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Thursday, October 31, 2002 -- 15:27:43 (EST)
Name: Bonnie -- Email: bmarquis@umich.edu
Location: Traverse City, MI

Hey Simon! Hope you're doing well and enjoying the day! Got a couple jokes for you -
What's a witch's favorite subject? SPELLING!

And what's a mummy's favorite kind of music? WRAP!

Love all the pictures on your web site - keep them coming!
All my love,
Bonnie

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 -- 14:10:33 (EST)
Name: Madi and Lexi
Location: , Seattle

Hi Simon and Miriam,
Do you know what the scarey ghost's favorite fruit is?
BOOOOOOberry

Madi, "I am going to be a purple butterfly for Halloween!"

Lexi, "I am going to be a Leapard that runs as fast as a Cheetah, are you going to get dressed up?"

We love you lots,

Madi and Lexi

Monday, October 28, 2002 -- 14:26:33 (EST)
Name: Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt
Location: Seattle,

Hi guys,
You all are continually in our thoughts and prayers as we visualize what your described Mary-- that "pathway to recovery for Simon".

Madi and Lexi want you to know we carved some of our pumkins last night. "it was really gooooey" "we have one really big happy pumkin and one medium kind-o-scarey-one, we are going to carve two baby ones tonight."

Our love to you all,

Madi, Lexi, Lawrie, Curt

Monday, October 28, 2002 -- 09:18:08 (EST)
Name: carla and jamie -- Email: cruggier@umich.edu
Location: ann arbor, michigan usa

Hello Simon...and Miriam! We had the most womderful time playing with you the Sunday before last, and we are looking forward to our next play date. We hope you are feeling well and making great progress with building your playmobil toys. much love -- carla and jamie

Saturday, October 26, 2002 -- 12:37:48 (EDT)
Name: Serena Künzler -- Email: s.kuenzler@stafag.ch
Location: Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Dear Simon, here are more KNOCK, KNOCK jokes for you:

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Moira.
Moira who?
Moira see you, Moira like you!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Alfalfa.
Alfalfa who?
Alfalfa you if you fall for me.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Wicked.
Wicked who?
Wicked go for long walks together.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Gwen.
Gwen who?
Gwen will I see you again?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Oliver.
Oliver who?
Oliver, but she doesen't love me.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Harvey.
Harvey who?
Harvey gonna play this game forever?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Summertime.
Summertime who?
Summertime you can be a big pest.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Boo.
Boo who?
No need to cry-it's only a joke.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Mickey.
Mickey who?
Mickey's stuck in the lock!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Butter.
Butter who?
Butter be quick, I have to go to the bathroom.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Yelp.
Yelp who?
Yelp me! My nose is stuck in the keyhole.

There you are. I will have a little break now!

Friday, October 25, 2002 -- 19:49:00 (EDT)
Name: Sally
Location: Seattle,

Sending lots of love and prayers your way. Love, Sally

Thursday, October 24, 2002 -- 16:59:55 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Hi you guys!!! We are sending lots of positive thoughts your way, for available therapies, for the complete disappearance of those nasty cells, for enjoying all the wonderful toys, for the joy of the first snowfall (we've had our first several here already!), and for enough time to sit and think and breathe and love and give lots of hugs. and to tell lots of knock knock jokes. Serena's list has me so impressed! We send our love and thoughts and well wishes, as always.

xoxoxoxoxo
Anne, Tom, and Johannes

Thursday, October 24, 2002 -- 16:59:27 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Thursday, October 24, 2002 -- 13:20:19 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY USA

Lots of waiting and wondering going on up your way, I see. In the meantime, though, you all seem to be keeping incredibly busy (teaching, learning, playing, bike riding!) and making very good use of your time. And, should you miraculously find yourself with a few spare minutes, you can always memorize all the terrific knock-knock jokes people have been sending you -- I can't believe the variety! (And I can't believe that after hearing lots when I was young and having 3 kids who also love jokes that I *still* haven't heard them all! ;-)

We're thinking about you and wishing for lots of wisdom on the part of health care providers and foresight on the part of the FDA, to make important treatment options available to you and others, should they be needed.

