feelings - thanks for the courage to share all of them, the good, the bad, and the rest with all of us this year. You are both such amazing people. Finn has fantastic taste in music, incidently - Lee says he prefers my CD over any other. : ^ )
All the best to you.
Morgan
Thanksgiving….it’s amazing how we look at the holidays differently with each year that passes. We do, indeed, count and appreciate our blessings. Our family, our friends, our experiences (good as well as bad) for helping to shape us into the people God intended us to be. In church on Sunday, Pastor Jim said people often ask, “Where is God? Why did He let this happen?” yet there is nowhere in the Bible that promises us a lifetime of good and happy times. What God DOES promise is to always be there with us. And so He is.
I am thankful for having known you, Heather, tho only through a few occasions at DMR. I am thankful for your and Dick’s desire and ability to share your lives with us, for articulating so perfectly thoughts that many of us have swirling around inside us yet cannot put down on paper as we would like. I am thankful that you have had the strength, physically and emotionally, to get thru this past year. I am thankful Finn is such a healthy, handsome, joy-filled little boy. I am thankful you have voiced what it’s like to be pushed to the edge and seen the view from there. My husband is a cancer survivor and I can identify with the fear, the anxiety, the not-knowing. Yet I knew, somehow, that he would beat it. And he has. And so have you, Heather.
You’re right, there are no guarantees in Life. It is up to us to not take it for granted, to try and enjoy every single day - even when we feel lousy. Take time to notice the smell of fresh rain, the rainbow, the snowflakes, the smell of baking bread, the laughter of a child.
Congratulations and may this Thanksgiving hold very special memories and blessings for you and your family. Jayne Winters
Hi Heather, Dick, Finn and the rest of the Perry/ Weaf clan,
We are coming up on Thanksgiving and I would like to say that I give thanks for each of you and the blessings that you give each other. I so appreciate being able to read your intimate thoughts, and be part of the loving nature of your friends and community. Checking in here and seeing what has been written helps me (a satelite of your world) work through my greif over your families cancer trials, and nurtures my hopes for your future.
I think the posting that most strikes me today is from the nurse at your hospital that writes to you that she saw your Hawk. I delighted in the fact that nature exists everywhere, and that this woman who meets hundreds of people each year found you.
I hope that your thanksgiving day and those that follow are filled with lots of drolling children and dogs, and that you all enjoy the gravy.
SMR
Hi Guys,
Thank you both for being so open during this past year. Your battle became the battle of others, and our prayers and hope became yours. You have taught me quite a bit over the past months.
Dick, I was moved by your letter to Heather. Your honesty and realism through a time that most couldn’t imagine, is appreciated. You put things in such perspective.
Have a great Thanksgiving; you’ll be in my thoughts as always.
Much Love
Jim
You two are just amazing.
I needed to read something like that tonight.
Somehow, through all this, you’ve managed to help ME at the right times - just by being who you are.
I love you both. Kiss Finn for me
Meg
During the first half of today’s Patriot’s game, I was acutely aware that a year ago on this Sunday during the first half of another Patriot’s game I got a call from Dick that he needed me, because he could no longer deal with Heather’s sciatic pain alone. I rushed over and helped hold her until 3AM when Dick and I looked over the bed at each other and acknowledged that we were in over our heads and took Heather to the Midcoast emergency room . In a matter of several hours we got the news that changed our lives. So this is an anniversary of sorts, and I cannot help but wonder what the next year will hold. During the last, we have battled cancer , greeted three new grandchildren, lost both of our beloved Newfs and welcomed two more. We have faced death and embraced new life. So I rest in the relative peace of this Sunday and am thankful.
Hey guys.
Greg and I were talking yesterday and he pointed out that a year ago this weekend (I think) we were at your baby shower, and how amazing it is all that’s happened since. What an absolutely incredible year for you all! You’ve had a heck of a fight - and a beautiful baby, and we’re so proud of you.
Lots of love and a happy Thanksgiving in case I’m not able to get on here before then!
Meg, Greg, Liv and David
Hey there cous… It has been a while, and I am soooo sory for that. It has been quite hectic in good old Va Beach, not that that is any kind of excuse. We are planning a trip to Ct. between Christmas and New Years and then another in the spring. We must make some time to get together, it would be nice to have the whole family together at one time again. Please say hi to everyone for me and I hope to see you soon.
Love Ant
Wow, you’re closing in on a year since your diagnosis. I still tear up when I think of that phone call from Mom Weaf and I smile when I recall those morphine moments. It’s been a hard year but we’ve also had many blessings. I am in awe of your strength. Remember how far you’ve come. We’ll see you next week.
Love,
Kimmie, Tiff, Bo and Ella
I just wanted to let you know that I see “your” hawk all the time
from our break room on the 11th floor. I always think
of you…..
xx
Amy
your L/D nurse
Heather,
I think you did a great job explaining to all of us who read your website, just how frightening it can be when you feel something is the least bit different, changed, or new. And the cripling fear that hovers while you go through every scan and test to show that you are “ok”. It is something that everyone who has ever been in your position lives with, adjusts to, and eventually finds someway to live with. I believe it will get easier for all of you with time. The important thing is, you are ok, and in spite of everything you were going through, you enjoyed Finn’s first Halloween and even took him to his first swim at the pool. The pictures are great, he looks so much bigger than when I saw him in July. He’ll be in that Moosehead sweatshirt before we know it!
Sending all our best ot all of you!
Joan
So nice to hear an update from you - I’ve been wondering how you all have been doing. I’m happy to hear you are ok after such a scare. I can’t imagine how it feels to have some new “symptom” and be panicked that it means something awful. I think it will be a while before you get to a normal place w/that….
