Help! I’ve fallen….. behind…. And I can’t get…..caught…..up!!!!

Hello Kast Family,

We are well in to summer now and despite the rain here it is getting very nice. Warm days and cool nights….perfect! I don’t remember what the weather was last year at this time…. I rarely got out except to drive in the car home or to the hospital. Kerrie was home for a few days the end of June, first part of July, but went back to the hospital (for the last time) about a year ago this time. We knew she was very sick and that things were not looking up for her, but didn’t realize how difficult the next few days and weeks would be and how fast things would progress. It’s somewhat ironic that it was also two years ago to the day that she was diagnosed with a blood cancer. Events just seemed to occur on significant dates from the previous year. Needless to say, these days are a time of rememberance and reflection for our family.

Much has been happening for us. I am happy to report that Jenn did not have to pitch tents in her backyard for all those international employees, housing was found and the new dorm is open and filling up. It was an easy task for her, she only had to work 18 – 20 hour days to get it done. And she has a couch in her office so she did manage a little sleep here and there. I’m glad this is over for her now (at least I think it is) but I’m sure, knowing Jenn, she will find some other daunting task to take on.

Her brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Alisa and the kids spent a few days with her in late June…. they managed to see some of the sights I haven’t gotten to yet (hint, hint Jenn for my next trip) and spent some time in the Blue Ridge Mountains as well……they liked it so much they may plan to go back again.

Me, I’m just turning my life upside down. After 35 years at NOMC I am embarking on a new career at a nearby hospital. Things have been touch and go with NOMC regarding the future status, buyout and reorganization plans. Just prior to some positive moves by the Pontiac City Council ( who have a big say in what happens) I got a call from an old Army buddy asking if I would be interested in checking out a position at Crittenton Hospital. Not knowing my future I said “sure”. They have offered me a nice position and I took it. So, right now I am going through a multitude of emotions. Nervousness, regret, anticipation, excitment. But, it all actually seems so insignificant when put up against the total picture of what life is about. Things can cause me some stress, but nothing like the past two years….. so I take it a day at a time and just go on. I won’t be retiring any time soon (economy, etc. you know). But even the thought of not having a job and having to give things up just don’t seem that crucial anymore.

I’d like to tell you why I decided to make this move after so many years at my home hospital. I was sitting alone thinking and agonizing over the upcoming choice I would have to make. A lot involved a feeling of disloyalty to a place and people I have been with so long and memories of Ker when she worked there. All of a sudden, out of the blue I heard Kerrie (in my head) say “Go for it, Mom”. That was all, it was unmistakably her. So I said to myself ” Self, you just got the word and your decision has been made”.

I also want to apologize to all of you who email me and haven’t had a response. I hope the title of this post explains it a little. And to my “friends” on Facebook. I really will get on that page one of these days. 🙂

We enjoy your posts and hope you will continue, we can tell by the count that a lot of you are still coming on the site and I think we plan to keep it open for at least a while longer…. Be patient if we don’t post as frequently as we used to…..

Enjoy your summer days and know that we are thinking of all of you

Love
Joan