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MESSAGE BOARD Archive July 2003

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Thursday, July 31, 2003 -- 22:07:03 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY
  • Silly me! I just realized that when I wrote last night about "Mane Street" (like a lion's mane) and "Maine Street" (like the state of Maine, with lobsters and what-not), I used the wrong sound-alike word the second time through -- it should have been "Main Street" without an "e" (like one of the major roads in a town)! Of course if the joke is read out loud, no one knows the difference, do they!? But for those visiting the site who *read* the joke themselves, as opposed to having it read *to* them, well, what can I say? I guess I just proved my own point -- even without meds I, too, can get pretty confused in the brain sometimes! ;-) Here's hoping both of us will have clearer thoughts tomorrow, Simon.

    Be well, and we'll be wishing for some more upward movement on those platelet counts tomorrow! (Glad the little red dots seem to be going away, too.)

    Kris
    Thursday, July 31, 2003 -- 11:43:05 (EDT)
    Name: Anne, Tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
    Location: Northfield, MN USA
  • Hey Simon, we're all thinking go-platelet thoughts, and hoping your heart isn't hurting so much anymore. We're missing Ann Arbor too, but I hope that SLC is kind of fun too. Is it nice to have a lot more room there?

    lots of hugs from all of us
    Anne, Tom, and Johannes (who is pulling all of the books of the shelf as I write...)
    Thursday, July 31, 2003 -- 03:57:54 (EDT)
    Name: Your Code_Blue_Family -- Email: code_blue_family@yahoo.com
  • Simon,
    Hey buddy. Good to hear that you are doing better. Hope you are having all the fun that you can. You are in our thoughts & our prayers.
    Your Code_Blue_Family
    Thursday, July 31, 2003 -- 02:16:09 (EDT)
    Name: Mary Craig -- Email: mfcraig@umich.edu
    Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
  • It's great to be hearing from several Ann Arbor friends, since we're all missing things about Ann Arbor. Today, Simon lamented moving away from such a nice town to this bigger city with so many buildings.

    It's also nice to hear from all our faithful cheerleaders and from friends from our overall pretty entertaining times in New York. We'll see if we get to go back any time soon.

    Thanks, everyone! Stay with us! We are reading you!
    Wednesday, July 30, 2003 -- 22:28:42 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • I sometimes get confused in the brain, too, Simon -- and I'm not even taking icky medicines! I think you're doing a great job staying focused, though, buddy -- same for your parents and Miriam! It's not easy doing the balancing act you guys do, day in and day out -- finding your way to a new hospital *and* to a new zoo, trying to swallow medicines that don't want to go down *and* making room in your tummies for lots of tasty spaghetti, making time for the work you have to do *and* for the fun you want to have. I'm sure the juggling and balancing is even a little more complicated than usual, because of your recent move (and yet it sounds as though you picked a great city!). But in case you find that laughter truly is the best medicine for all the ups and downs and back and forths in your life right now (personally, I happen to think it ranks right up with there chicken soup!), here's another joke for you:

    Q: Why did the lion cross the road?

    A: Because he wanted to get to Mane Street! (Get it, says Dan -- Maine Street?!)

    I didn't get it at first ('cause my brain was kind of tired at the end of the work day...); but once I got it, I really liked it! Hope you do, too.

    We're still thinking about you and blowing you some thoughts about extra-tough, antibody-fighting platelets -- whoosh! (Feel them???) Love,

    Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura


    Wednesday, July 30, 2003 -- 17:42:00 (EDT)
    Name: barbara blodgett -- Email: barbara.blodgett@yale.edu
    Location: new haven, ct usa
  • Simon,
    I wish you courage and patience in working through your health problems. I hope you will be able to return to NYC soon. Not only so you can get back into treatment, but so that I can see you again! I want to try out some of the games I didn't get to in the game room.
    BJB
    Wednesday, July 30, 2003 -- 09:16:00 (EDT)
    Name: Marta, Paul & Sam -- Email: manildi@millercanfield.com
    Location: Ann Arbor,
  • Wow - we went away for a week and came back to lots of news. Simon, you are a true champ, and we admire you very much. It's sounds like a long haul with the platelet problems and the move, but you guys are great at enjoying the beautiful and silly stuff along the way. And I must say, Miriam is quite a knock-out in the bikini!