Finn is adorable! I can’t get over how big he is. Can you believe it? Every month that goes by w/my own kids really boggles my mind. They change so much the first couple of years. Finn, though, remains so handsome and still the spitting image of his mommy
Lots of Love,
Meg
hi you three,
i’m thinking of you tonight. how have you been doing? sending my love from up north!
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a note to say hello and that you are still in our thoughts and prayers at all times. We hope all is progressing well and that you are getting stronger with every passing day. We’ve had a lovely fall this year…we’ve spent a lot of time at the lake where the foliage has been very pretty. Still warm enough to get out in the kayaks…I’ve been trying to do some bird photography with a zoom lens from the kayak and also through a spotting scope on shore. Have had some moderate success but nothing beyond that. As winter approaches we are beginning to see cormorants and loons along with the usual herons and egrets. The ospreys have pretty much gone, however. As always, we send our love to you three and all the Perrys and Weafers…C&D
Luogo interessante, buon disegno, lo gradisco, signore! =)
I’m not saying that I will never moan and groan again as I struggle through my Bikram Yoga class, or as I trudge up some hill in Litchfield, or even walk across a parking lot on a cold day because I probably will…but after reading your poemI think I will stop and change my attitude! You are such an inspiring woman! Dick, you are a blessed man!
Beth
Happy Halloween Dear Ones,
This is Finn’s first Halloween - a landmark for us all. Did he dress up for the occasion? (if so, pictures, please) I hope that all is well with physical therapy, pool sessions, tests and the various hurdles that seem to crop up before you! We ALL always have the 3 Weafs in our minds and hearts. Keep on truckin’. xxxl.
Luogo interessante, buon disegno, lo gradisco, signore! =)
Heather,
I’ve sort of (underline sort of) lived this with you, Dick and Finn and I still can’t even imagine. I still can’t even imagine … can this possibly be real?
I know you are tired, but you are also brave and alive. Brave and alive is limping around that track. Brave and alive is getting up every morning and looking in the mirror seeing a bald, puffy stranger. Brave and alive is having to drive to Boston 1-2 times a week praying for good news. Brave and alive is telling me everything is good when I call to check in when I know it’s not because I just talked to Mom Weaf. So try not to worry about your future. You are more beautiful and more alive now then you ever were with hair. If we could all be as honest with ourselves as you are with yourself.
I have so much more to write but Ella is chewing on Pearl’s rawhide bone and Bo is pulling out every CD we own. You know how it is. Gotta go.
Love you lots,
Kimmie
Dear Heather,
Your poem is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever encountered. It makes me feel empowered; I think it will make many people feel empowered. If you can fight as hard as you are fighting, why can’t the rest of us do the same? You are truly an inspiration to us all.
October 17, the day of your poem/prayer, was the Celestial Trigger Day, according to my friend Anneke who dedicates much of her life to meditating alone where she lives in the Arizona desert. On that day, all wishes and prayers were infinitely more powerful than usual. You found new strength on that day; and you prayed on that day; and you wrote on that day. May the power of your words be increased a hundred fold. Love to you and Dick and Finn. Power to you and Dick and Finn!
Love, Tilly, John, Jake, and Rose
Heather, I can’t stop thinking about your poem. Reading you journey (and Dick’s) has changed my perspective forever. So many go through the motions of living their life. You do not and anyone who knows you won’t either. Thank you, Alison
sniff.
SMR
Heather! You may not remember me. I gave you a massage at Sweetwater Day Spa this summer! It was awesome to find you page. I am no longer doing massage, but do work for the Y in Bath and was blown away to find your poem. Our staff have read it and we cannot tell you how moved we all are. We wish you the best and know that our thoughts are with you. It is so good to see you on the road to recovery and it is even more awesome to see your beautiful baby!! Take Care Amy
Tomorrow morning when I head down to my treadmill, thinking, it’s Friday, why don’t I just skip it today, I will be thinking of you, and it will make it that much easier to hop on there! You’ve inspired me once again……..thank you!
Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing a great job!
Love, Joan
Wow — what a great post! In expressing your own struggles, you just gave me a perfect example of something I’ve been thinking about all morning. I’ve hurt my shoulder and groin at the same time, so I can’t swim or run right now. Instead of going to the Y this morning to water jog and do my PT exercises, I stayed home and pouted. Then it occurred to me that this is the difference between a true champion and an also ran: the true champion does the work even when it’s not fun, or flashy, or immediately gratifying. You, my friend, are a true champion, and I am going to the Y after work.
Love, as always,
Joanne
Thank you for that beautiful posting. What a writer you are … What a woman you are … Thanks too for trying so hard for so long. We all love you. xxxl.
Heather,
You are so strong. Keep moving, keep believing…
I’m moved by your strength, courage and tenacity Heather.
Thinking of you……
Don
You are amazing.
Love,
I love you.
You teach me everyday.
Thank you.
I am a better person.
Wendy
SO GOOD.
Heather…quite a visit to the Y. I know they will become less and less of an ordeal and more and more rewarding. One thing to remember, however…never underestimate the white haired old men. Our love to you, Dick, Finn and all Perrys and Weafers…Carroll
Hey, Heather…so glad to read your most recent post and see how well you are doing. We pray for your continued recovery and regained strength. You and Dick remain in our thoughts and prayers at all times. Our love to all…Carroll and Deanie
Hey girlee,
Heard tons bout your recovery. Craig speaks nothing but praise. You rock. Life in Cali is what it is as I try to follow a dream. www.pilotproject07.com is where I have been the last three months. I will say this much. I found out about what had happened when I was in Joshua tree, and i did a little prayer. Hope it helped. When I come home, want a beer at the Sea Dog. Winter. Take care and say hi to Dick and the little one. I keep on pursuing the dream. Love ya. Kurt E
Heather,
You make me smile. How wonderful to hear you so happy, healthy - you have come so far. How wonderful to be able to say to you again, you make me smile.
