A saying that I remember hanging on the wall when we were growing up was, "Anyone can be a father, but takes someone special to be a Daddy." 
My brother Alex wanted to be a Daddy from the time he could say the words, " I wanna grow up to be a Daddy!" and our Dad taught him well by example.  Alex is a phenomenal parent anyway, and who and how he chooses to be as a Daddy for Rory is powerful - especially moving and admirable now in the face of all the pain and scariness of his baby's cancer.  He empowers his daughter and gives her space and deeply listens to what she expresses about her cancer and her life - and boy does she ever!!!  He loves and cuddles her, reads to her and plays with her.  He chooses to be present, loving, and attentive.  He supports his wife to do all we know a Mom does and more!  Rory chose the right Daddy to get her through this and all challenges in her life. 
Rory's next step is another round of chemo this week, and then if all tests indicate and match up in favorable ways to have surgery to remove the largest tumor that started it all, that will follow.  She has lost some hearing, but not at adult hearing levels.  She is not walking, still running around on her knees and doing PT and playing and apparently telling her Mommy just how bedtime is gonna go down!  What a trooper!

I am feeling really great about my training!  I went with a friend to see and hear Scott Jurek (top ultra-runner and vegan) speak about his book, which I am really inspired by. He really advocates good nutrition and taking care of one's body! Novel idea (scusin the pun)- although i like vegan food, i remain carnivorous.  This last Saturday I focused on climbing steady and strong, did South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mountain, and back to Eldorado Springs via the ol' Mesa Trail.  I was out moving steady for 7.5 hours, and i felt stronger on the climbs than ever! - plus little hills don't seem so steep anymore!   Is is hot, hot, hot in Colorado, grasses are drying out, but plenty of wildflowers to send pics of to Rory still.  I miss that little girl.
I am putting out another plea for pledges on Facebook, please pass on to all you know!

Well, here's a shout out to all who choose to fathers and Daddys - Big Love!  What you do is priceless.