    Our Sam had a birthday - he is 14, which is incredibly grown up. He likes to shoot pool and is getting pretty good, but I'll bet Simon could beat him at those computer games!

    Best wishes and all our thoughts,
    Marta, Paul & Sam

    Tuesday, July 29, 2003 -- 08:44:33 (EDT)
    Name: Gretchen Weir -- Email: gweir@umich.edu
    Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Dear Simon: I hope you and Miriam are getting to like your new home. I can't wait to hear how you like the zoo. It's not very far from your home and it's a really cool zoo.
    Sunday, July 27, 2003 -- 10:55:59 (EDT)
    Name: Kimberly Mease -- Email: mssilky@paonline.com
    Location: Lancaster, PA U S A
  • Hello Simon! I am glad to hear that your platelet issues seem to be resolving themself! Keep the faith and enjoy everyday as much as you can! God Bless
    Saturday, July 26, 2003 -- 11:42:37 (EDT)
    Name: Andre Gross-Fasheun
    Location: Kentwood, MI
  • Hi Simon!
    I have a joke.

    Q. What do an elephant and a tree have in common?

    A. They both have trunks!

    I heard that on Zaboomafoo. I really like that show. Do you?

    I miss you! - Andre
    Friday, July 25, 2003 -- 11:22:39 (EDT)
    Name: Bruce Moore -- Email: bruce_moore@gensler.com
  • Wow, the concert sounds great and the platelet news is encouraging. I don't blame you on the nausea -- my own parents had to force pills on my when I was your age. Here's another bad joke that my mom made me tell over and over again when I was six: Q: Who was Snow White's brother? A: Egg White....get the yolk?

    Lots of love,
    Bruce and Michael
    Thursday, July 24, 2003 -- 21:59:44 (EDT)
    Name: amy -- Email: asheon@umich.edu
    Location: Ann Arbor, mi
  • Simon:

    Hope those platelets hang around for awhile this time! My six year old son Jesse told me a joke that I thought you might like:

    Q: What did the wrestler drink before the wrestling match?
    A: Punch!

    Then he had another one:

    Q: Why did the elephant stay in the refrigerator?
    A: Because he liked to seek his tracks in the butter!

    I don't get that one but Jesse think's it's hysterical so maybe it's one of those "6 year old boy jokes" and you'll get it too?

    I also found a poem about 6 year olds, written by AA Milne in 1927 (probably before your grandparents were even born):

    When I was One,
    I had just begun.

    When I was Two,
    I was nearly new.

    When I was Three,
    I was hardly Me.

    When I was Four,
    I was not much more.

    When I was Five,
    I was just alive.

    But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
    So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

    [We think six is a pretty great age ourselves!]

    Thursday, July 24, 2003 -- 21:59:17 (EDT)
    Name: amy -- Email: asheon@umich.edu
    Location: Ann Arbor, mi
  • Simon:

    Hope those platelets hang around for awhile this time! My six year old son Jesse told me a joke that I thought you might like:

    Q: What did the wrestler drink before the wrestling match?
    A: Punch!

    Then he had another one:

    Q: Why did the elephant stay in the refrigerator?
    A: Because he liked to seek his tracks in the butter!

    I don't get that one but Jesse think's it's hysterical so maybe it's one of those "6 year old boy jokes" and you'll get it too?

    I also found a poem about 6 year olds, written by AA Milne in 1927 (probably before your grandparents were even born):

    When I was One,
    I had just begun.

    When I was Two,
    I was nearly new.

    When I was Three,
    I was hardly Me.

    When I was Four,
    I was not much more.

    When I was Five,
    I was just alive.

    But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
    So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

    [We think six is a pretty great age ourselves!]

    Thursday, July 24, 2003 -- 13:19:48 (EDT)
    Name: Cristina -- Email: cnegrut@umich.edu
    Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • I am so happy to hear about good numbers!!!!My very best wishes to you all, Cristina
    Thursday, July 24, 2003 -- 09:19:44 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • Hey there!

    Looks as though, even if the bump up in platelet numbers happens to be somewhat short-lived, at least the numbers seem to be going up higher after transfusion than they used to. That seems like a good sign. Now if the other medicines you're getting will just stop your own antibodies from monkeying with the platelets (if that's what's happening), you should be in business! We'll keep thinking "platelet thoughts" for you in the meantime.

