On Enlightenment

(By Kristin Rowe-Meche)

I used to think enlightenment was like illumination – rays of clear reason showering down on the cold dark ages of ignorance. I was raised on depictions of god descending from heaven on beams of blinding golden sunshine, heralded by angels, while man cowers in awe. In that Christian worldview, faith and redemption are the gifts of enlightenment, bestowed on us from above. But leukemia gave me a more personal, empowering outlook on enlightenment – one that brought me comfort during my son’s illness and treatment. I believe it will also help me to find meaning and purpose in the future, when our lives are not so clearly and inevitable defined by the roles of patient, caregiver, survivor, healer.

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Make a Wish Trip to Orlando

This winter my family went on a Make a Wish trip to Orlando Florida:

even the curbside pickup was special!

Alexander’s big wish? To get SLIMED at Nick Studios!

We got to meet some Superheros

We visited Universal Studios and Epcot Center

We met Shamu and fed dolphins

I can’t say enough about the Make-a-Wish Foundation. They arranged everything and we were afforded special treatment. Give Kids the World excellent organization which helped grant Alexander’s Orlando wish. We will forever have wonderful family memories because of this trip.  Check out the Flickr Page for more photos of my Family.

-Mark

Fighting Kids Cancer…One Step at a Time

My youngest son, Alexander and me (Dad) after 2008 Marathon

My youngest son Alexander was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June of 2006. I am extremely happy to report that he is on the road to recovery.

MassGeneral Hospital has helped my family over the past four years and in gratitude I am running my third Boston Marathon in support of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, raising money to help fund childhood cancer research and clinical services. You can check out the MassGeneral Marathon team here!

We invite you to visit our donation page here www.firstgiving.com – remember, any amount helps and goes toward research, treatment and a cure for childhood cancer.  To read more about our family’s story you can check our family website here  www.platypusandsalamander.com and stay tuned for more information on the blog about this year’s unique journey.

We appreciate all of your support and look forward to sharing Boston Marathon news, my training runs, pictures and our family updates!

-Mark Meche