One Year

I can’t believe that it has been a year. Tomorrow morning at 10:20am will mark exactly one year since Josh passed away. Some days I still have a hard time even believing it. One year ago today, I learned that my big brother wasn’t going to make it through the weekend. I think I speak for my whole family when I say that was the most painful weekend of my life, but at the same time, Josh’s pain ended…and he so deserved for that pain to end. We can take solace in the fact that he is truly cancer free.

What a year…in some ways it went quickly, in some ways it took a lifetime. I figure I can look at it one of two ways: one year further from the last time I saw Josh…or one year closer to the next time I will see him. Although I’m in no hurry for that time to come, at least I know that when I’m done here I will have the loving arms of my big brother to welcome me.

For Josh’s birthday on the 12th, we had a celebration of his life with the family to come together and remember Josh. When we told Jake about Daddy’s birthday, he said, “I guess we are going to have to throw the cake in the air!” So, that is what we did. We sent some cake to heaven tied to green balloons, so that Josh could have some, too. He never did get a chance to try any of Crystal’s oh so tasty and beautifully decorated cakes, but maybe now he did. That was a tough day, but Jake and Caily get us through each challenge with love and a smile. They miss their daddy. We talk about him a lot though, so they will always know what a loving father they have.

To celebrate Josh, tomorrow we will eat at Chilis. They are having a special day where they will donate all of their profits to fight childhood cancer through St. Jude’s children’s hospital. Go to www.chilis.com to find more details. It just seems like the most appropriate thing to do, and I know that Josh would be proud.

Happy Birthday, Josh

I'll post more another day.

Josh Allen Award

Last week my family was honored to present the first ever "Josh Allen Award." This is an award give to the Most Valuable Forward on the Varsity Rugby team at the U of A. Coach Dave Sitton re-named the award in honor and memory of Josh. Josh won this award while he was a member of the team. The winner is selected by his teammates. It is nice to know that Josh's name will continue on in the UA Rugby family.

I'm employed

I have recently begun a new position! I'm working at the Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation. This is a very exciting opportunity for me, as I am the Communications Associate, which means that I actually get to use my Marketing degree!!

I have already learned so much. Especially about Osteopathy, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), and D.O.s.

Throughout the year I will be working on the radio show Healthwise which airs at Noon on Sundays on AM790 KNST and consists of an interview of a different professional each week (usually D.O.s) to inform listeners about different health issues. Another item I will be working on is a complimentary magazine called Something More that is published for the osteopathic patient and includes articles about health, medicine, and the benefits of Osteopathic Medicine. I am also assisting with a look for the website.

So, if any of you have an questions about Osteopathic Medicine or are looking for a D.O. in Southern AZ, send me an email, or give me a call at the office, 299-4545.

Royal Family

Caily celebrated her 3rd birthday with a royal party for the Princess! She has matured so much, and she loves to talk! Jake, of course, has also grown so much and is such a handsome boy, he will be 5 in June.