ifya feeling a little extra generous at the checkout this month...

This month, Dominick's is joining The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in creating a world without cancer. From February 13th through the 27th, stop by any Dominick's in the Chicagoland area and purchase a Light The Night paper balloon for $1 or more. Your support will make a difference to those touched by cancer right here in Illinois.

What matters most is how well you walk through the fire

We finally found the sled, buried among the hoarder-esque collection of crap that dad keeps in the garage. Old desk chairs, ancient stuffed animals, miniature soccer goals that are definitely not functional. We had to cut it free, climbing up two ladders and severing the pull rope with a pair of shears, but we finally pulled it down. After all, it is a snow day.

The light blue, plastic, and cracked sled has TODD in bold black letters sloppily written on it. Neither of us know anyone named Todd, and don't know how we acquired this sled.

This picture looks like some secret paparazzi shot of the two of us, getting ready to ride down the hill tandem on TODD. I, in my bear hat, and Brendan with a beard - we rode like the wind, Brendan's boots kicking snow up in to my face. When we got to the bottom Brendan tipped TODD over and we rolled in the snow. Then tackled me when I finally stood up.
Comedian.

I haven't really had the words to compliment the ending of treatment, and I still don't. I cannot adequately express the sense of happiness and of relief and of unity and adoration and respect and lingering fear and pride. I am hesitant to relax. Overflowing with love. Hesitant to feel out of the woods.

But in reality, he did it.
This was how we walked through the fire.

My little brother had cancer, and my little brother conquered it.