Uncle Randy -

The last few weeks have been so overwhelming. Nova was all we could concentrate on, and really still is. But I know that many of you had been reading because of my posts about Scott's brother Randy, who had leukemia and was waiting to get a marrow transplant. It was another story that evoked so much response from so many of my readers and friends, that I feel guilty for being so remiss in updating you all about him.

Randy was in and out of remission several times. They'd done blood typing on the entire family to try to find a family match - the best case scenario is to find a sibling match. Unfortunately, none of the siblings were a close enough match and they searched the marrow bank. There, they found 5 perfect matches, which is nothing short of a miracle. They planned the trip to Boston for his transplant and Randy went back to the doctor for some final bloodwork. The bloodwork showed that he was out of remission again.

About 3 weeks ago, the doctors told the family that there's nothing more they can do for Randy. He is living his final weeks of life, with the biggest part of his family at his side. His wife has decided to stay home with him and spend as much time with him as she can. She says he has good days and bad days, but is actually handling it pretty well. He's planning his own funeral arrangements - something I can't even begin to comprehend.

With that knowledge in mind, Scott had to call his mother last week and tell her about Nova's passing. He didn't want to do it, didn't want to burden them with more than they're already dealing with. They made the same choice for Randy, and didn't tell him right away.

I got an email from Randy's wife this morning. I want to share the part that I still, hours later, have stuck in my throat.

"I wanted so badly to call you but I was at a loss for words. We didn’t tell Randy right away, he had a few rough days, but when he asked I was honest. He wanted to know if we heard from you and how Nova was doing..."

"I told Randy that he needed to look out for Nova up there and he said he will."