I haven’t gone to the photos yet (sometimes I have trouble getting them) so I’ll try that now.
You just made MY day, girl!!!
Love,
Pat
Heather,Dick and Finn,
I have at last made it to your page! What a wonderful and beautiful site. You all look so amazing! With everything that you have been going through you all look so wonderful. The love that you have for each other is evident in the photos. Finn looks so wise! I’m always thinking of you guys and I always send prayers out to you on the smoke from the sage I burn. I love you all and can’t wait till Caberet!! There will always be a special place in my heart for Mayfiles.
Thank you,Thank you, Thank you!
I wonder what Caberet will be like when we do it at Chris and Al’s age!?
I love you and If you ever need anything at all please call.
Craig
Oh, you sound so wonderful and optimistic!
The henna stuff looks really cool — if a bird pooping did that, it’s one talented bird!
Joanne
Hey Dick,
Heather made you cookies and you didn’t bring any to school? What’s up with that. Remember all of us little people next time Heather bakes for you!
Lou
[URL]http://www.musica-latina.anticoit.org[/URL]
Heather,
I was just checking in again and picturing Finn, warm and sweet from a bath, dressed in fuzzy pjs with the feet, settling in for a snuggle with you before bed. My own Finn bug (Temple bug) is now too big for those pjs with the feet and he has his first loose tooth! I feel like he is graduating from college, yikes!!! I miss those eight-month-old days. Give Finn a BIG SQUEEZE and a nibble on those sweet soft checks for me.
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a short note to touch base and say you remain in our thoughts and prayers 24/7. We hope all is progressing well and send our love to all Perrys and Weafers. The weather has definitely turned a little cooler down here…high today is supposed to be in the 60s. But we love the fall weather and look forward to it. Going down to Bluffton next week for a few days and will remember our good times there with you two. We look forward to doing it again in the future…next time with the mighty Finn. We love you both, or I should say, you three. Carroll and Deanie
Heather,
I hope that I didn’t offend you with the last message that I sent. I said that when I saw the pictures of you in the hospital looking drained and grey it made me angry. I said that I wanted you to be that little engine at the top of the mountain shouting, “I thought I could, I thought I could!” You’ve been through cancer training and cancer boot camp and you’ve been out there on the battlefield. You have kicked some major cancer butt. I just want cancer to leave you alone, I think it has taught you enough already! I don’t mean to sound all high and mighty or like I know what is best for you. I just want you to be all better and I’m not as patient or as understanding and peaceful as you seem to be!
Thanks so much for the continued sharing and updates. Life is filled with peaks and valleys; we shouldn’t expect any less of your ongoing recovery, but how wonderful it is to read of your walks with Finny, enjoying the crisp fall air and the colors of this special season. You have all come so far in 12mos….We continue to send prayers for restful days and nights, giving your body and spirit the time needed to pursue your “new” projects. I so admire your love of life, even during the disappointing times. Do you realize how difficult change is for most of us? And here you are, embracing and seeking new music, new art, new baby food, new everything. Most of the messages focus on you, Dick, and Fin, but I have to say a great deal of credit (if that’s the word) for your courage and grace and perserverance must be attributed to your parents and extended family, for they were instrumental in the development of Baby Heather thirty-something years ago. They must be very proud of the young woman and mother you have become, and likewise Dick’s family. Your love and strength as individuals and a couple are truly unique in today’s world. I must end, but wanted to also thank you for the new photos. I LOVE the picture of you and Finn reading on the couch, and the one with him snuggling on your chest. What an absolute angel he is! Take care guys ~
Ah, October. I love October. It’s so full of…Fall. Rarely — if any — freak heat waves. Instead, cool, steady weather that warms up in the center of the day, and then cools down in the evening. Much like our energy. S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g in the morning and reaching into the afternoon, then c-u-r-l-i-n-g u-p again as the sun sets.
I hope you are enjoying some languid days with Finn. Do not fret about being productive. There will be plenty of time for that. When you have the energy, good. And when you don’t, submit yourself to doing nothing. There should be no guilt, no pain, in doing that. You have earned each and every moment of your life. Enjoy it. It is a rich life full of love, and life, and hope.
You’re just awesome.
xxxoo Di
Dear Ones,
I just had a delightful romp through the photo gallery. There are lots of great new ones … and, yes folks, Finn really is that adorable and ‘lit-up’ ! Have you decided on a Halloween costume for him yet? (a bug seems appropriate!) You have so many wonderful ‘firsts’ to look forward to as a family. Aren’t we all lucky? xxxl.
Okay, I’ll try that AGAIN - don’t know how that happened!
Heather and Dick,
Talked w/G&G tonight and heard you had good results today in Boston - good, good, good. I’m alwlays thinking of you both and glad that this week ended up a good one for you. Have fun tomorrow; I hear there’s a book signing . . .sorry I can’t be at this one!
Kisses to Finn,
Love
Pat
Heather and Dick,
Hi Heather and Dick…Just a short note to say you all are in our thoughts every day. We hope all is well and that you are feeling better and better with every day.
hello dear Heather, Finn and Dick again,
so happy to hearing from you.. glad to see you in fine, great energy as well, we’re still with you and thinking about you..
Give the little Finn our loves and our greeting to Dick..
Your friends from Morocco.