Much love and and lots of positive vibes from Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Thursday, October 24, 2002 -- 11:35:32 (EDT)
Name: Serena Künzler -- Email: s.kuenzler@stafag.ch
Location: Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Here are some KNOCK KNOCK jokes for you:

Knock,knock.
Who's there?
Dishes.
Dishes who?
Dishes your friend, open the door.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Daisy.
Daisy who?
Daisy plays, nights he sleeps.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Freddie.
Freddie who?
Freddie or not, here I come!

Knock, knock.
who's there?
Lena.
Lena who?
Lena little closer, I want to tell you a secret.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Goose.
Goose who?
Goose who's knocking at your door.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Jewel.
Jewel who?
Jewel remember me when you see my face.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Chester.
Chester who?
Chester minute! Don't you recognize me?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Alda.
Alda who?
Alda time you knew who it was.

Will you remember me in one day's time?
Of course I will.
Will you remember me in a week's time?
Of course I will.
Will you remember me in a year's time?
Of course I will.
Will you remember me in ten year's time?
Of course I will.
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
See-you've forgotten already!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Ammonia.
Ammonia who?
Ammonia gonna tell you once.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Gus.
Gus who?
That's what you're supposed to do.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Wooden Shoe.
Wooden Shoe who?
Wooden Shoe like to know!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Betty.
Betty who?
Betty doesn't know who I am.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Kent.
Kent who?
Kent you tell?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Noah.
Noah who?
Noah don't know who either.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
I don't know.
I don't know who?
Neither do I, I keep telling you that.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Emma.
Emma who?
Emma glad you asked me that.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Snow.
Snow who?
Snow use, I've lost the little card with my name on it.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Jess.
Jess who?
Jess me and my shadow.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Zoom.
Zoom who?
Zoom do you expect?

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Sam.
Sam who?
Sam Person who knocked on the door last time.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Fozzie.
Fozzie who?
Fozzie hudredth time, my name is Nathan!

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Norma Lee.
Norma Lee who?
Norma Lee I don't go around knocking on doors, but you see I have this wonderful set of encyclopedias.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Max.
Max who?
Max no difference, just open the door.

There's going to be more!

Monday, October 21, 2002 -- 15:49:02 (EDT)
Name: Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt
Location: Seattle,

Hi Simon and family,

All the bike riders in our family say "WOW, WAY TO GO, no training wheels --that is cool!!"
We are sending you some seriously powerful and spirited "clean and clear MIBG and CT scan" vibes.

We hold you all in our hearts and prayers daily.

Love, Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt

Monday, October 21, 2002 -- 12:11:45 (EDT)
Name: Sally
Location: Seattle,

Hi! Just checking in. Amy learned a new knock-knock joke last week:
Knock-knock
Who's there?
Pencil
Pencil who?
Pennsylvania!

That led us to make up other state knock-knock jokes. Such as:

Knock knock
Who's there?
Oh hi!
Oh hi, who?
OHIO!

Sending lots of love, Sally

Thursday, October 17, 2002 -- 19:36:40 (EDT)
Name: Jane Stepnitz

Simon, way to go with the bike! How very exciting! We are so glad you are feeling good. We hope Miriam is enjoying her Tuesday morns with Gari. We miss being there, but haven't stopped singing! Love, Jane, Abbey, Kate and Eric

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 -- 22:08:28 (EDT)
Name: amy sheon -- Email: asheon@umich.edu

Simon: Congratulations on the two-wheeler!!!! If there is a nice day with lots of sunshine, ask your parents to put the bike in the trunk and take you to Hudson Mills metropark, about a 15 minute drive away along the Huron River. Our son Jesse learned to ride there where they have wide paved paths with lots of soft grass on both sides. We told Jesse that he'd have to fall 100 times and then he'd know how to ride. I hope it didn't take you 100 falls! We're sending good vibes for clear scans!!!!

