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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Who I’m running for…

Atticus and Alexander

Atticus  and his younger brother Alexander. Yes that’s a boy, 100%! Alexander hasn’t let a pair of scissors near his hair since it grew back after the 3.5 long years of chemo. Apologies in advance to hapless restaurant servers who mistakenly lets a “her” or “she” slip when taking orders; Alexander is quick to demand correction regarding gender references. Like I said 100% boy.

-Mark

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