    And as to the Spaghetti Factory, that sounds like a great place! I happen to love pasta of all sorts -- do you, too? In fact, when I was pregnant with each of my kids I used to get pasta cravings -- I would absolutely *need* to eat a huge bowl of elbow macaroni (other sorts of pasta didn't quite do the trick somehow...) with just a little bit of olive oil and garlic (the craving didn't extend to tomato sauce for some reason). Aren't bodies funny?? Anyway, hope you enjoyed your visit to the Spaghetti Factory; and if you go there again, have some pasta for me, too, OK?

    Best to one and all,

    Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura
    Wednesday, July 23, 2003 -- 22:51:38 (EDT)
    Name: annette steve rowan
  • Glad to hear the count is up we will hope for a continuation!!!! Was so nice to see you Simon and get to play together some. It's amazing how you just keep on going making fun happen even when you have to go off to the hospital all too often. Thanks for being an example for all of us. Loved playing baseball and jumping on the dunes with you. Hope you are enjoying Salt Lake City.

    Love, us
    Tuesday, July 22, 2003 -- 13:49:38 (EDT)
    Name: rebecca -- Email: rebecca37cross@hotmail.com
    Location: Oberlin, OH USA
  • Hi Simon!

    Go, platelets, go! We're sending you big energy to keeps your spirits up and to get your body strong. What do you think about Utah? Have you been in the great Salt Lake yet? I think you'll find it's quite different than Lake Erie. I've heard you can float in it, because it's so salty...but I've also heard it can be pretty smelly...so you'll just have to be the expert and let me know what the REAL story is after YOU visit it...

    Schuyler has been making sculpy-dough aliens this morning,and tells me to tell you that they are sending you lots and lots of strength!!

    hugs & love from all of us - say hi to Miriam & your Dad & Mom.

    Rebecca, Randy, Emma & Schuyler
    Monday, July 21, 2003 -- 09:25:09 (EDT)
    Name: Chanda & Jake Courtney -- Email: courtneychanda@yahoo.com
    Location: Charlotte, NC USA!
  • Hey Simon~
    Thinking of you all and hoping your platelets stay WAY UP and you are HAMA negative soon! Hope to see you back in NYC!
    Sunday, July 20, 2003 -- 23:42:35 (EDT)
    Name: Ellen Roussey -- Email: eroussey@comcast.net
    Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Hi Simon! It's wierd going to church and not seeing you running around with Cully and the other kids. I hope you like your new home and I hope this platelet problem goes away so that you feel better. Our summer has been very busy and we are having trouble fitting in all the things that we want to do. Cully wants to go to the Hands-On Museum and we still haven't made it there yet. I hope you find some fun new things to do in Salt Lake City. I hope that you feel better soon. Love, Ellen & Cully
    Sunday, July 20, 2003 -- 19:25:46 (EDT)
    Name: Anne, tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
    Location: Northfield, MN USA
  • ooooooh boy, Simon, what a roller coaster you're on. I hope the platelets get their boxing gloves on and fight back those antibodies. We're all hoping that these new treatments get your body settled again, so you can enjoy your new home! That part, at least sounds good. lots of love and non-bruising hugs, anne, tom, and johannes
    Sunday, July 20, 2003 -- 15:50:50 (EDT)
    Name: code_blue_family -- Email: code_blue_family@yahoo.com
  • Simon,
    Hey buddy. We hope that your platelet count goes up so you will feel better. We are all thinking about you & praying that you will feel better soon. Lots of hugs.
    Your Code_Blue_Family
    Saturday, July 19, 2003 -- 20:22:40 (EDT)
    Name: Mary Craig -- Email: mfcraig@umich.edu
    Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
  • This is a response to Kris Hopkins' posting. Thanks for the tip. We appreciate any/all research our friends and family do in Simon's behalf.

    The article you cited:

    http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2001-09/nyum-rfa090601.php

    does in fact seem to be relevant information for Simon. It's a pretty good explanation of immune-mediated thrombocytopeonia, and I'm not surprised at the connection to other immune-system malfunctions, like HIV.

