Weddings, Belly Dancing & Cancer

Cela & Patrick

Corinne & Max

March was quite the month both professionally and personally: two weddings, infants and a family photo shoot; good and not so good news for family members.

Good News. My first wedding shoots, with the help of friend Shelly Luthi, went very well. The first was a small wedding for a delightful older couple Corinne  and Max Friebel, on March 5th. We only spent part of the day with them. The second wedding on March 12th was a larger affair for Cela and Patrick Njeim. We began shooting before the wedding in Tacoma, then drove to the ceremony at a Catholic Church in Fife, later returning for the dinner and reception in Tacoma. It was an international affair with family members from Croatia and Lebanon. One of the highlights of the reception was the belly dancer and the fun family members had dancing with her. Great photo opportunities.

Other good news - my younger brother Jim finally contacted me via email. I was so happy about that. We've been out of touch for several years. He brought me up to speed, but there is still more we need to catch up on. My niece Nicolette came through her mastectomy very well and may not have to have continuing treatment. My grandniece Dori spent time with us - trying to get us both better organized. She was very helpful getting my taxes ready for the accountant and attempting to get Scott's business plan in order. She left him with "homework" which has yet to get done. Dori, we need you back! I loved it when the twenty-five year old with a smile on her face was telling the sixty-six year old to "focus"!

Bad and Good News. Son-in-law Ron was doing belly dancing of his own, but not without pain. He went back into the hospital for the sixth time since January with another pancreatitis attack. The doctor finally performed one more diagnostic test and discovered he had a blocked area leading from the pancreas to his stomach. The enzymes were backing up into the pancreas and creating excruciating pain. They placed a temporary stent which he'll have to have removed at the end of a month. In the meantime he'll be getting meals intravenously so his innards can heal. What a heck of a way to diet and with all of the problems he's had - he is a shadow of himself. The former self was 70 pounds heavier! The good news from all of that was my being able to spend more time with grandson Ben. 

Nicolette & Lore

Bad News for Now. With lots of prayer and good medical attention, the following "bad news" will hopefully move to another category this year. My sister Lore, with whom I shared a fantastic time in Hawaii in February, found out she also has a type of breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma. It was discovered during a routine mammogram. A needle biopsy was done right away. Four days later she received the results and her daughter Nicolette came from LaConnor to go with her to the doctor and help set up other specialist appointments. Unfortunately and fortunately, Nicolette speaks the language of cancer, having just undergone a mastectomy herself in the last two months. Lore is having additional testing done to better determine the type of surgery she'll need to have. She has great family support. Her granddaughter Dori lives with her and her five children are all staying in close touch. I'll certainly help however I can.

Scott

And last but not least, Scott wishes he could belly dance, but had an x-ray that shows his right hip is shot. He will either have to have hip replacement surgery, live with the pain or possibly in a wheelchair. Had I known that 25 years ago, I never would have bought a split level house! We're going to see his cardiologist in the next couple weeks to discuss the issue with him before we do a follow-up with an orthopedic specialist. Scott can only have surgery performed with local anesthesia because of his COPD/emphysema.

But in the meantime, Scott continues to "fine tune" his recording studio, work with musicians and coach his voice-over clients. He's busy, positive and enthusiastic about his pursuits. And I'm off for an overnight trip to Portland with two women friends - just going to hang out for a couple days and regroup. BonnieKingPhotography.com