Hi Heath, just read your last message. You are the bravest person I know. Glad to hear that you are having good days. I can’t wait until they are all good ones. Finn is such a doll. He looks alot like you. I am so happy you got to experience what motherhood is. There is nothing like it. I’m at work now, so gotta go. My love to all of you. Love Aunt Robin
Heather, you are a champ and a fighter and just so amazing. Your resolve, your outlook, your courage, your strength, your perserverence continues to impress me. Little Finn is so beautiful and looks like such a happy guy — his smiles lighten my heart, so I can only imagine how he melts yours. I send positive thoughts of healing and strength and patience to let ithe healing take it’s time. Keep resting, nourishing, building strength and keep writing. We are all following your journey and learing from you and your strength. You are a fighter and you have won, now just let your body heal . .. . and then come visit us !!
Take care of yourself, we are still with you. -stacy
Heather,
Maria told me about your website, and I apologize for not writing sooner.
You are an incredibly strong person (you always were), and you have a beautiful family.
Heartfelt wishes for a complete and speeded recovery,
- Phyllis
(from GHS, and a lot of theatre from way back when…)
Heather and Dick,
I’m retired, and with the time I have now, I made it a point to look for your website because Don had mentioned it to me a few times. Your journals have brought me to tears a variety of times. Your courage, strength, reliance on each other is inspirational to all couples, and will get you through all of this. You are going through situations that most couples never fathom in their lives. I know it’s trite, but this adversity will get you through anything else that you might face in the future. I want you to know, Heather, that I have all sorts of time to help out with rides, appointments, etc. Please telephone or email me if you need anything. Dick can vouch for my reliability. I think. Dick, you’ll vouch for me, won’t you?
All my best thoughts for you.
Jack
Think of you often and the incredible journey you and your family have been navigating this last year and am hoping that safe harbor is now in sight. Loved the picture of you and Finn on the couch reading together.
Jean
It hasn’t even been a year since this all started. Can you believe it? Not even a year. And yet I’m sure it feels like years since you first found out you were pregnant. That innocent couple all excited about the new person growing inside. Yet Finny was not the only thing growing inside — not fair! And yet, he has handled it all so well. You and your family and your close friends have all handled it so well.
I’ll be thinking of you as you grapple with whether or not it’s time to surrender or to push yourself just a bit. Despite all you’ve managed to handle in a year, there is no race now — you needn’t rush this part. As you said, it’s time for new beginnings…so enjoy them as they slowly unfurl, shift, take shape, and shift again.
Hoping to talk to you again soon, and maybe even see you. But I really want to make sure I’m all well again, so am going to play it very safe. I do not want to be the one to contribute to a downturn!
Much love, Di
Hey! I’m still thinking and praying for you guys! Heather, that picture of you and Finn together, grinning from ear to ear takes my breath away. The baldness and the rebirth…so amazing. My love, Alison
So good to hear from you. Finn is just beautiful! I fear David is already his size, can you believe that? They’ll be good playmates when the family gets together. Babies galore! I love the picture of him sleeping. And hearing how he seems to just know what you need melted my heart. For having such a short life so far, he sure seems to have a lot of important knowledge doesn’t he? What an angel.
Keep us posted. Enjoy your walks during the fall! Hope to talk to you soon.
Love to you, Dick and Finn,
Meg
Hey Heather,
Re: Bumps in the road. Please know you have a plethora of shock absorbers out here. Beautiful, beautiful baby boy. Lee tells me he’s a gem to care for. You’re a champ!
Best to all of you,
Morgan
Hi, Heather. So now we know what the bumps in the road were. I suppose it’s some comfort to know that these are known complications of the process and not some new challenge. Enjoy the beautiful weather when you can. I love the new photos.
Joanne
Heather,
What a joy it is to see photos of you and Finn together again! What a handsome boy he’s growing into, there is such joy and wisdom in that sweet soft face. To tell you the truth I feel angry when I look at the photos of you in the hospital. I see all the brightness, the joy, the humor, the light, the life drained out of you and it makes me angry. I don’t want you to be, “The Little Engine That Could” chugging up that damn mountain chanting “I think I can, I think I can…” I don’t want you to be Sisyphus still pushing that bolder up the same damn hill. I want you to be at the top shouting, “I thought I could, I thought I could…!” Love and best wishes to you, Dick ,and Finn bug. Jess
Hi Heather,
Still here, still reading, still caring, still sending those positive vibes. We folks out here are covering your back! Step back and look, you’re talking about building your strength back and not about yet another treatment, Hooray!
Skip
Thanks for your update Heather. It helped to calm the concern I was having. You’re in my thoughts often. Love the new photos!
Don
Hi Heather,
Its nice to hear from you. We continue to think about and pray for you. Those pictures of Finn are so nice. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a baby that looks like BOTH of his parent so much.
I look forward to the day we can get our kids together as the babies are but a day apart. Adam is a big boy, 23 pounds! Maybe he’ll start to sleep soon?
Continue to take care of yourself. You’re in our thoughts always.
Jim
Hi Heather,
Thank you, thank you, for writing and letting us know how you are doing, have been anxiouly awaiting any news. All in all, I hear good things, and am, as always, amazed at how you handle all that you do. Your triathalon day sounds incredible, and to read how sensitive little Finn is and instinctively knows about being on his best behavior! Speaking of Finn, he has changed a lot since I saw him in July, what a cutie. I remember those quiet little cuddle moments, they’re the best. I’m glad you and Finn are out enjoying these beautiful September days. Think of you every day, all our best to you, Dick and little Finn.
Love, Joan
I’m still here, too! I’m sorry things haven’t been bump-free. I hope the road smooths out from now on. If only life came with shock-absorbers …
Joanne
You bet we’re still here! As we’ve been getting back into the school year, we’ve though about how you and Dick must be juggling the new schedule. We’re anxious to hear how your check up went, Heather, and how you’re doing.
