Thursday, February 16, 2012

Overdue Update


Oh the hand wringing indecision! Are newsletters passé? Do I want to assume anyone is interested in the Southeys? Of course, silly man. We are inordinately fascinating. Ha ha. OK dear friends and family, trash or read as you prefer.
This time last year we were basking in the glow of the high point of my career, a large retrospective exhibition at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts received with hugely gratifying enthusiasm. Enormous thanks to a lot of people.

Then in March, Marianna and I flew to North Carolina to drive our Susannah and her baby to the Mayo Clinic in Florida where, in spite of many tests and interviews, her symptoms remain mysterious.

Meanwhile Sarah sobered us up seriously as her eleven year battle against brain cancer was enjoined again with three surgeries and six weeks of radiation. This was soon after the induced birth of her little boy so she got the treatment as soon as possible. Her brother and sister as usual leapt to our side with days of help including overnight stays. After three surgeries and the radiation we are in a wait and see pattern but Sarah is endlessly strong and positive. Needless to say little Robbie has his grandfather all gaga.

And a miracle occurred which was completely unexpected. Though we are a household of heathens and doubters, the mad marvelous Mormons heard of our situation and came with their huge kind hearts and powerful organization and contributed daily for six weeks, baby care, food and driving her for her radiation treatment about a two hour round trip. More hugely glowing hearts.

Marianna bought a rugged loft like condo down by the Port of Oakland, which she is now sharing with her boy friend Todd a remarkable musician and fine young man. And the California family completed its Oakland settling when Kevin and his Kirsten bought a condo close to the lovely Lake Merrit placing us all within about ten minutes of each other. But there is now murmuring about Utah!

Our warmest best wishes to everyone for peace, good health and love in a world full of all kinds of nonsense.

Cheers,
Trevor