Last year a local family lost their young dad to brain cancer. They had many wonderful memories in McCall and enjoyed staying at the Shore Lodge. In support of other young families who are also battling cancer, the family reached out to us earlier this spring through MSTI and gave us a gift card to the Shore Lodge. I booked the trip months ago for mid-August, not expecting we would have a bump in the road so soon regarding Zach's health. Last week I wasn't even sure Zach and I would be able to go. We didn't know how he would react to this new treatment and I was concerned about his level of pain. Thankfully, Zach was committed to going regardless of how he felt and with the help of loving family who cared for Oliver and Max, we spent 3 wonderful days in McCall. I didn't plan any activities in advance (shocking for those who know me!!) as we didn't know what Zach would be up for. We were perfectly content to sit by the lake if we needed. But Zach did feel good. We kayaked, picnicked, golfed at Whitetail, watched the PGA (yes, I know I am an extremely understanding wife) and had some great meals.
But it was a bittersweet trip for several reasons. It was never far from our minds why we were there in the first place. It was a wonderful gift that the family gave us but it didn't come without heartache on their part. It was also a reminder of Zach's diagnosis. We had the opportunity to talk. But much went unsaid as it is still too difficult to talk about at this point.
A history position opened up in July at Rocky Mountain (thus the Grizzly title reference). Zach applied and got the job. He left Rocky for Eagle 2 years ago with the hopes of becoming Eagle's varsity basketball coach. When the basketball position opened up this spring, however, it became clear that Zach's health would not allow him to be the kind of coach the kids and the program needed. He would still like to coach at Rocky this year but that will depend on his health. It is definitely not ideal to coach at one school while teaching at another. Rocky is the best fit for where he is at in life. And while he is thrilled to be back at Rocky Mountain we will miss Eagle's incredibly supportive teachers, administrators, parents and students. Both schools have been an amazing source of support for the 4 of us and we are forever grateful to both!
Dinner at Cottonwood Grill with family. My Aunt Pam, Uncle Marc, cousin Phillip and his wife Sheryl were in town for business and treated us to a fun evening.
Zach felt surprisingly good after last Friday's first round of the new treatment. He slept through the infusion and joined us for dinner. He was his usual jolly self!
Mitch and Jessica! So cute.
My dad and Zach.
Zach and I kayaked in McCall. Such a peaceful and beautiful morning!
Floating along, looking for moose. Sadly, we saw none.
A picnic on the beach after kayaking.
Zach golfed at Whitetail. I caddied. And drove the cart. But was nearly fired after I drove it full speed off the sidewalk and crashed onto the road. Why on earth anyone would make the sidewalk and road the same color is beyond me. Looked like a smooth flat surface to me! :)
We eventually settled into our rolls: Zach telling me when I could/could not drive on the greens and me suggesting he use his driver for every shot.
Clearly he needs to work on his short game.
Lunch at the Shore Lodge before we headed home.
Ingersoll selfie!
While it we had a fun 3 days in McCall it was wonderful to get home to Oliver and Max.
Max doing what he does best--smiling!
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