Love,
Christy & Erik
Heather and Dick,
Talked to Donnie yesterday and it seems that your trip to Boston gave you a lot of positive information and explanations. Thank goodness. This will all be worth it, kids, I know you just want it all to be DONE - that’s what all of us want for you too - just hang in there…and keep drawing from your inner faith and strength. It’s already been a very long road - I remember the baby shower, before you “knew” - I hope you are rounding a bend on the road to healing and wellness.
As I watch my two new grandsons grow leaps and bounds (AND Bo and Ella!) I know you are watching Finn develop and grow - it’s an amazing time. . . . .
You are always in my heart and thoughts.
Pat
I’m still here
I’m wrapped up in the busy world of work and babies but think of you guys daily and still check this thing daily. I’m getting sporadic emails from mom and knew things weren’t as smooth sailing as we (and you) had hoped. Update when you can. We’re all still here for you.
Love,
Dick and Heather,
Ups and downs, ups and downs. You are still always in my thoughts. Things have been very busy here for some reason. I guess it’s Fall. I am still fighting the fact that summer’s over . . . .
Keep up your emotional strength, you two, for that, I think, is what will help you through this recovery period. I will I could “zap” you to be fully recovered.
Kisses to Finn
Love
Pat
dear Heather, Dick and Finn…
hello again.. we’re so glad to listen from these news, so happy to find you in the site and your home- “home sweet home” -writting again and expressing your own feeling, thoughts and enjoying yourself!!..
we’re doing well here in Morocco this summer ….
cogratulation again for you , for your small familly as well…
Your friends
Rachid
Mohamed
Hey, Heather and Dick…just a note to say hey and that you are still in our thoughts and prayers, as ever. We hope you are doing well and getting your life back to normal. We had a good labor day weekend at Bluffton…the weather was good and we were with good friends. We are headed back up to the lake today. The weather is beginning to moderate and we look forward to fall. We saw Linda while at Bluffton and she brought May over for a visit. Linda said she got real excited as they neared the house and she ran all over the yard at breakneck speed after getting out of the car. I really think she remembered those days 10 years ago. We love you both and send our love to all the Weafers and Perrys. Carroll and Deanie
Hi Heather, Dick and Finn -
You have been such an inspiration to me. I find myself seeing life a little differently everytime I read your reflections and the posts. You are in my prayers.
Reba is coming home from Morocco a couple of months earlier than originally planned. I believe she will be back in Maine sometime next week and she will surely want to connect with you, Heather. She is very emotional about leaving her extended family, particularly Mohammed……….
Sending you lots of love and light,
jody
Hey cutie pies! Hope everyone is settling into some sort of routine now. Not much to say, except that we’re still thinking of you.
xxoo Di
Heather, I hope you are finding yourself again. Best wishes, Jess
Hi Heather,
Glad you’ve made it home. Wow, what an experience that chemo treatment sounded like - you are incredibly brave. Just wanted you to know I’m still thinking of you and wishing you well and hope that we see each other sooner rather than later.
best wishes for continued rest, strength and loving!
Keisha
Why am I not surprised that you have come home earlier than most patients? That your blood work showed amazing improvement so quickly? That love continues to embrace you, from family and friends to those of us who know you only slightly? That your book would be sold out? That you have the grace and spirit to update your own comments for us, so that we can share your wonderful news? I envision you and Dick snuggling with Finn, moving into this new chapter of your lives and entering it with a wisdom and appreciation never thot possible. I hate to sound like a Pollyanna, but I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, even cancer and the pain and suffering that accompany it. Without the tough times, we certainly could not recognize and cherish the good. No one ever said Life was easy - altho for some reason I expected it to be as I got older?! - but Faith always brings us through it. I’ve read somewhere that “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a dream and today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Like you said, all there is is NOW. Happy snuggling!
You will have my support forever… forget “just a short while longer”. Always in my thoughts. I cannot wait to see you, Dick and the baby, again. We’ll smudge and drum circle and dance in the moonlight.
Love you always, your friend Tam
Hi Heather,
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on your progress, and I do mean progress. That’s what I read in your words, that you are moving forward. You have been through an incredible time and I’m sure every day brings new feelings and emotions as you move further away from the depths of murkiness. So glad you’re back home now, hopefully enjoying these last days of August. We think of you often and look forward to your updates. I remember just a year ago this labor day weekend, we heard the good news that you were pregnant! Take care.
Love, Joan
Dear Heather and Dick…just a note to say we’re thinking about you and hope all is proceeding well. We spent a few days at our lake house last week and had a couple of beautiful days…got our sailboat in a couple of times and really enjoyed it. Then the heat and humidity came back. We’re back in Columbia and getting ready for Labor Day with friends at Bluffton. Normally we’d go down tomorrow but will probably wait until Thursday or Friday after the passing of Ernesto. Please know you are still in our thoughts all the time and we pray for your continued recovery. Our love to all the Perrys and Weafers. C&D
I, like many others, have been regularly tracking your journey online, quietly, sending my thoughts. I will rejoice in seeing the newly borne beautiful butterfly who will emerge from the cocoon!
…ditto (Lou Sullivan’s post). Enjoy every moment!
Hi Heather and Dick,
I’ve visited the site several times since your last post, Heather, and can’t help noticing that you have rendered us all pretty much speechless! I sense that we are all heaving a collective sigh of relief. It feels sort of like maybe you just swam across an ocean, and all you really need right now is to lie on the shore and recover for a bit. As if you are getting your wind back, and since the main challenge is behind you none of us knows what’s next. (welcome to life, right?)
