Eat the elephant one bite at a time

Here I am in a hotel in Abilene after working another great BTU Power Pedal in Bryan, with a gazillion racers asking "How's Judy?" Once I rolled into town I called Judy in the hospital, and here's a quick update:

Since having her "central line" yanked out because of the infection Judy has been on an IV--meaning that she no longer gets the TPN, the liquid diet on which she had subsisted for the past two weeks or so. I don't understand all the details, but the gist is: Judy has to start eating on her own, and she has to do it now. When I talked to her, she was trying to work her way through a tiny portion of wheat-something—she said it was as big as a wall! Every bite is an accomplishment. She knows what's at stake, because the sugary TPN doesn't mix well with the IV, which has given her nothing but trouble. She told me that her reward after every tiny bite is a sip of iced water. Texture and taste of whatver she's taking in are off. I told her to use the strategy that we've used so often when things have been overwheleming: Eat the damn elephant one bite at a time, and get rid of the sucker, even if it takes a while. She's such a trooper, and she didn't want me to worry, but I could tell how HUGE of a deal swallowing just one bite was.

As Amy has said on several occasions: Cancer sucks. Those of you who know me know that I'd stick the f-work right after cancer and before the suck. I'd also use all caps, definitely in bold font.

For those of you at the race this weekend in Bryan, thank you for all of your concern and kind words for BOTH of us. Yes, I am out there as the Chief Official, but I am also out there as your fellow community member who is cradled by your collective concern. As you saw this weekend, both can coexist without conflict of interest. Judy and I feel privileged to feel the friendship and love that you extend to both of us.

So, let's root for Judy to eat her porridge and chicken soup!

Jürgen