    We will definitely mention this article to Simon's doctors, although it appears to be in line with the approach they are already taking. The article is dated September 2001, which is an eon ago for cancer and HIV research...

    Also, could the supplement you heard about be bromelein? That's an enzyme found in pineapple that is thought to boost platelet formation. Simon seems to be making platelets OK, but he's destroying them faster than he can make them.

    Saturday, July 19, 2003 -- 19:14:45 (EDT)
    Name: Connie Cohn -- Email: conniecohn@yahoo.com
    Location: Whitmore Lake, MI
  • Hi, Simon, Miriam, Mary, Markus! I miss you guys a lot. My PDA still goes off on Wednesdays to remind me to see if you need any groceries! I hope Simon's platelet count goes up soon. Whew -- what a tough and scary period! I wish I could give you all a great big hug and share some African Peanut Soup with you. When you know when you'll be going back to New York, e-mail my brother, Bill Brunelle, at magicforu@aol.com. Let him know your schedule and see if he's available to do a show for Simon and everyone at the Ronald McDonald House, or in the hospital.
    My news: I'm assigned to Uzbekistan, where I'll be teaching English at the university level. I leave Ann Arbor August 15th for three days in Philly, then on to Tashkent via Ankara. I'll send you missives from there. I, too, would like your e-mail address, and also your snail-mail address so I can send things occasionally. I love you... and did I say I miss you? Connie

    Saturday, July 19, 2003 -- 11:05:29 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • Hi again. Admittedly, I know nothing from nothing about medicine. But I thought I'd remembered hearing something a few weeks ago about a particular vitamin or mineral supplement that seemed somehow related to Simon's current platelet situation, so I did a Google search just now to see if I could locate the information again. Well, I haven't turned up that reference; but I did find something else that, while related to HIV vs. neuroblastoma, seemed (to these untrained eyes) potentially relevant. If you're doing some scouting yourselves, you may want to check out http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2001-09/nyum-rfa090601.php

    Obviously, I can't vouch for the science (except that the research was certainly conducted at a reputable university!), and I don't want to be sending you on wild goose chases; but since I know you guys like to be so actively involved in Simon's treatment, I thought it might at least open up other avenues of inquiry to discuss with Simon's doctors....

    And if I find that supplement reference again (or something else of potential interest), is there a new e-mail address we should be using for you guys?

    All the best ... always,
    Kris


    Saturday, July 19, 2003 -- 10:46:47 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • I'm really sorry the platelet situation is still causing such difficulties -- no doubt those frequent transfusions are putting a cramp in your style; and the worry and frustration can't be much fun either. There's certainly a lot on your plate right now, so I'm hoping perhaps you're finding time to plug into a local support network of some kind (is there a good UU congregation in town, by chance?), as this is probably a good time for gentle hugs and smiles and offers of help. I bet there are a lot of people checking into this site who wish they could be with you in person, as well as in spirit, to help you deal with these most recent challenges you're all facing.... I'd bet good money, though, that there are a whole host of positive thoughts and prayers that are winging your way from all across the world!

    However, I'm so glad that grass watering and snail watching can still be a part of the new routine. I find snails really cool myself. We have a counting book at home that's been "well loved" by all our kids (it's called _One Green Frog_); and, after pages on "one green and shiny frog" and "two brightly colored toucans" and "three lazy jelly fish" and "four cheeky parrots," there's a page dedicated to snails that reads: "Five slithery snails. They never need to pack. For when a snail goes out, he takes his house upon his back." I love that part! And just think: if we humans could take our houses upon our backs, we'd always have our own comfy beds no matter *what* great places we decided to visit! (That might have been nice for you guys last month, eh?)

    We're thinking "platelets" 24-7 for ya', Simon! Keep up the good work of being gentle with your body during this bruise-y time; and let us know what those snails are up to, OK?

    Love, Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura
    Saturday, July 19, 2003 -- 10:26:32 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • I'm really sorry the platelet situation is still causing such difficulties -- no doubt those frequent transfusions are putting a cramp in your style; and the worry and frustration can't be much fun either. There's certainly a lot on your plate right now, so I'm hoping perhaps you're finding time to plug into a local support network of some kind (is there a good UU congregation in town, by chance?), as this is probably a good time for gentle hugs and smiles and offers of help. I bet there are a lot of people checking into this site who wish they could be with you in person, as well as in spirit, to help you deal with these most recent challenges you're all facing.... I'd bet good money, though, that there are a whole host of positive thoughts and prayers that are winging your way from all across the world!