So there is a sort of silence on the website now. I remember in my counseling courses learning that silence is not a bad thing, so when I visit your site and find the quiet of the page I just enjoy it. . . . soak it in. . . . remember the past year or so . . . wonder who else is visiting with me . . . add my prayer for continued recovery. Welcome home Heather. Welcome back to school Dick. Peace to your family.
Love,
Lou
heather:
my pryers go out to you. i’m hopeful, just by reading your hopes. i’m buoyed by your accomplishments. you will be fine - wonderful, and fine.
and i’m a little jealous that you’re in Bath.
hee.
take care of you.
Hi guys - I read this when you posted it Heather, I just felt like I should have something meaningful to say. After a few days, I just wanted to say how glad I am that you’re home and that you’re finally starting this next chapter with your family. I hope that you never put a period on the end of this sentence! I love checking here for updates, and when we have a healthy Heather, I think you should maintain this when you can with updates for all of us on yourself and of course Finn
But hey, that’s just me! I hope you guys have a great weekend.
Much love,
Meg
Hi Heather, Dick and Finn,
Just a quick note to say we really miss you. Looks like we’ll have to join a play group. It sure is quiet around here! So happy you are home and have your family together again. Can’t wait to see you and the adorable little Finn Bug.
Love,
Kimmie, Tiff, Bo and Ella
Coming Home
by Mary Oliver
When we’re driving, in the dark,
on the long road
to Provincetown, which lies empty
for miles, when we’re weary,
when the buildings
and the scrub pines lose
their familiar look,
I imagine us rising
from the speeding car,
I imagine us seeing
everything from another place - the top
of one of the pale dunes
or the deep and nameless
fields of the sea -
and what we see is the world
that cannot cherish us
but which we cherish,
and what we see is our life
moving like that,
along the dark edges
of everything - the headlights
like lanterns
sweeping the blackness -
believing in a thousand
fragile and unprovable things,
looking out for sorrow,
slowing down for happiness,
making the right turns
right down to the thumping
barriers to the sea,
the swirling waves,
the narrow streets, the houses,
the past, the future,
the doorway that belongs
to you and me.
Welcome home, Heather, Dick and Finn
Love, Kathy and Steve
Welcome home Weafers Three,
I’m sooo glad to hear that you make the trip north. Now I can visualize you nesting in your clean abode, snuggling and continuing to heal. The prayers of many still gather and and are sent…blessing be to you three - joy and peace.
love,
sheri for the nadells
Heather,
Tears streaming down my face, once again, I must say that I think there’s another book in here somewhere. For you to be so articulate now, during your healing is truly amazing to me. I think you will never cease to impress.
That’s it from here, it’s late. You know you are in my thoughts always. Don’t know when I’ll see you, but we’ll get back to regular email at some point. Interestingly, I was startled by your comment “I’ll be putting a period on this soon………..” So many of us check in here daily. But the period will be a good thing, I think, as I ponder your comment. It shows your progress to health, doesn’t it? Your success.
What a remarkable young women you are.
My love to your boys!
Pat
Yeah!! You pick the date,I’m thinking that the spring sounds good
I often look at your picture on the cover page and think, how could this have happened. You have shown us all that althougt we never know why, we can learn and grow. Looking forward to seeing all of you, especially Finn!
Love,
Heidi
Heather — it’s so great to hear from you! Best of luck in adjusting to your new “you” and to your new “normal.” I wish you and your family the best in going forward.
Joanne
Dear Heather, My daughter shared this poem with me this summer. I thought of you right away and now I feel ready to share it. Enjoy.
The Invitation
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or
have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be
careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn’t interest me if the story you’re telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself;
if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
I want to know if you can be faithless
and therefore be trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty
even when it’s not pretty, every day,
and if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine,
and still stand on the edge of a lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes”!
It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and
despair, weary and bruised to the bone,
and do what needs to be done for the children.
It doesn’t interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and
not shrink back.
It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,
and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
– Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Hi, guys. I’m just dropping a note to say that I hope all is going well. I was thinking this weekend about how hard it must be to forge a new life now — one with Finn in it and one that isn’t dominated by cancer. Your don’t really have a template for it — before you had cancer, you didn’t have Finn; and you’ve never experienced motherhood without this huge cloud of illness shadowing you every day. I hope the transition is going well and that each day allows the knot of tension to ease a little more.
I’m going to be in Maine visiting my mother in mid-September. I really hope I get a chance to see you and your wonderful family then.
Joanne
Hey Heather & Dick,
We’re just back from sailing up the coast for the past couple weeks. One of the first things we did was check in to your site, as we’ve missed being able to keep up with all that’s been going on with you since we left. We know the ups and downs are tough as you make your way through the post-treatment phase. New and unexpected emotions seem to arise each day… that’s all part of the healing and return to life. Keep holding on… you’re making it.
Happy birthday to you, Dick! We hope you are home to celebrate your day together!
We got some great shots of our seal friends and lots of seabirds on this trip. Though we did see a few Minke whales on our passages off the coast of Pemaquid, we we’re too awestruck to bother taking away our eyes to grab the camera. (Tisk, tisk… I know.) We’ll email you a link to our slide show when we get it up.
Hope you’re snuggling in and enjoying this day together. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Love and hugs,
Christy & Erik
Congratualtions, on getting home guys! Happy B-Day, Dick.
Happy Birthday Dick! I hope you were able to enjoy it with your family all HOME!! YAY!
Love,
Meg
Dick and Heather,
A few posts ago I was looking ahead and hoping that you’d make it home for Dick’s birthday. Well, what DO you know???!!!! You made it.!!!
