I know you are all excited about the orange shoes in the photo above; some of you more so than others. I suppose it all depends on whether you have seen Dad dance in these shoes or not…
Dad didn’t have CF orange on today, instead he wore pastel green socks with white rubber grippers top and bottom. I imagine the spirit in which he walked today was similar to when he wore those fancy orange shoes. After quite the eventful morning, Dad still had enough strength to walk 80 feet on his own! Even the physical therapist was excited about this distance based on how many consecutive days Dad has been in a hospital bed. His new goal is 300 feet! Without question today has been the most positive day thus far. Dad is in great spirits! No doubt this is in part due to the removal of his nasogastric tube! No more tube, only one IV line (compared to 5 at one point), a fresh shower, some independence in walking and getting out of bed, and no further restrictions on his meals – what’s not to be excited about?
Dad still has his TPN line (IV nutrition for those who are just tuning in), but they are slowing the drip to fifty percent of where it has been and are encouraging him to eat more solid foods. This in addition to the removal of his pain pump are steps in the process of weaning him, and preparing for discharge home.
As we anxiously await this move home, we have begun making preparations. Jeremy and I moved furniture at our parents house to accommodate a hospital bed, graciously loaned by the United Mesa Fire Fighters, 2260. While I am sure Dad longs to sleep on his comfortable bed next to his bride, climbing those stairs is not in the picture over the next few weeks. At the pace Dad is going though, he may be climbing those stairs in a few days…
All of this together has given me my Dad back. He has always been here of course, but today he feels like Dad again. It is hard to explain how this makes me feel. Proud. That’s the best word at the moment. I see how determined he is, how hard he is pushing himself, and I feel so PROUD. This is the man that I grew up watching and modeling myself after. This is the man who has counseled and encouraged me time and time again. This is the man who shows me what it means to be a man. As I read back through these lines with blurry eyes I am more and more certain that ‘proud’ is the right word. I am proud to call this man “Dad.”
It has been less than two weeks since we began this journey, but it has already altered the way we look at life. A beautiful message popped up in my inbox today from happify.com titled “3 words that will help you lead an awesome life.” It sounded interesting so I clicked away. It goes on to highlight a Ted Talk (love those things!) that describes the three A’s that lead to an awesome life: Attitude, Authenticity, and Awareness. Please take the time to view the site and watch the video. One of the major goals of this blog, beyond keeping everyone updated on Dad, is to positively impact others through an improved appreciation for, and outlook on, life. So please take a moment to reflect on your attitude in dealing with all things, authenticity in being true to yourself, and awareness in noticing and embracing all the amazing things so many overlook on a daily basis.
Hope and Love,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Thank you for the amazing update. Thrilled at the progress that Keven has made in such a short time.
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Richard,
Thanks for sharing, I enjoy reading the journey. Tell your dad we are praying for all of you. Staying positive it the biggest thing you can do. I check the website Happify Daily. It is great.
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What are you trying to get into a triathlon with Richard?! Keep it up Kev! You have a giant team of cheerleaders rooting for you. We love you so much. xoxo
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Richard, I see a lot of your dad in your web posts. The positivity, clarity of thought, and eloquence surely all come from your dad. He’s an amazing guy for sure — all of us that know him received many of the same gifts from him that you’ve enjoyed. Kevin — rock on, big guy. Looking forward to seeing you dance again soon. -Helen
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Kevin – I’m holding you up in prayer. As you move through this journey, take comfort and pride in the family around you. What an amazing glimpse into the Harless family. Richard – in reading your words, I recognize your Dad….. I can hear his voice in my head through work emails, conference calls and live interactions. Sending you all courage, strength, comfort and love.
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Richard, this blog is amazing.
I am heartbroken that your family has to travel this this journey. I know it all to well. Lean on God. He will give you the strength and peace that is needed.
Tell your dad to keep up the good work and let him know how much love and support he has.
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I am sending your entire family prayers and love! Thank you for the beautiful, moving updates. Stay strong and know you are all loved.
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Oh how I remember those Orange SHOES! How could anyone forget. Today I woke up (before reading this post, thank you Richard, I too had blurry eyes) and though Kevin needs a theme song! Immediately “EYE OF THE TIGER” came to mind and remembering our NSM on top of the steps Rockey Balboa ran up was the vision I had but instead it was Kevin in the Orange shoes. I wanted to share this so I opened the blog and low and behold today’s post is about the Orange shoes and waking/ climbing past goals. So I would like to recommend that you pick a them song and then we can play it at this years NSM and all dance one for/ with YOU!
Super proud of you! Keep setting those goals. You are the Eye of the Tiger! CARPE Diem my friend!
Love,
Tera
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Kevin,
To so many, you have been a coach, a counselor, and a wing man. Most of all you’ve been an incredible friend.
You’ve inspired me, you’ve inspired us all in many ways. I look forward to seeing you doing it again in a way only you can do.
I will see you again very soon my friend.
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Richard, your updates are educational, inspirational, and entertaining-laughter and tears. More importantly, they are a beautiful tribute to your amazing father. You are a gifted writer. Thank you for sharing. I will pray without ceasing for you and your family. God Bless!
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Richard – Thank you so much for all your updates. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I feel the strength in your family and especially the love. I believe keeping the positive energy is key – and the prayer. Much love to your entire family!!!!
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Richard, thank you for sharing these updates. My family and I send tons of love, thoughts and prayers to your Dad and your family as you travel this journey together. Love and light. May
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