Introduction:

A former high school classmate and cherished old friend when reconnecting with Roger through Facebook quoted the old saying: "When God closes a door, he opens a window." The years have seen a number of life changes for us that make that adage ring true. After being blessed with good fortune, a wonderful son and great experiences, we decided to look out that window and prepare for more of what this wonderful life has to offer. We hope through our blog to share our journey from this point forward with family, with friends and with many others. Hopefully we'll make some new friends along the way. We hope you find our tales of some interest, even amusement and perhaps an inspiration for you to treat each and every day as an opportunity and an adventure to share with those who are an important part of your life.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Notice to our readers & friends:

Dear readers and friends:

It has been a long time since we have posted on this blog.  The August hospital visit referred to in the last blog was the first in a series of chemotherapy sessions for me.  Over the past several weeks, it looked as though those sessions and an intervening surgical procedure would be successful in combating a case of stage 3 lymphoma.   While I did achieve a short remission, some cancer has returned and my next steps in treatment will require traveling back to the US.  A consequence of this turn of events will be a continuance of the hiatus on our writing efforts as we focus on the struggle  ahead.

Even though the past several months has been challenging and stressful to say the least, Suzanne and I have the been the recipients of many blessings.   As we continue our struggle, we hope to continue to search for the hidden blessings that we know each day, no matter how trying and difficult, must contain.  We will grasp them when we find them, cherish them, share them with each other and hopefully this will help strengthen us in our journey.

Cherish each day you have, dear reader and share it openly and lovingly with those who are important in your life.  Wish us well as we continue our adventure "juntos en el camino de la vida"!

11 comments:

  1. I just happened upon your blog for the first time early this morning, and in one sitting read all of your entries. My husband and I are just beginning the process of deciding when and where to retire, and are thinking about making an "exploratory trip" to Cuenca in a year or so. The information which you have shared has been insightful and helpful. You seem like a couple that Rob and I would love to meet one day. I'm sad to read that your pilgrimage is leading you back to the U.S. now because of your health. Your advice to "cherish each day...openly and lovingly, with those who are important in your life" are particularly poignant. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in S.C. We do wish you well and you continue your adventure "juntos en el camino de la vida"! God bless each of you, and thank you so much for sharing your lives with us in such a meaningful way.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and warm wishes. We are pleased you found our posts helpful. So many were helpful to us when we first began to explore living overseas. We found the blogs inspired us in our own research. Best of luck in your search and hopefully, our paths will cross in the future!

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  2. Roger and Suzanne, Sending our love to you as you continue your journey on the bumpy part of the road of life. The love you two share has been special to witness. I am sure you are both aware of how lucky you are to have your special bond. There is a universe of love surrounding you both right now and I know you feel it.

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    1. You and Chuck were among our "blog heroes" when we first began to read about Cuenca and have been among our cherished friends since coming here. We count the two of among our blessings. Thank you for your continued friendship.

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  3. Roger, best of luck to you and Suzanne. I will miss your sage advice and foxy poker acumen.

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  4. Lenny, thanks for the kind words and thoughts. I hope we get to share future nights at the poker table in the future.

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  5. Roger and Suzanne - we remember so well that first meeting at Inca two and a half years ago. You were returning to the US to pack it in and we were returning to just start the process. Thanks, during that time, for the sage advice you offered when I asked. Good luck and we look forward to continuing our friendship when you return.
    Richard and Amy

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    1. It's a special memory for us as well and we were delighted to correspond with you guys during your transition. We were even more delighted when we discovered you guys were going to be our neighbors. Looking forward to being able to return and keep our friendship going!

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  6. Dear Suzanne & Roger

    I love your blog and appreciate your advice and insight. Best of luck during this difficult time, I'll bethinking of you and praying for you. God Bless.
    Warm Regards and Best wishes
    Sarah
    ~x~

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  7. Sarah: Your kind words, as well as your prayers are deeply appreciated!

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