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 -- 19:59:53 (EDT)
Name: Gari Stein

I LOVED looking at your dress-up pictures, especially the head ornaments.How exciting for Simon to have mastered your 2 wheeler. I have very distinct memories of learning to ride mine, with my very proper suit and tied Grandfather pushing me along. When my small son, Jon, now 34, learned to ride, being so proud and smiling for the movie camera, he procedded to crash into the very large, very steel garbage cans at our apartment complex. We still laugh about it all these years later. I also remember my first bike, a blue schwinn racer. So I do indeed realize the importance of such an event. Mazel tov....So glad to hear that you are doing well and hope to see you soon. Much love always, Gari

Tuesday, October 15, 2002 -- 12:51:33 (EDT)
Name: Sheryl Smith -- Email: sheryls@umich.edu
Location: Livonia, MI USA

Simon,
Here is one of Lexi's favorite jokes.

Knock knock!!
Whose there?
Atch
Atch Who?
God Bless You!

Glad to hear you are feeling better.
The Smith family

Tuesday, October 15, 2002 -- 07:18:37 (EDT)
Name: Lee Williams

Simon, and Mary and Markus - am back from three weeks in China - It was great with so much to see and learn - loved it and am still catching up with time change etc. It was wonderful to come home and read about your good health news - your new bike, your gorgeous quilt - wow - am so glad things are gooing well. I think of you often and love you lots. Lee

Friday, October 11, 2002 -- 22:42:36 (EDT)
Name: tracey metry -- Email: metry@aaps.k12.mi.us
Location: ann arbor,

Simon, I love the pictured of you and your bike WITHOUT training wheels. That is a big step that I remember from loooong ago! This summer Jori and Kyin have had lots of fun with training wheels. I know your new friend Marcelo, he is in my kindergarten class at Angell school. He is a very nice friend, I bet you guys will have lots of fun riding bikes and playing together. My love to you all,

Tracey

Friday, October 11, 2002 -- 14:03:23 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Yahoo on shedding the training wheels, and getting the new bike! You look quite smashing on it! And we're all so happy those counts are doing well. We've got fingers crossed and Daumen gedrueckt for no new masses, and no sign of anything nasty in there. that quilt looks so wonderful--our names aren't visible on there, but you'll find them if you shut your eyes! We love you guys!

Johannes is busy working on standing and crawling and getting into everything in sight. He really likes to eat catalogs and enjoys being chased and tickled by Papa Tom.

xoxoxoxo
Anne, Tom, and Johannes Schnauber

Friday, October 11, 2002 -- 09:22:15 (EDT)
Name: The Burger Family -- Email: ltburger@hotmail.com
Location: Ithaca, NY

Hi Simon,
Congratulations on taking your training wheels off of your bike! That is SO exciting. Did Mom or Dad run along side of you while you were learning to balance?
We are having an "all day pajama day" at our house, as Jolan and Jenna have no school today.
Sending lots of hugs, positive energy and prayers your way!
take care,
Liza, Mike, Jolan and Jenna

Thursday, October 10, 2002 -- 12:56:50 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY USA

So good to read your news about things slowly taking on a more "normal" feeling at home, with people working and learning and playing and making music -- after such constant focus on hospitals and discomfort, I'll bet each cheerful grin you give each other and each meal shared together in your own home feels like a real gift!

Here are a couple of new jokes (at least I don't *think* I've seen them on this site before!):

Q: What is a frog's favorite year?
A: Leap year!

Q: Could a person really jump higher than a house?
A: Of course, because a house can't jump!

Have fun being three, Miriam! Have fun teaching, Markus! Have fun getting back to the office, Mary! And have fun learning those letters, Simon! (Laura's been practicing her Ss this week -- she says they're sometimes a little wobbly, with all those twists and turns; but she noted that she's glad she now knows how to make them so they're not 2s!)

We'll keep thinking of you! Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 -- 12:33:09 (EDT)
Name: Liz Kennedy -- Email: lizkndy@yahoo.com
Location: Ann Arbor,

Howdy, y'all! Hi Simon and Miriam! Mary and Markus, it was good to see you both Friday night at Paul's! I'm terrible at remembering jokes, so when I was working at Lucas' school library this morning, I looked in the book "Fishy Riddles" so that I could send one. Here goes...
Q: Why is it so hard to play cards on a ship?
A: Somebody's always sitting on the deck!
I remember another...
Q: Why shouldn't you go swimming on an full stomach?
A: Because it's easier to swim in the water!