    However, I'm so glad that grass watering and snail watching can still be a part of the new routine. I find snails really cool myself. We have a counting book at home that's been "well loved" by all our kids (it's called _One Green Frog_); and, after pages on "one green and shiny frog" and "two brightly colored toucans" and "three lazy jelly fish" and "four cheeky parrots," there's a page dedicated to snails that reads: "Five slithery snails. They never need to pack. For when a snail goes out, he takes his house upon his back." I love that part! And just think: if we humans could take our houses upon our backs, we'd always have our own comfy beds no matter *what* great places we decided to visit! (That might have been nice for you guys last month, eh?)

    We're thinking "platelets" 24-7 for ya', Simon! Keep up the good work of being gentle with your body during this bruise-y time; and let us know what those snails are up to, OK?

    Love, Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura
    Friday, July 18, 2003 -- 11:08:22 (EDT)
    Name: Deborah, Marek, Lev & Jacob -- Email: dgurt@hotmail.com
    Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA
  • Hi Simon-
    I have a funny baby Jacob story for you: Jacob likes to play with telephones, pressing buttons, and talking into them as if he were calling a friend. Well yesterday he got hold of the real telephone and was pretending to talk to his Saba (grandpa). A few minutes later someone was at the door and when we went
    to answer, it was a police officer!! It seems that Jacob had accidently dialed 911 while he was playing and the police came to make sure we were OK!! Lev was rolling around on the floor he thought this was so funny - I hope you do too. The police officer didn't really think it was funny, but he was nice about it.

    We miss you Simon, and your mom & dad and Miriam too.
    Lots of love from us, Deborah, Marek, Lev and silly baby Jacob
    Friday, July 18, 2003 -- 01:51:33 (EDT)
    Name: Sally
    Location: Seattle,
  • I'm glad you're finally in SLC, but sorry to hear about the current difficulties. I wish I could come help you unpack! Sending you lots of love, Sally and Jim
    Thursday, July 17, 2003 -- 21:11:43 (EDT)
    Name: Gari Stein
  • Hello to everyone, my computer ate Simon's address and I finally found it, so I have not been in touch in a long time. I am glad you all have arrived in SLC, but so sorry to hear about those platelet levels. I hope they will soon be jumping up, so Simon can go snail hunting. I am missing you just knowing you are not in Ann Arbor and I won't be bumping into your sweet faces. Please give my love to Ann and hugs to all. Much love always, Gari
    Thursday, July 17, 2003 -- 17:10:15 (EDT)
    Name: Deborah Orlowski -- Email: orlowski@umich.edu
  • hey to simon and miriam and the "parental units." i KNOW that slc is really beautiful and there are lots of cool things you can do there.

    all of hrd here at um is pulling for simon to get over this latest hump so you two can go and discover all the awesome sites in your new city.

    we miss you!
    Thursday, July 17, 2003 -- 16:03:43 (EDT)
    Name: Carol Shultheis -- Email: carols@med.umich.edu
  • Hey, Simon- Hope you get all those bruises cleared up real soon. I'm tracking down some Nurse-Midwives I know in SLC, and hope to have some phone #s in the next few days. I'm sending lots of platelet growing energy (and gentle hugs) your way. Carol
    Wednesday, July 16, 2003 -- 19:40:42 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • Wow -- you're in Salt Lake City at last! A colleague of mine just recently returned from a conference in SLC and said the scenery is amazing -- and I guess that Tabernacle is pretty awe-inspiring, too! Enjoy becoming acquainted with your new environs and all the friendly and helpful new neighbors, doctors, nurses, postal carriers, and everybody else there! I'm sure they're glad you've moved to town!

