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Mid-July 1999

Mid-June 1999

We used to showcase the most recent entries first, but now it seems to make more sense to have them in chronological order. Links to other months' entries are in the left-hand column.

Blake here, up a little later than I like to be, but eager to begin the entries in the guestbook.

We look forward to entries from other people.

The photos of Micki are beautiful. Micki, your inner strength, humor and beauty absolutely sparkle. Each of the folks in your family also show this absolutely divine glow in the photos with you. Wow

A big warm hello to the Esselstyn clan (and all others reading this).

Whenever I visit Mickinews and read the latest update, waves of incredible inspiration, hope, and laughter, as well as deep sadness, wash over me. Every time, my admiration for the strength and wisdom that I have seen in every member of your family deepens. The Esselstyns are one class act...

(Not to mention that this family taught me that you can eat cereal with apple cider instead of milk, which I consider a major innovation-- and there are many more where that came from).

The picture of Mom ironing pants on the driveway made my week.

Mom, I realize you probably have more pressing concerns than running around taking funny pictures for Blake to post on the web. But I want to formally request more where that came from. I'm not sure how to take a picture of you making two trips to "haul ass" but I'm sure you can think of something tasteful.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many thanks for sharing this journey with those of us out here who are concerned...

Much Love,

beans

Hello dear Micki,Erik,Jodie,and Blake,
I loved receiving the original article from the newspaper. I am taking it everywhere I go in Blue Hill,to share with so many people here who are with you in their hearts. Looking at the picture of the four of you, I thought that I remember the exact shirt Blake is wearing. Others have said they remember you all looking exactly like that.
Howard and I did our Metta retreat last weekend, and the whole group sent you love and prayers.
I would put some of my jokes on this site, but it probably isn't the proper place! Although I so much love the humor and lightheartedness you all are continuing to put back into the universe.
I send much love, Vicki

Dear Micki, Erik, Jodie, and Blake:

I have thoroughly enjoyed being included in your lives through this wonderful website, stories from Bill & Claudia, and the few chances we've had to be together.

So many of my friends and colleagues have inquired about Micki and about what learnings and teachings have resulted from the whole experience since the cancer was detected. You have shed such a powerful loving light in the world that has touched more people than you know.

I am with you always; in my thoughts and prayers. I would love to come visit soon, but will await word when and if it serves your family journey for me to come.

Love,

Jim

Lots of Love from all of us

Dear sweet Micki & Erik & family;
Thank you for keeping us informed and allowing us to more easily share this journey with you. I've never given up hope, praying in the synagogue each week for you and others too.
Just last week I read about the young man Lance Artmstrong who won the grueling tour de France two years after he was given two months to live. He had testicular cancer which had spread to his lungs and his brain. He had surgery on both and four rounds of chemo.
And now two years later he scored more points than anyone in the month long series of difficult long distance bicycle races and he won.
there is a wonderful book by Hurshberg and Barasch Called Remarkable Recovery --what extraordinary healings tell us about getting well and staying well. Its also on tape to inspire us all.
Dear sweet soul sister, I believe you have & erik both have what it takes to be in Remarkable Recovery.

Hi, Micki! Fred and I have been traveling so I haven't been able to read your website until tonight. We are in Ct. visiting our family, Daughter Kathy and family here, son Don on the Cape and my two sisters in Maine. So I travel the same route you have. We were in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Paris from May 24 through June 22. Upon our return we flew up to Ct. on the 26th of June. I drove up to Maine to a reunion of my classmates from Nurses training at Maine Medical Center on June 28& 29. it was wonderful, two came from California, One from Alabama and me from Fl. We had a wonderful time catching up and reminiscing. Then on July 1, Fred and I went over to Providence to the General Synod. I and two others from Florida ( Dory Lingo and Nancy Weber) were honored by CCW
as Honored laywomen. It was a wonderful day, my table was filled with members of my family and Dr. Borko and then there was another table of friends from CT. who had come over to honor and celebrate. this happened on July 3rd. If you want I think pictures and the articles are still on the uccfla.org web page. We spent the rest of the holiday with family in the high heat wave as you are aware as you too were here in CT. we were back in Fl for three weeks but our computer was having problems and I couldn't get on the web. We are here in Ct. and newEngland for the month of August. I want you to know Micki that you and your loving family are in my daily prayers, actually I try to say a mantra every hour on the hour. When the clock strikes the hour I am with you in prayer. When we return to Fl. the end of August we will be glad to be home for a while. We are greatly blessed to have as many friends all over the world as we do and to hear from them regularly via e-mail. you are my blessing too, Micki, I remember our retreats at Lake Yale and Stetson and our Bus trip to Blowing Rock and the wonderful gifts of your energy, love, faith and song that you have so freely given all of us. I pray you feel the warmth of our prayers and I know you do. Visualize the mountains of North Carolina and feel the cool breezes on you brow, I love you dearly and am with you all ways.
Jeanette

dear esselstyn family, i am a friend of jody's from new haven. although i have never met any of the family other than jody and jeff, i want to express my deep respect and awe at the strength you all evidence in every action you take as a family, and as members of a world-wide community. you are all role models for the highest form of living. with sincerity, rachel kay

Just today I was looking through last years Christmas cards
and there you all were...what a fabulous photo it was. We
enjoy reading all the notes and appreciate so VERY much the
job Blake is doing to keep us all in the loop. We send ever so much love to ALL of you. Best, J&J

I have never met you, but your faith, humor, and truthfulness have become inspiring and important to me. I pray for you daily. Perhaps some of your sermons could be posted on this site. You have so much to say to all of us--keep saying it!

Blake, I'm so glad you mentioned Tuesdays With Morrie in your latest update. I have read it three times and get something new and valuable with each reading, primarily to cut through to what's really important: family, friendship, touching, loving, telling your loved ones how you feel about them, even of course "wiping their ass" when or if it comes to that!
You as a family are teaching all of us what Morrie taught to Mitch, and we are so grateful. Thanks and love to you all. Barbara Bunting Smith '64