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We're heading to South Carolina tonight.

We had bad news yesterday. My mom, who has been fighting cancer for almost
six years, and doing very well, has been in the hospital for several weeks.
The cancer had spread to her brain, and she has lost most of the use of her
left side. Unfortunately, the radiation is not working, and she may be too
weak for the chemo that's been keeping her alive.

She has decided (as of now) to cease treatment, leave the hospital, and begin
hospice. We will head down to Florida, where she will be at my sister's
house, after the conference.

I will probably be staying, although Julian and Beth will head back north at
the end of the week. I think I will stay to help as long as I am needed. The
idea of being away from my family, and especially Julian, for a long time is
excruciating, but it feels like the right thing to do. I have already
arranged with my work (at a Unitarian Universalist church) to be away as long
as I need to.

I look forward to meeting a bunch of you this weekend.

Kathryn



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