    Thinking of you all and wishing you well with your transition and all the unpacking that comes with it. Love,

    Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura
    Wednesday, July 16, 2003 -- 00:05:24 (EDT)
    Name: code_blue_dream_chaser -- Email: code_blue_family@yahoo.com
  • Simon,
    Hey champ. Glad to hear that you are in your new house. We hope you get to feeling better so you can enjoy your new room & all the space you have now. We hope you will enjoy your new neighborhood & make lots of friends. Lots of hugs. Tell your mom & dad hi from all of us & make sure they unpack your toys first. Talk to ya soon.
    code_blue_dream_chaser
    & the rest of the code_blue_family
    Tuesday, July 15, 2003 -- 09:47:13 (EDT)
    Name: Burger Family
    Location: Ithaca, NY
  • Hi Guys,
    So glad to hear that you are in your "new digs"! Enjoy the extra space, and remember to prioritize the order of what you unpack first-- toys are right there on the top of the list!
    We've been following your web site, and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Sending love and lots of positive vibes your way!
    xo Liza, Mike, Jolan and Jenna
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 19:52:04 (EDT)
    Name: gina nichols -- Email: gmnichols1@aol.com
  • Mary and Simon, can't believe what I am reading about Simon's platelets. Praying that this treatment, to help the immune system works. We will check in again soon. With love and prayers, Gina and Harrison Nichols (from MSKCC)
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 16:04:57 (EDT)
    Name: Marta, Paul & Sam -- Email: manildi@millercanfield.com
    Location: Ann Arbor,
  • Just a quick note to add our voice to the chorus - we're reading the website avidly, keeping you in our hearts and thoughts, cheering for success, hoping you can overcome each difficulty, and so happy to hear of all the love and joy with family and friends. I grew up swimming in Lake Michigan, and we have loved to camp (and for Paul, go fishing) on the Platt, so we confess to some feelings of envy of all the water play! All our best,
    Marta, Paul & Sam
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 14:24:23 (EDT)
    Name: amy -- Email: asheon@umich.edu
  • Wow--went on vacation for a week and look at all you intrepid nomads have been through! You leave your readers with the inspiring imagery of how you forge joy with your friends, family and nature from what might be utter chaos to the rest of us mortals. Enjoy many more swims, full fat ice creams, and river rafting trips and know that all of ann arbor is rooting for Simon (and the rest of you)! I can only imagine your feelings of luxuriation as you get those boxes unpacked in your long awaited new digs. Hope the sun is shining up north, because it's been totally gray down here...
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 14:23:42 (EDT)
    Name: amy -- Email: asheon@umich.edu
  • Wow--went on vacation for a week and look at all you intrepid nomads have been through! You leave your readers with the inspiring imagery of how you forge joy with your friends, family and nature from what might be utter chaos to the rest of us mortals. Enjoy many more swims, full fat ice creams, and river rafting trips and know that all of ann arbor is rooting for Simon (and the rest of you)! I can only imagine your feelings of luxuriation as you get those boxes unpacked in your long awaited new digs. Hope the sun is shining up north, because it's been totally gray down here...
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 13:26:16 (EDT)
    Name: Lindsay Gross -- Email: llg@umich.edu
    Location: Ypsilanti, MI
  • Hey Guys!
    Sorry to hear you've been facing a harder time while vacationing in MI. . .but we're checking in regularly and thinking about you all the time.

    We are now also officially out of family housing and residing in Ypsi until we move into our new home the 1st week in August. But we're still frequenting family housing and absolutely miss your presence. We are here now - at the Chang's - and Andre is opting to watch Scooby over being outside since, as he put it, "I have no friends left here."

    We wish you guys well with your move to UT at the end of this week! It will be wonderful to settle into your new home.
    When time permits, be sure to get a picture of the clan in front of your new home and post it!

    Take Care!
    Love Lindsay, Lance & Andre
    Thursday, July 10, 2003 -- 11:33:48 (EDT)
    Name: Bruce Moore -- Email: bruce_moore@gensler.com
  • Hey Mary and Simon, we miss you since you're not longer here in NY. We were kind of getting used to seeing you on a weekly basis (yes even after 25 LONG years since college....) Sounds like a rough time but glad to hear there's lots of family around. We're all pulling for you especially with the move to SLC coming up. Lots of love from your local NYC family! -- Bruce and Michael
    Wednesday, July 09, 2003 -- 21:51:14 (EDT)
    Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
    Location: Clinton, NY
  • Goodness sakes! A person doesn't dare take her eyes off this web site for even a moment, let alone a few weeks (work deadlines and then some vacation in Montreal took me away from the Internet for a while, I'm afraid), lest she miss all the news from New York and Traverse City and Chicago and Salt Lake City! What a bunch of traveling you've all done lately!

