Somewhere deep in my core, I knew this was coming. For the last couple of months, there has been a quiet whisper growing to full-scale chant: Carpe the Fuckin’ Diem. It’s your time. Make the most of it. And the result has been six of the most amazing months of my life. Six manic months of traveling 3600 miles back to our home in Alaska, getting in the mountains, catching my first King Salmon, flying out to the Tongass National Forest and casting to thousands of pink salmon swimming in crystal clear waters, building a fold up truck camper, eating squirrel, seeing the Artic Ocean, traveling over 20,000 miles on airplanes to visit friends, attend their weddings and go on adventures. And the list goes on-and-on-and-on. And I am so unbelievably happy we didn’t hold back. In many ways, Jenny and I have experienced more amazing things and made more great memories in the last six months than many people make in a lifetime. I cannot begin to express how lucky and grateful we are to have these experiences and the amazing friends, family and colleagues that we’ve had the opportunity to make these memories with. This week we learned the very bad news that the leukemia has come back. In a short period of time, my counts have tanked to dangerous levels and Jenny and I have spent the last couple of days looking into options. To be frank, there might not be many good options left, but I’m a stubborn son-of-a-bitch who loves life and if there is a fight worth fighting, I am ready to have it. The next week will be exploring what options might be available and making some hard decisions. I want desperately to write more about our adventures, about the emotions good and bad that come with a relapse, about trying to face the idea of death without panic. About how much you all mean to Jenny and I. But there will probably be time to do that from a hospital room in the near future and right now there is blood pulsing through my veins, the most magnificent snow I’ve ever seen on the ground and trees in Anchorage, a silly Beiner-dog excited to get some fresh air, and the most beautiful woman in the world ready to go for a walk and hold my hand. I am a lucky man.
Aimee C
10/21/2016 10:57:21 pm
Vive le tour! Whatever you need, you will get from your friends (us included). Thinking of you both during challenging times.
Linda
10/22/2016 04:41:37 am
Dearest Sam & Jenny,
Diane Fossen Zamer
10/22/2016 05:20:20 am
We love you, Sam.
Abbey Lukowski
10/22/2016 05:54:18 am
Praying for continued Earthly strength.
Janelle Bamlett
10/22/2016 05:57:00 am
Sam, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Melissa
10/22/2016 06:00:58 am
Sam you are strong!!!! So cool you two got to do all those adventures .. loved seeing the pics!!! Thanks for sharing.. thinking of you!!!
Susan Fossen
10/22/2016 06:30:07 am
Please know that there is a large and loving extended family out here for you. We hold you close in our hearts and thoughts.
Rosy
10/22/2016 06:50:47 am
So many amazing adventures!! Did you need bbq sauce for the squirrel?! I hope this is just another speed bump my friend : )
sally
10/22/2016 08:20:05 am
love ya sam! keep on keepin on! you are a miracle! xo sal
Bev Mangerson
10/22/2016 12:33:10 pm
Love and prayers coming your way. I'm soooo happy that you and Jenny have each other. Everyone is pulling for you.
Bev Mangerson
10/22/2016 12:36:53 pm
Love and prayers coming your way Sam. So happy that you have Jenny in your life. Everyone is pulling for you.
Robert Dallapiazza
10/22/2016 03:19:05 pm
I am with ya 100% Sam as sally says "keep on keepin on! Sending good things your way................!!
Karyn Fossen Jones
10/23/2016 09:25:35 am
Love to you and Jenny from me and Phil! There are a whole bunch of us Fossens out here sending good vibes your way. xx
Mimi
10/23/2016 11:06:58 am
Jenny and Sam... We are thinking about you and sending love from Madison. Love picturing you guys adventuring out there- it seems so beautiful!! <3 Mimi and Kate
Mike and Julie Jagielo
10/23/2016 11:18:08 am
Keep up the fight! Prayers to you both.
Pam Noyd
10/26/2016 05:03:24 am
Sam, you are an inspiration. I'm so sorry to hear of the latest next. Sending you positive vibes for hope, strength and peace! Comments are closed.
|
Archives
November 2019
Categories |