July 4, 2001

Often I share bad news in these emails, so it is with pleasure that I tell you that James has now had five days without pain, five days of of increasing vigour. In fact when we travelled to Cobourg train station to meet Uncle Rodney yesterday, James ran across the platform to greet him. I think it has been many weeks since I've seen James run. As Ben says, "It's very confusing!" Pam and I have been trying not to read too much into this turn of events, because we all know how fast things can change. We are thrilled to be given more time. And James is thrilled that tomorrow we will travel up to Lake Rosseau where he will experience the fun and challenge of Camp Ooch after all. Maybe for a day, maybe for two days, maybe for a week, who knows, everything is completely unplannable these days anyway. Because of his uncertain health, Pam and I have been asked to hover nearby, which will be no great hardship as we will be staying at "fancy schmancy" Windermere House while Rebecca and Ben visit grandparents. This will be the first getaway for Pam and I in many months, and we are childishly excited. All in all it's been a great week.

I should mention that today was a bit of a landmark day in the progress of the soap box racer. James' friend Cameron joined us at the airport with Uncle Rodney to install the wheels under the guidance of Allan. Now the project has jumped from a nice piece of woodwork on a bench to something that moves. The boys both took turns sitting in it and gliding across the floor. No brakes or steering yet, but what a ride with those hi tech wheels, with their fancy ball bearings, hardly any rolling resistance at all. There are times when the project seems quite futile, with James barely able to turn a screwdriver while slumped in his wheelchair, then there are days like today, where he marches in, tells me he doesn't need my help, and gets to work. The second Sunday in September is not quite so unattainable as it seemed last week, encumbered as it was with pain.

In closing I want to say how much your return emails have meant to Pam and I. Everyday the encouragement we need to keep going arrives. We print them up, take them to bed, or post them on a cupboard, and gain strength as we ponder your words. From the depth of your hearts we find food for our own souls. Our sincere thanks.
Pam and Syd