    I'm really sorry about the platelet difficulties -- they're tricky little cells, aren't they! You wouldn't think we'd want a bunch of sticky, gooey circles floating around in our blood stream; but in fact we do! I'm sure you're being really careful to be gentle with your body during this time -- and please be sure to let the doctors know if you get any headaches, OK? (I'm sure they tell you all that stuff, but it's important enough that it probably bears repeating.) After all, we want you to cruise on out of this bruisey, nose-bleedy time in good shape, so you'll be ready to receive more of those mousie-bodies if and when the doctors say it's OK again -- it sure appears the antibody therapy is having some good results!

    You're in our thoughts daily -- all of you -- and we are thrilled for you that you've had some time for fun in the sun with lots of family members! And we join you in your excitement over a new house and your very own familiar beds!! Ahhhhh, how good that will feel....

    Lots of love and good, platelet-filled vibes from Upstate New York! (BTW, I get to give blood again next Wednesday; so I'll imagine, Simon, that it's being pumped right from me to you, buddy!)

    Take care!
    Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura
    Wednesday, July 09, 2003 -- 13:43:00 (EDT)
    Name: Nancy Hoetker -- Email: nhoetker@mac.com
    Location: Champaign, IL USA
  • Hey Simon,
    Sorry your vacation hasn't been all it could be...hopefully being in your new home will help all settle down!

    Still checking on your almost daily from the corn & soybean fields,

    Nancy, Glenn, Andrew & Nicole.
    Tuesday, July 08, 2003 -- 16:41:05 (EDT)
    Name: Your Code_Blue_Family -- Email: code_blue_family@yahoo.com
  • Simon,
    Hey champ. We hope you had a good weekend. Sorry you had to go to the hospital but at least it was only for a day. Have fun this week. Lots of hugs.

    Code_Blue_Dream_Chaser & the rest of Your Code_Blue_Family
    Monday, July 07, 2003 -- 20:32:48 (EDT)
    Name: Jenni Gretzema -- Email: gretzema@umich.edu
  • Hi Simon,

    I hope you are having a good vacation. Sorry you had to go to the hospital, but I'm glad it was only for the day. I was reading back about your trip to FAO Schwartz. What a fun day at the toy store! Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. Hi to your mom, dad and Mirriam. Good luck on your new adventure in Utah!

    Jenni Gretzema :-)
    Monday, July 07, 2003 -- 07:44:35 (EDT)
    Name: Jean Watson -- Email: jl_watson100@hotmail.com
    Location: Canton, OH
  • Simon,
    Here's a quick one for you -
    Q: Why did the elephant hunter quit his job?
    A: Because he was tired of carrying around the decoy!

    Love to you from rainy Ohio.
    Jean
    Thursday, July 03, 2003 -- 17:19:03 (EDT)
    Name: Code_Blue_Family -- Email: code_blue_family@yahoo.com
  • Simon,
    Hey buddy. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you. Hope you have a fun & safe 4th of July weekend. Have a wonderful upcoming week. Lots of hugs.
    Wednesday, July 02, 2003 -- 12:09:16 (EDT)
    Name: Caroline, of the infamous Caroline Hilton -- Email: chelton@umich.edu
    Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA
  • Dear Simon, Miriam, Markus and Mary,

    Since you all weren't able to make use of your complete reservation at our prestigious resort, it is our pleasure to extend to you an open invitation for as long as you need to stay! We really miss you guys already, and hope that your time in NYC will pass quickly and with more positive results. Simon, did they have enough transformers at FAO Schwarz?

    Your parents are picking the car up Thursday or Friday, and we will pack it with the things Markus left as well as some of the goodies Miriam left (which Hava has been enjoying). One of the dollies is going to need some major doctoring, however--she received an accidental trunk-ectomy... Maybe Simon can show it to some of the Sloan Kettering doctors!

    Hava is in daycamp this week and thoroughly enjoying herself. She said (as Markus and Miriam were packing up), "It's sad when your friends move to Utah..." Truer words were never spoken!

    Good luck getting settled in the new house, and have a great time at Silver Lake!

    Love,

    Caroline, Matt, Hava and Ruby

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