I hope this is an easy adjustment for you all - you have been through so many changes. And even going home - yes, that too, is something to adjust to. Rest, and try not to push yourself too hard Heather.
Thanks for getting the books back to me and I will get them to the kids soon. I’ve only had a little time to quickly go through it and your photos are wonderful.
Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you and since I didn’t get birthday cards out to you boys this year, wishing you, Dick, a very Happy Birthday!
Love
Pat
Dear Ones,
Hopefully you all are settling in to your new reality and you are more at ease. I’m looking forward to being able to help out when you are back in Bath and get to know the exciting new versions of yourselves and be an honorary Auntie to Finn.
Great news here … Ian started grad school and loves it and David landed a job as an editor out in Santa Barbara and loves it. Bonnie got her driver’s license and is nearing the end of her summer reading. John is wondering how to keep the 21 new faces he has hired straight. His Dad is happily playing pool and winning at bridge in his new assisted living situation and I am enjoying taking one deep breath after another…
Keep up the good work. We are all still thinking loving thoughts of you all day, every day. keep the faith. lee
Don and I caught your piece on Channel 3 last night. It was great “seeing” you and hearing about your process. It will be interesting to see where your photographic journey leads you next. Kudos too, to the midnight tripod carrier!
Jean
Hi all,
Just a quick note to say we’re thinking of you every day. I’m sure everything that Heather is feeling and experiencing is all very typical for someone going through everything she has been through. I think of all the emotions I feel just reading about her experience, never mind living through it. We’re at the lake next week and you will all be in our thoughts. Hope to see you back up there soon. Love, Joan
Hi Dick and Heather!
For all you’ve been through, this place really is amazing to come to. Before I was on leave, I’d pop on here in the middle of my work day just as a reality check. It’s nice to see the good in people isn’t it?
I don’t think I left you a note this week so before it ends, just wanted you know you’re in my thoughts. I hope this week has treated you well.
I head back to work next week. I’ll try not to let that discourage my posts here
Love to you,
Good Morning Heather,
A year ago today we were on Popham Beach with you blowing bubbles into the wind as you snapped away taking pictures ……. what a journey since then. So glad to hear that you are headed home to continue the healing process and to get into the routine of being an everyday family — albeit an extrodinary family that I am sure is ready to get back to doing the ordinary.
Jean
Dear Heather and Dick and Finn.
Checking in to your website regularly, have been absolutely blown away by what has happened to you. The way you and your family and friends are dealing with this makes me feel somewhat inadequate. All photos of Finn are adorable but the one I love best is you and Dick in the swimming pool. I am thinking of you often and am so glad to know that you are making a good recovery from the transplant.. Mike and I had a BBQ with the diving club here at our house a few weeks ago. We showed your truc lagoon photos on the big screen. will buy your book and come and get it signed personally by you one day in the not too distant future. Mike is keen to bring me again to America and visit Maine. He is arranging a trip to the galapagos with his friend next year. I am still cycling and training for next years traithlon. Next year I will compete to raise money for a charity called CLIC for cancer and leukaemia in children. Will be 50 next year and hope to win my age group (hardly likely but I’ll give a go). you are in my prayers everyday. lots of love Julia. xx
Hey guys! I’m so glad I got to finally check into the site after being unable to for a week or so. Wonderful news about the continued recovery, and a reminder that our prayers and thoughts are still needed. So many times I check in and wish I had some great words of wisdom, but even when I don’t have words to write, I close my eyes, and think of your family, and in my mind’s eye I try to see myself lifting you all up for a while. Know that many of us are thinking about you throughout our days, and doing what we can to try to help carry you along, just as you have carried all of us so often. My prayer for you now is that you may have peace.
Lou
shes coming home, shes coming home, ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
finny’s big and grown, hes big and grown ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
dick doesn’t have to do it alone, do it alone ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
cause their all at home, their all at home ra-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha
Again! One more time!! Who brought the mag-a-rita’s!
Be gentle on yourselves, transitions abound, and your are bound to get into a transition you don’t want to be in , that is a part of the life that you have been working so hard to keep
LOVE, love, and more love
PS great book, we read little pieces every day:) Shaye and John
Hola Weafers Three,
Just got home from the lake and ‘checked in’ - SUCH wonderful news! YAAAY and bravo, Heather. Hope your are resting still with Finn in your arms and Dick beside you. Can’t wait to hear of a trip north.
love,
Sheri for all the Nadells
Welcome home soldier!
As in every war, between countries or private battles like your own, there is some adjustment time needed by every warrior. Take the time! You can truly say that you earned it. I am proud of your tenacity and strength thru this ordeal. You have showed many what a hero really is.
Skip
Hi Guys, I am so happy Heather is doing so well. I just knew she would do whatever she had to to get well. Heather, you are an inspiration to me, and so many other people. Not many people could have done what you did. Sounds like Finn is doing well too. That’s great! I hope you are still feeling better every day. Hope it won’t be long before you get to go home to Maine soon. Love to all of you.
Aunt Robin and Uncle Teddy
Heather:
I had a dream about you last night…that I came to visit and we played board games and laughed like we did when we were kids. In my dream, I said, ‘everything is going to be ok’. And it will. I can’t wait to see all of you in Maine and share some giggles. I’ll bring the Atari.
Maria
Dear Heather, Dick, and Finn,
For a week, we had no internet. The provider handed us off from one department to another - at one point I offered them $1,000 if someone would come and fix it!
I had many things to do, but I needed to check your site to make sure you were better. The repair people could never know just how bad I needed to read Dick’s words.