Monday, October 07, 2002 -- 18:10:29 (EDT)
Name: Marta Manildi & Paul Courant & Sam -- Email: manildi@millercanfield.com
Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA

Hi Simon. You don't know us, but we know your mom and dad and really hope to meet you one of these days. We are a mom (Marta) and dad (Paul) and one boy at home (Sam, who is 13 years old), and we have two boys who have grown up already (Ernest and Noah) and they live in apartments of their own. We also have a dog (Bear, a short legged, long dog with VERY BIG ears), and a cat (Matilda, who has an extra toe on each of her front paws - 6 toes on each paw). Your website is really great, especially "Simon Says" and the photos, and it is pretty obvious and that you are a great guy. We're not too good with jokes, but Marta saw a funny bumper sticker on a car and thought you might get a kick out of kit. It said, "I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges." If we find something else funny, we'll send it along. We are really impressed by you and think you are lucky to have Miriam and your mom and dad, and we will hope every day that your cancer goes away for good.
Your friends,
Marta and Paul and Sam

Monday, October 07, 2002 -- 15:52:30 (EDT)
Name: Bonnie -- Email: bmarquis@umich.edu
Location: Traverse City, MI

Hey Simon - I'm so glad to hear how well you are doing. I know you don't hear from me too much but I think about you every day and check your web site constantly - was so glad to get the update!
Life goes on here up north - Brian will only be here another couple of months before he starts a 6 month teaching position in Bar Harbor Maine at College of the Atlantic - I'm going to stick around here a little longer for a variety of reasons but hope to join him by March. Hugs and Kisses....and hope to see you soon!

Monday, October 07, 2002 -- 12:34:23 (EDT)
Name: Sally Olson
Location: Seattle,

Hi! Thank you for the update. It's great to read about your current life. I just spent the weekend in San Francisco with my Mom for Ethan Steinberg's wedding! It was wonderful! A lot of people asked about you and wanted to know how you are all doing. There are so many people thinking about you all the time and wishing you well!
Sending lots of love your way....
Sally

Friday, October 04, 2002 -- 12:20:05 (EDT)
Name: kathy duderstadt -- Email: kduderstadt@swri.edu
Location: san antonio, tx

Hi Simon, Miriam, Mary and Markus!!!

Sounds like all is going well! and
we are all so happy to hear the latest
news and enjoy the latest pictures of
the tofu-royality...

We have been out of touch because of
the new baby Janie (so well-mannered
and mellow) as well as the recent
death of Nathan's mother.

We're passing out of the first two
months of babyhood...consequently
I am crashing because Janie is starting
to realize that if she fusses long
enough she can nurse constantly.

Marina loves school (misses her friends
and family in Ann Arbor, however) but
is making lots of new friens in
our neighborhood.

Nathan is doing very well...glad to
finally be out on his own and discovering his own new theories.

We are thinking of you all the time and
really appreciate this web-site.

We'll talk soon and look forward to
exchanging pictures of Halloween...

Take care.

Love,

Marina, Kathy, Nathan,
and Janie

Friday, October 04, 2002 -- 01:41:30 (EDT)
Name: A S R & C
Location: oakland,

Hey,

Thanks so much for the update. So good to hear about your lives and read all of Simon
Says. We had a great dinner with Curt tonight and went to the park in the dark. Rowan thought that was very cool. Keep on healing and we will be hoping for the best results on the upcoming tests.

love ya, a bunch of Williams two of them with Curtiss in their names. :)

Thursday, October 03, 2002 -- 14:11:49 (EDT)
Name: Nancy Hoetker -- Email: nhoetker@mac.com
Location: Champaign, IL USA

Hey Simon,

Sorry we haven't written in a while, but we've been checking up on you daily! Glad to hear you're holding your own so well.

Did you know you and Andrew have the same astronaut pjs? You both look great in them!

Sending lots of happy thoughts your way,

Nancy, Glenn, Andrew & Nicole

Wednesday, October 02, 2002 -- 23:58:05 (EDT)
Name: Annette
Location: Oakland, Ca

All, thinking about you as usual. Uncle Curt is coming to visit us tomorrow so we are excited about that. We want to get a copy of that kids yoga video. If you get a chance sometime post the web site where you can order it.

