First, I’d like to apologize for taking so long between posts. We have been so busy playing and checking items off of the “to do” list. Thus, I haven’t taken the time to write.

In so many things that we do, there is playing to win and playing not to lose. A big difference exists between the two. Even if one is not a sports fan, it doubles in application to everyday life. Here’s an example from this weekend. Easton and Emilee, two of our grandchildren, are beginning to enjoy tubing. I have pulled them behind the boat carefully this summer, being sure not to even come close to throwing them off. I played not to lose. Because they have been tentative every time they’ve gone earlier this summer, I have learned this may not be their favorite pastime at the lake.

Susan came home this past weekend to help during the second bone marrow transplant. Of course, Emilee and Easton both wanted to go tubing with her. At the first turn, Susan leaned into the far side and steered the tube over the wake. They were zipping along the water and picking up speed, hitting waves and experiencing the “ride.” It was the best time they have had with me pulling them. Playing to win — getting the most out of their ride.

Later that day, I pulled them again, and Easton and Emilee worked the tube together without any assistance. Easton fell off, laughing and giggling the whole time. No longer afraid to venture to the next level of tubing, he was playing to win for the second time that day and confident that he could.

It has taken a few weeks of Dave eating well, gaining strength and doing things he enjoys in order to prepare for the next bone marrow transplant. But, we are back in “playing to win” mode and ready for this next challenge. We have done it before and are confident that we can do it again. It also helps that playing not to lose isn’t in our fabric — not even close to who we are and how we do things.

A donor has been located, and Dave and I believe that he is a 25-year-old male from Germany. Dave will be admitted into Karmanos next week to start the preparation process and the transplant will take place August 21. He will be in the hospital for at least three weeks. Although we have done this less than a year ago and know what to expect, it will be more difficult this time. Dave has less reserve and isn’t as strong as he was last October.

Thank you for patiently waiting for this update, and thank you for your continued prayers. We are playing to win and still praying for a complete cure.

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