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We’ve been working on a few different things to help Matt out with his various needs for Madeline. If you would like to help him out, either by leaving a comment or perhaps by making a donation or purchasing something from their registry, please visit Matt’s site.

On Tuesday, March 25th, we lost a dear friend in Liz Logelin.

I have been struggling trying to understand or explain or even fathom how this could happen. We had a celebration of Liz on Saturday in LA, overflowing with people and stories, grief and sadness, memories, laughter and smiles.

Matt let us know in advance that the service would be a little bit different than most, and that there would be a chance to speak if we wanted to share anything about Liz. I got up to speak, and I told this story about a supernova:

There are billions upon billions of stars in the night sky, and most of those stars, when they die, slowly fade away and go dark. What’s left is a hunk of rock is that floats around without much notice from anyone.

But sometimes, under just the right conditions, when the star is just the right size, gives off a certain amount of light and has just the right energy, if that star has all the special qualities, something completely different happens.

These stars become supernovas. The star explodes into a beautiful display of light and color and energy, heading off in every direction. They are the most beautiful things to see with a telescope in the sky, and the memory of that star is left for all to see and marvel at.

The supernova is lit not just from itself, but also from all of the stars nearby, shining through and illuminating it.

We will remember Liz for her incredible light and energy and love that she gave to all around her.

liz

photo.jpg, originally uploaded by tgoodman00.

This is our new little friend, Madeline Logelin.

If you haven’t heard the news yet, we had a major bridge collapse in Minneapolis yesterday, the 35W bridge running over the Mississippi River. Very scary… it is close to our house, and travelled by many friends and family. Luckily, after checking in with people via phone, emails, SMS, and all known methods of communication, our family and friends appear safe. A few people have died in the accident, and there are many more missing as the search continues this morning. It is amazing that more people weren’t injured or killed, considering how busy that bridge is.

Thanks for checking in on us. Keep in your thoughts and prayers those who have lost family and friends.

I’m one week into the recovery and things continue to improve it seems. I have my first checkup on Friday. I think the stitches are coming out, and then I’ll finally get a good look at my new scar!

Some of the teachers in the lower school suggested that I should find a magnet to stick to my shoulder. Upon further reflection, (and after trying a small refrigerator magnet), I decided it may not be the best idea in the world… at least until it’s all healed up. 😉

I’m able to take a little solace in my situation as we’ve just received a bit of unseasonal snow, and I don’t think I’d want to be out on my bike in the 5 degree windchill today! I’m sure doug will be out riding though!

Back in June of 2005 2006, I crashed on my bike and broke my collarbone. The typical course of action is to wear a couple slings, take it easy for a few months, and then you’re back in action, albeit with a slightly wonky collarbone.

For one reason or another, my collarbone didn’t quite heal up properly. So about the time I was supposed to be enjoying the normal activities of my year, I purchased (with my insurance company) a bone stimulator, just like Joe Mauer’s!

Unfortunately, the bone stimulator didn’t do the trick either, so on Tuesday morning, I had my first ever surgery to repair my broken collarbone.

I was pretty nervous going in to the surgery. I am probably with most people in saying that I don’t like needles, I don’t like to be poked with them, and if preferable, I’d like to avoid any pain, thank you.

Now it’s a couple days later, and I’m back off the bed, walking around the house, typing on the computer, and doing generally much better than the original breakage. However, my whole shoulder area is incredibly sore, I’ve been told due to the 4-5 inch incision created to place the plate and screws on my collarbone. Yikes! I still have a couple bandages there, so I haven’t gotten to see it all, but that thought makes me a bit queasy again. Luckily the anesthesia didn’t have any ill effects, and I was back on normal food later that evening. I do like my food.

At this point I have a couple doctors appointment’s lined up for a week and a month out, and hopefully in a few months I’ll be ready to play sports, hike, backpack, and do all the things I normally like to do.

In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about playing some World of Warcraft, anyone got any tips? 😉