Did you see the pictures from Crystal we sent you on the CD where you were standing on your head Simon? I also really like the one of Mariam and the ice cream too. Rowan was remembering the other day our trip to the candy store.

How is school going? Rowan
has started his pencil box year (what they call kindergarten at his school) and is starting to put sounds together to form words. It's a lot of work though stringing all those sounds together to discover the word. We liked Madi and Lexi's moosical chair joke!

love ya, Annette

Wednesday, October 02, 2002 -- 15:25:17 (EDT)
Name: Madi, Lexi
Location: Seattle,

Hi Simon and Miriam,

What is the cow's favorite birthday game?

MOOOOO sical chairs.

thinking of you all

Madi and Lex

Tuesday, October 01, 2002 -- 10:41:48 (EDT)
Name: Gari Stein

Dear Miriam, with my being out of town tending to Ira's mom, I did not realize that it was your birthday.HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and thank you for letting us sing to you today at music class....much love to Simon too!!!!

Tuesday, October 01, 2002 -- 09:16:53 (EDT)
Name: Liz, Mike, Lucas, & Emma Kennedy -- Email: lizkndy@yahoo.com
Location: Ann Arbor,

Happy October to y'all! Have you seen any beautifully colored leaves yet? Are you going to dress up for Halloween? I think I'm going to be a deviled egg (get it?!), and I'm trying to get Mike to be a steamed veggie (i.e., a scowling carrot)! Lucas wants to be something with a sword stuck through it, and Emma wants to be a Shakespearean lady! What a hodge-podge, huh?
Hope you are all feeling well and enjoying our wonderful intro to fall.

Monday, September 30, 2002 -- 12:55:23 (EDT)
Name: Lawrie
Location: Seattle,

Hi guys,
--Thinking of you all hoping your days are giving you a some sense of "normalcy" --I don't know if that is possible or even what you want on second thought.--let's just leave it that we are thinking of you. I've started going to Yoga on Monday evenings. I think of you all every time I go. My "downward dog" is nowhere close to yours Mary but, I'm working on it. Madi and Lexi especially like "cat and cow". I always thought it was "cat and camel" maybe those are two different things.

lots of love,

Lawrie

Thursday, September 26, 2002 -- 14:25:38 (EDT)
Name: Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt
Location: Seattle, WA

Happy Be-Lated Birthday Miriam !!!!!! 3 years old-- that is BIG STUFF!!!!!!
Simon, we continue to send you all sorts of good vibes for fighting off virus, bacteria, infections etc. The vibes are coming from a long way away but, they are full of strength and power for you! We hope your at home kindergarten will be fun and interesting -- cause you are a fun and interesting kind of guy (that is for sure)

We continue to hold you in our prayers -love to you all,

Madi,Lexi, Lawrie and Curt

Thursday, September 26, 2002 -- 11:26:30 (EDT)
Name: Irene Judmayer -- Email: i.judmayer@oon.at
Location: Linz, Austria

Grüss dich Miriam!
What a wonderful Party! What a wonderful dress! You look like a pretty Princess of Butterflies!
Happy Birthday from Austria. May all your wishes come true!

Tuesday, September 24, 2002 -- 19:52:12 (EDT)
Name: Cam and Joan Borton
Location: Portland, MAINE

Dear Simon, We are Madi and Lexi's Nana and Pappa. We loved seeing the poster with your words: My dreams are always rainbows. We think of you often and loved seeing pictures of Miriam's party.
Dear Miriam,
I wish I had a birthday party with so many wonderful costumes and dress ups to wear. It looked like so much fun. Happy Birthday to you.
Madi and Lexi's Nana

Tuesday, September 24, 2002 -- 09:40:07 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Happy Birthday Miriam!!!!! Your party looks like it was soooooo much fun! I'd love to try wearing that Rapunzel hair, as well! Enjoy yourselves everyone, and good luck with your at-home kindergarten Simon!!
much love,
anne, tom, and johannes

Monday, September 23, 2002 -- 21:06:23 (EDT)
Name: Simon,
Location: oakland,

Haven't heard much since you got home. Hope you are improving more and more everyday.

