This blog is WAY overdue.  I have had several people ask me if I had quit blogging....the answer is no!  I really do have quite a bit to catch you up on so sit back and enjoy one my usual blogs.

Let see...Emily is officially moved to WI and is "settled" in to her "cozy" one bedroom apartment until her condo sells.  So if anyone knows of anyone interested in a cute condo near Forest Part in St. Louis, we happen to have one that is just right for you!!!  She seems to like her new job, but misses Kiyle and Hazel terribly.  Kyle will be done with school at the end of this week and will finally be able to pack up some of his things and move up there too.  His class won't start until late August or Sept. so he will be working part time.  They are both training for a half marathon.  Life is good for them

This is my first father's day without my dad.  I have to say it was a bit strange.  I missed calling him.  The day just doesn't have the same meaning when you don't have a father...I know this day is just another day for Emily and I.  We did go and spend the day with Jan and Mike Steele, so she spent it with her father-in-law whom she loves, and I do to, so that was nice. 

A bit of some more sad news.  Craig's dad went into Intensive Care today as well.  He fell late last week and was getting weaker and weaker.  After speaking to Ted, (Craig's brother who takes care of his dad) he told me he was having some blood in his urine, so I thought it was a good idea for him to take him to the hospital asap...this was on Sat.  Turns out he has a collapsed lung!  But I am still not sure if this is were the blood is coming from, I am just glad he is in the hospital.  More news to follow....

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Symposium was held in Washington DC again this year.  It was there 10th anniversary.  It was filled with big news.  The foundation is moving to DC so it can be more visible and have a bigger voice on the hill.  It also has a new Executive Director.  Her name is Kathy and she is replacing Chris Hahn after his ten year tenor.  I think this will be a good thing for the foundation.  The move be a huge benefit and the new director has worked for nonprofits in the past and seems to be endorsed by the all Board of Directors and Staff I was able to talk to.

I personally made my FIRST baby step forward in Congress.  We as the Foundation are trying to get a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day on the calender.  It may not seem like much, but to have a day recognized each year allows so much more visibility and awareness.  So when I went and spoke to Todd Akins second in command for the 3rd year, I told her that I would like to have him co-sponsor this bill.  I also said that I would really appreciate it if she would share Craig's story and I had some facts for her to share about asbestos and expose that she was unaware, she agreed to share these with the Govenor as well .  I then asked if she could please have him get back to me in the next day or two.  WELL GUESS WHAT....HE DID!!!   And he sponsored the bill...YEAH!!!!!  My first visible success in Washington DC.  (we did other things too )

I was and still am very happy about that and hope to see that bill in front of Obama soon to be signed. 

As usual the symposium itself was very emotional.  Tribute day was especially tough.  I will never get use to just bringing Craig's picture instead of Craig there.  His name on the Tribute Wall still brings me to tears every time my eyes catch his name.  He is still spoke of as such an inspiration and those who weren't fortunate enough to have met him in person, tell me stories that other people have told them that give them the hope and fight to battle on. 

My book is going very slow....but is still being written.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and blessed summer.  I will try to write more ofter.  You can post too!

BELIEVING....

Shelly

P.S.  For the 10th anniversary I am still $12,000 short for Craig's second grant.  If you would like to help me finish this grant, please visit www.curemeso.org.  You can then go to the Fundraising prompt on the lower right, click it.  Then you will see a list, my name is on it Shelly K,  Any amount will help.  I hope to do a fundraiser of some kind next year.  Thank you in advance for helping me keep my promise to Craig in helping spread awareness and find a cure.  Love, Shelly