4 years, but who's counting?

Two posts in one day? Yeah, I need to thank people as I celebrate my 4th anniversary (I know I'll leave someone out, I'm sorry, I don't mean to. So, THANK YOU, too!)

THANK YOU...

• God, for opening my eyes, for the best doctors, medicine (though they can use a little more work) -- something with that Dimetapp grapey goodness would be great -- and for Your love.
• Stephanie -- for never leaving my side, for your tireless care, attention and love. I love you.
• Mom and Dad -- for always being there, for loaning me the brown leather couch in the bonus room with the brown blanket for hours of sleep, for the countless calls at all hours, for helping Stephanie. You guys are the best.
• Michael -- for your countless prayers and endless brotherly love. Sarah's getting a great one.
• My grandparents, Pa, Granny, and Babi -- for your prayers, love, and comforting words of encouragement.
• Chris -- you've been my best friend for half my life. Now that's either because you couldn't find anyone else to put up with you, or you're actually a good guy. :) Thanks for the hundreds of Pez.
  
• Doctor's Shipley, Guha, Conner, and Roberts -- for your care and your devotion to your work, which you do so incredibly well
• Oncology nurses of Tennessee Oncology -- angels on earth. Every single one of you. Thank you.
• ICU Nurses at Centennial -- for your limitless attention to patient needs, comfort, and well-being. You're amazing individuals.
• To countless friends, extended family, and complete strangers for all of your prayers and wonderful words of encouragement.

/JB

2007: A Year in Review

On New Year's Eve I like to take a moment to look back on the year that is soon coming to an end. This year Stephanie and I welcome new children into our extended families:

• Jacob Pawlowski - our nephew, joined the family in January
• Maya Grace Clay - a cousin born to Paige Lemons and Jordan Clay in August
• Molly Jewel Biggs - a cousin born to Duane and Beth Biggs in October

Our new[er] Acura TL, which we joyously acquired this year, was able to stretch it's legs on the road with travels to Asheville, North Carolina, to see the Biltmore Estate, multiple trips to Cincinnati to visit family and participate in the year's Heartwalk, and to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In Florida we attended the wedding of Stephanie's brother Greg to his new wife, Laura. Her daughter Lauren also joins our ever-growing family.

This fall Stephanie began a new job with HCA as a Primary Therapist and I was appointed Director of Information Technology at Vanderbilt University Law School.

Overall, our entire family was blessed this year with good health and wellness. Steph and I celebrated a wonderful 3.5 years of my being cancer free!

I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2008, which as of now, we know will bring the marriage of my brother to his fiance, Sarah Miller, as well as more family additions as Andy & Stephanie Biggs grow their family one more time. Thank you all for being a part of our lives this year, whether we see you daily, weekly, ocassionally, or just via this blog.