So, this morning, I have caught up with all the postings. Now, I sit here stifling my tears of joy for you three. You have made it. You three have made it. Now to try to get back to an ordinary life. I would imagine it wil be like post traumatic stress syndrome for a while. This thing, this ugly thing, that consumed you and took your ordinary life away, is finally gone. But it will lurk in the shadows for a while. Embrace the orindary things now, it will not creep back in. Feel the sunshine and nuzzle Finn. Nuzzle Dick too.
I would like to believe that the hugs I sent and the thoughts of you three helped to knock out a few of those ugly little cells. I am content with that.
You, Heather, have probably grown more than any of us could imagine. You were a good person before, but now, there is no limit.
We love you and send you three our congratulations.
Sara
I’ve been away all week and have not been able to check your website. What wonderful news to hear that you are healing so quickly! I hope you, Finn and Dick are able to get home soon and enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer.
Love, Shannon
Dear Ones,
Rest and recoup… as every teacher knows: transitions are tough…very sound advice not to try to go it alone … I imagine that the smell of Finny’s scalp, the homey sounds all around you, (mutiple baby gurgles), seeing less strain on the faces of your dear family and resting while they keep watch will help with the fears and the changes. We love you. - lee
Well, thank goodness you are human, Heather. I was really starting to wonder!
I’m sending you positive thoughts, but this time for your spirit to renew now that your guard can come down. It is kind of like the fight or flight response…you were in the fight mode, and now that the imminent danger has passed your body suddenly lets you know just how stressed you’ve been.
I am sending you so very many hugs. I believe that you can cry a river and still need the healing touch even now. It doesn’t make you any less amazing or beautiful.
Di
Hi guys!
Glad to hear things are going well and that Finn was, of course, so happy to be reunited with his mommy! I hope you have a wonderful weekend together. We’re headed up to NH to spend some time at the lake where Greg’s parents have a house. My little guy’s first taste of lake water! I hope he likes it as much as Finn liked Moosehead
Love,
Meg
hey there, so good to hear that everything is going better than expected. wanted to let you know i was thinking about all of you. jd is taking swimming lessons and he is doing great! at each lesson i think about the both of you swimming to and from indian island and give you energy to be able to do it next year!!!
adam wants to help finn, bo and ella to crawl and stand up. time for the crib to be rigged for an active infant. it’s funny i counldn’t wait for jd to crawl, stand and walk. with adam i was hoping it would take longer… i know it just means he is developing… we love you, mary ann
Heather, Dick, Finn et al,
It’s a beautiful morning! Just thinking of you all there and hoping for another good, healing day. You have a houseful there. Hope all the babies cooperate for a calm, restful day - maybe they’ll all take a good, long nap AT THE SAME TIME. I don’t have much to say, just want you to know you are in my thoughts.
Love
Pat
AWESOME! We were all so happy to hear how well things were going! Tom returned from the lake while the boys and I stayed up for an extra day or so at camp. He updated us on the happenings and we all felt such a relief for all involved. Still a journey to travel ahead … but clearly all those thoughts, prayers, and positive energies are doing their part! Stay on your path … it’s a good one! All the best to the three of you and your families and friends. Our thoughts and prayers continue …
Tina, Tom, Ben and Cam
Dear Ones,
Wonderful news…moving prose,,,great progress. Thank you for letting us picture you in your Osprey nest, Heath. The image is calming and bright. Not only has truth, wonder and questioning poured from you two throughout this period…it has cascaded from everyone who says a little something on this site and also is absorbed by all who read it! My mind boggles when I think how many caring folks check into this site for strength and encouragement. This journey has connected so many souls and it is epitomized by the idea of flags flying for you at the top of a mountain in India. When you no longer need our constant prayers we will ALL be sending them somewhere else where they are needed. You have taught us that it makes a difference. We have all learned so much from you and your family and each other. Rarely have I seen so many risk opening up to share a soul-glimpse. You have inspired great beauty, grounding hope and soaring enlightenment. Enjoy every moment of your climb to good health - I know you will! xxxl.
I need a new ISP….
Hope it isn’t too late to say
YAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!
Love you all so much!
Michele
Hi kids,
So the news from G&G tonight is more good news. Another temporary home, but one filled with love and support……and your son.
You are amazing, Heather….week “three” isn’t even over yet and yet you are continuing to surpass the expectations that were set for you. Hang in there, girl, we’re all out here, thinking of you, praying for continued positive progress for you. Trite as it may be….one day at a time….probably is the best way to heal. Seems like a good idea to me, but then, what do I know…..just hoping that you ALL can get some GOOD rest and healing time together.
You know I love you
Pat
Wow!!! That is fantastic news!!! Can’t wait to see you guys and get our little men together.
Sending you lots of love from Heather Lane,
Tim, Vanessa and William
Hi Heather, Dick and little Finn!
Such great news! I am so happy for you and your families! God is good!
Love,
Lise
Yeah,yeah,yeah!!!
Great news.
Love Heidi
Reading this good news was the best way to start my day! Can “hear” the excitement in Dick’s words. What a difference a week can make. Couldn’t be happier for all of you!
Love,
Joan
Happy news.Congratulations. I am very happy .
I’ve kept quiet on the website front lately but with this news how can I not shout out - YIPPPPEEEEE! YiPPPPPPEEEEEEE!
This IS the best news and I’m still smilin’.
You now I love ya, all three of you. Get your butts home!
Keep healing.
Love,
Wendy
Don and I saw your exhibit on Saturday…..loved your eels especially and found your good news today! I am so happy for you all….and there is still summer left! A year ago, minus ten days we were at Popham with you snapping away at us…..an incredible journey since then.
Jean
Woo-hoo! Way to go Aqua-dart! Reeeeaaaaach for that wall!
XOXO,
Matt
yay!!!! i can’t stop smiling either!