THU 6/18 - The Family Response

From: Marc and MJ Lauzon
Re: surgical consult

Amy, What kind of help will you, Bryan and the kids be needing?
Would you like us to try and arrange our schedules to come out and help?
Mary Jean

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From: Castillo, Janice
RE: surgical consult

I’m on board if you want us to come out for extra help . . . just let us know. Though I have to say, I may not be the best candidate to help if there will be any puking involved (remember the incident of the pink bubblegum ice cream?) – and no, having children has not cured me in this respect – but I’m more than happy to be able to help any other way, like play with Gemma and Josh (out of hearing distance) while someone holds a bowl for you. ;)

And thank you for being so positive in your emails – obviously being positive is good, but I appreciate you passing on the good vibes - I’ve been comforted when reading them (which seems odd given that you have cancer and it should be us sending you words of comfort and good thoughts, but I appreciate it nonetheless.) Anyhoo, let us know what you need.

p.s. Amy – do you have any objection to me letting friends know – and I ask because of my friends’ siblings who are your former classmates and I wasn’t sure if you wanted to be the subject of the Visitation/IC grapevine (not sure if you’ve told Sarah and Suzanne and any others yet). Of course, the more people saying prayers for you and thinking good thoughts for you the better, but I also don’t want to get the news going if you wanted to tell certain people yourself first.

Stay strong
Janice

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From: Laura White
Re: surgical consult

Hooooold on - no one said anything about puking. I was all on board with the coming out to help plan until spewing chunks came up. I'm in the Janice camp - give me kids to take care of (you all know how good I am with kids) but keep me out of earshot when that is going on. I don't know the bubblegum ice cream story but I'm pretty sure Trey will back me on this - you do not want me even thinking about this situation. In fact, I need to move on here before a trip to the bathroom becomes necessary...

So, I just noticed that cousin Bill is on this email stream but not Angela. Is that for insurance purposes? I've added her now - I'm sure Bill was keeping everyone filled in anyway, you know how he likes to talk. And I second Jan's comments re: Amy's positive attitude. Thanks so much for making this easier on the rest of us.

Stay strong
Laura

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From: Leslie Ferrone
Re: surgical consult

Clearly I will be the one holding the bowl….what a bunch of wusses!!!! My question is when do you want us to start calling you “Leftie”???? Come on, you all expected Johnnie to come up with that comment, admit it. I of course will be able to come out at pretty much any time (I think Laura and I have the most flexibility) I think once you have a handle on the regiment they will have you follow (after surgery) we can get a better idea. Tell Bryan not to worry, we won’t all come at once….boy, talk about “not just marrying the person, but their ENTIRE family”.

I have already told a few of my closest friends b/c I wanted them to all start praying immediately, so I am sorry if you didn’t want people to know. I have not given out your e/m address, but I know people are going to ask for it, so please let me know when it is ok to do so. I am awed at your composure and humbled by your faith in Christ. I look forward to the continued info., but more so the commentary. I love that you realize how wigged out we all are and that you want to ease our burden. So begins the “Marathon”. I think your warm up is awesome and we are all right there with you. When you begin the actual run, I guess we will be the people on the sideline cheering for you and handing you water!!!

S/F
Leslie

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From: Bill Bortolotti
Re: surgical consult

Amy,

Your emails are truly touching. Your faith is an inspiration. And the love of your family is heartwarming.

That being said, your family does not seem to understand their true function when they come to visit. It will not be centered on holding a puke bowl. No, they will be required to wake up each day, assemble their niece, nephew and brother-in-law, and perform an energetic kickline to the tune of Marathon. Knowing Amy, she will require this kickline be performed on demand. So I would suggest you all begin taking a few step aerobics classes.

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From: Leslie Ferrone
Re: surgical consult

There is no tune “Marathon”, what are you talking about.???

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From: Anne Ferrone
Re: surgical consult

Hi, Kids!
I'm leaving tomorrow for Colorado Springs - going to spend three weeks with Amy - I'm not even going to think about the puking - that comes with chemo, not surgery! Ha, ha, I get there first!

Amy, first thing I did when I learned I'm coming out there - took out my "Baggallini" - it's a travel purse that I treated myself for my birthday last year, designed by an airline stewardess, it's small, just my size, has a zillion pockets for all your important things - all I have to do is remember which pocket has my airline ticket and I.D.

I have also decided since my carry-on last year was too heavy for me to take on board and I had to pay $25.00 to have it checked, I'm going to take my big moby trans-atlantic suitcase - make it worth the charge!

I'm coming, Amy, we will be strong together! Thank you for bringing us all closer through faith and need.
Love, Mom
P.S. - I added Michelle to the list, she has a loving interest in you!