While in Seattle for three months, I really enjoyed not driving. Traffic there was insane and I just didn’t have the head space to become acclimated to the busy streets filled with honking cars, speeding bikes and distracted people walking. This is nothing against Seattle, as you will find this identical issue in all overpopulated cities across the U.S.

On the other hand, I was excited to be back in Michigan driving in a much quieter setting. And although I am not fond of driving Dave’s super-huge Silverado, I do it because he enjoys riding in it. He is still not allowed to drive. Preparing to drive it for the first time in months, I happened to be filling the back seat with cheerful grandchildren who Dave and I were taking to Emilee’s softball game. Heaving Everett, who is two and a half, into his car seat, he remarked, “Mimmie, super cool truck.” I laughed and replied, “Well, this is Bumpa’s super cool truck, so make sure you tell him when he gets in.”

Seconds later, when everyone was buckled in, I asked Everett to tell Dave what he said earlier. Instead of telling him he has a “super cool truck,” he said, “Bumpa, I wuv you!” It’s moments like that when you realize the fight is bigger than imagined, and for reasons you don’t ever want to forget.

Dave had his 10th bone marrow biopsy today. We hope to find out if he is in remission sometime on Wednesday. It’s possible that this Fourth of July fireworks will be a celebration about some freedom from this exhausting and resilient disease.

And as we wait for the Karmanos call, Dave continues to be my passenger. Today he washed his truck and even dried it by hand. Men and their super cool trucks. I will never understand it. Soon, when the day comes when he can drive it again, I think our celebration will be bigger than any Fourth of July we’ve ever seen.