Sorry it's been so long since our last post. We spent the last couple weeks waiting for John's counts to go back up. During that time, here are some of the highlights.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Casey's house. It was so nice to be together. Even in a year that's brought us great loss and considerable challenges, Mike and I realize how much we have to be thankful for. Caroline flew all by herself to spend Thanksgiving in Palm Desert with my mom and dad and the Clemens family. We missed her so much but know that she had a great time swimming, playing with her cousins, and driving the golf cart. My dad says she's a lot like me - a bit of a lead foot.
After Thanksgiving, we enjoyed a really fun visit with John's cousins - the Griffin clan. Their youngest, Tommy, got to be the ball boy for the Cal vs. Princeton basketball game. John loved sitting in the stands as his Aunt Jill watched her team go down in flames. We can still hear her yelling "back door"!
On Wednesday, December 2nd, John's counts were finally up high enough for his treatment to continue. We checked into the hospital that day and were were released Thursday night in time to spend the evening with Jimmy to celebrate his 11th birthday.
During our hospital stay, as I was talking on the phone with my mom, John was busy making his own home movie. I had no idea he was doing it and have posted it here for your enjoyment. John continues to be constant entertainment for us. Even in our darkest days, he never stops giving us reasons to smile.
John...you have a future in the entertainment industry....Hollywood, here you come!
ReplyDeleteJohnny - thanks for keeping me entertained while i worked at my desk :-) will you sing some christmas carols for me next time?!?
ReplyDeletehugs to you - holler if you need another jamba juice and donut. they looked yummy!
XO -
Mrs. Tague
Johnny: We expect to see you in Hollywood soon!!! Keep up the singing. You should team up with your cousin Adam. He's a big Neil Young fan.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Candy, Roger and Adam
Loved the home movie, keep 'em coming. Keep those counts up too.
ReplyDeletePaul Simo
Hi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteLoved the home movie. Happy holidays to you and the rest of the family.
Love, Will Haughey
P.S great singing
The video gave us the giggles...
ReplyDeleteLindsay, Ryan & Sam
Nice movie Johnny. I had to watch it a few times to get the full effect. Looking forward to many more you talented little movie maker.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Carrie
The video was awesome! Mollie, he has your musical inclination I can tell.....that was a joy to watch...I loved that! Thinking of you guys daily....xoxo,k
ReplyDeleteMollie and Mike,
ReplyDeleteGreg and I just received word about John's illness for the first time last night. Needless to say,you ALL have been on our minds since. We are holding you all in our hearts, and already take such inspiration from your amazing son. Please let us know if ever you need anything. We miss you.
Our love,
Devon and Greg
Hey john i'm bored I'm reading my book for my project. What do you want for christmas? i need to get u something
ReplyDeleteLove,
Caroline
Hi John
ReplyDeleteI can't get enough of that video you made. I hope you enjoy the Cal ornament. When we saw it at the store, we thought of you and had to buy it. I hope you have a very jolly Christmas.
Always caring,
Will Haughey
T'was the night before Xmas, and all through John's town,
ReplyDeleteNothing blue and gold was stirring, not one single sound,
The Wildcats and Cougars, were both well-fed,
Allowing the Cardinals and Ducks to sleep safe in their bed,
Even Beavers and Bruins were getting along,
Snoozing and snoring like a playful song,
Sun Devils were angels, and Huskies like kittens,
And the Bears were the cutest with their warm woolen mittens,
And tho' the Trojans still wore their armor,
They had matching pajamas that was truly a charmer,
Who got these creatures to play together?
To be friends for a night, to share different feathers?
Why it was Johnny Ricksen, who taught them all,
That the most important treasure, is just to play ball,
That to dribble, pass and shoot,
Is better than the sweetest fruit,
That to throw, catch and swing,
Is better than the shiniest ring,
To bang against bodies, to grab a board,
Is better than a saber or a sword,
So the Pac-10 animals joined for one night,
And thought of their hero, who showed his true might,
They saw how brave John was, and how strong he would be,
When he was all better, he'd be a sight to see,
Fast as lightning, smarter than the rest,
Man to man defense would be no test,
For John was destined to complete his quest,
New and improved, best of the best.
So with that vision, the Pac 10 slept with delight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Johnny and the Ricksen Family, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. You have already earned a lifetime's worth of peaceful holidays!
Johnny,
ReplyDeleteThat was very funny! Good job with the singing!!! You are better than I am. Thinking of you everyday! YOU ROCK MY SOCKS!!!
The Dunlap Family(but lauren wrote it)
I just watched John's directorial debut :-)...love it....so funny! I also love that even though he is going through so much he seems to be happy and have a fantastic sense of humor! All the best....we are pulling for Johnny from the sidelines.
ReplyDeletexo, The Wall Clan