After many weeks at home, it's time to start organizing for travel again. Late next week Steve and I will fly to Houston for follow-up appointments at M.D. Anderson. Steve will have blood drawn and checked and have MRI scans of his brain so we can see the chemotherapy and radiation therapy's good work.
A couple of weeks later, all four of us will travel to Chicago with Jim, Betty and Jim for a celebratory long weekend. Jim and Betty have wanted to treat us to a getaway to mark the end of Steve's radiation.
The kids and I have never been to Chicago, so we'll have lots to discover. If you have any suggestions of what can't be missed or what must be eaten, be sure to send tips along! We plan on visiting the Chicago Children's Museum, the Navy Pier and the Museum of Science and Industry. Steve and I hope to escape on our own for a tour of the Art Institute.
Steve continues to gain strength. He's been able to work long hours this week -- without a nap! We give great thanks for these strong "normal" days.
It's amazing how quickly the definition of "normal" changes. We feel years, not months, removed from our old, pre-cancer life -- when crises had a foreseeable end, when the source of exhaustion was too much work or play, when Steve was able to drive, wrestle with Cooper, lift Katie on his shoulders.
Steve and I strongly believe in making the best of any circumstance, in tackling a challenge with optimism and determination -- a value that's certainly been tested the past few months. We are so thankful for how countless friends, family members and even strangers have made it possible for us to realize the blessings despite Steve's many challenges.
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6 comments:
Tyra,
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is AWESOME!! I visited there several times when my family lived in the area during my jr. high years.
Have a great time!
Dean
Definitely hit the art museum. Lake shore drive is awesome, there is the Drake hotel where Mission impossible was shot.
Don't forget eat deep dish chicago style pizza.
Walk the mag (magnificent) mile (Michigan avenue) with great window shopping. The tour on the Chicago river is really good but may be too cold for that right now. Navy pier is a must also.
Check out Northwestern's awesome campus on Lake MI. On Sherman Rd in that vicinity is a huge Bahai temple which is worth checking out also. And last but not the least find a late night jazz club, they are good. Not as super as in New Orleans but not bad.
I am inspired by your courage, I wish I had it like yours, certainly didn't want yours to be tested but you are doing great, keep it up.
Juhee says hi to Cooper and Katie, she wants to come play again. Wonder if we can all visit just for a few minutes on saturday around 4:30 pm or so? Do let me know and also let me know what I can pick up for you guys and what I can bring.
Shilpa
Enjoy your Chicago trip! The Children's Museum at the Navy Pier is an absolute must. Plan to spend a long afternoon or day there with the kids. Detroiters recommend the Aquarium, though we haven't been yet. If the weather is nice, Millennium Park near downtown is a great place to stretch out and let the kids run around. We stumbled upon a cool, old downtown fire station next door to a city playground. I think it's on Chicago Ave. And, our friends took an architectural tour of the city that would also be good for some Steve/Tyra time.
Hi Steve and Tyra,
My husband is from Chicago and I have visited several times over the years. The Museum of Natural History is also cool but if the weather is not too cold I would highly recommend riding on the boat tour down the river. I think the boat is called the Wendella or something like that. It gives you a really fun perspective of the city. Good luck and we look forward to seeing your pictures from your vacation. Marilie
Chicago Style HOT DOGS! Try them just like they make them - so awesome! Portillo's was our favorite place to get them. They are huge, fast, and very inexpensive.
Christy McDonald
Hi Steve and Tyra,
I am so glad to hear that Steve is doing better and having a "normal" week. I continue to hope for a lot more "normal" to come your way.
As for Chicago, Oak Park isn't too far from the city and its a nice little area to visit - the Frank Lloyd Wright house-walking tour might be of interest if the weather is nice. If you're baseball fans, you can't miss Wrigley Field and maybe catch a Cubs game. Be sure to look for the seats on all the roofs of the houses around the stadium! Of course there's Northbrook, IL, home to the John Hughes movies - ask Will...
I will be thinking of you next week! Meghan Franzke
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