Rowan has a joke.

Why did the elephant eat so many peanuts that he got fat and kissed the snake?

Because he was too hungry.

Been thinking a lot about you and enjoyed all the photos.

love, AS&R

Monday, September 23, 2002 -- 13:37:15 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY USA

I was just in Oberlin for Alumni Council Weekend. Mary, we missed your presence on the TSC; but I'm glad to know Rebecca is the one who's succeeding you on the committee. (Hi, Rebecca -- we missed you, too, but look forward to working with you come December!). I thought of you all while I was in town and remembered how nice it was to see (and in some cases meet!) you this past May. Hope numbers are continuing to go up, up, up! Love, Kris

Friday, September 20, 2002 -- 09:53:16 (EDT)
Name: Irene Judmayer -- Email: i.judmayer@oon.at
Location: Linz, Austria

A lot of good vibes to you all. I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad to hear you are home now, Simon.

Thursday, September 19, 2002 -- 20:09:37 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom, and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Hi everyone there,
we were just thinking about you all, willing platelets to rise rise rise, and hoping you're enjoying being at home, Simon!

much love,
Anne, Tom, and Johannes

Thursday, September 19, 2002 -- 15:48:35 (EDT)
Name: Sally
Location: Seattle,

Just thinking of you all today and checking in. Wanted to say "HI" and send my love!
Sally

Tuesday, September 17, 2002 -- 15:37:56 (EDT)
Name: LUCY HAND -- Email: lhand@Mail.friendsbalt.org
Location: Baltimore, MD USA

Dear Simon, Miriam, Mary and Markus,
We have thought a lot about you these last couple of days, and we are so glad you are home! Grace remembers playing with you, Simon, on the beach at Lake Michigan, and says she wants to do it again. We love you, and we will send on some drawings soon!
Love,
Grace, Logan, Lucy and Ben

Sunday, September 15, 2002 -- 22:33:50 (EDT)
Name: Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt
Location: Seattle,

Hi Simon,
I am sitting here with Madi and Lexi they both have lots of things to say to you. . .so I will type for them.
Madi says,
"We love you!!!!!"(repeated a number of times) "I hope you are feeling happy, I am happy because you are feeling better" "I like all the pictures of you, I like your head it looks good, I like your hair too."

love Madi

Lexi is here now, "Do you ever play Freddie the Fish on the computor? I like it, you might too."
"I hope you feel better and better every day!!!!!!"
We are sending lots of Platlet & Hemoglobin/Hematocrit building vibes your way.

Love Madi, lexi, Lawrie, Curt

Saturday, September 14, 2002 -- 23:58:41 (EDT)
Name: eunyoung -- Email: seungminmom@hotmail.com
Location: ann arbor, mi usa

hurray!!
congratulations!!!!
i'll bet you're glad to be home.
hope tomorrow will be a good day.
love, the bae family.

Saturday, September 14, 2002 -- 16:15:37 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: rghopkins@earthlink.net
Location: Clinton, NY USA

WHOOPIE! Like Dorothy said in _The Wizard of Oz_, "There's no place like home!" What a tremendous accomplishment for you and your family. We're thrilled that you're feeling so much better (I'm sure you are, too!), and here's to continued, steady improvement in the days ahead! All the best,

Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Saturday, September 14, 2002 -- 14:19:37 (EDT)
Name: williams in CA

YAAAAAAA!!!! So glad you are home. Congrats!!!!!

Saturday, September 14, 2002 -- 08:27:42 (EDT)
Name: Lee Williams

Simon-It's super you are home and you are feeling better!!! I will think of you when I leave for China for three weeks on Tuesday. I'm sure it's just great to be back with your own things. Lots of Love, Lee

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 17:51:20 (EDT)
Name: Annemarie Toebosch -- Email: toebosch@earthlink.net
Location: Chicago, IL USA

Simon, you're HOME! I'm so happy for you, and for your mom and dad and Miriam. Give them all a hug from me! I told my dog Lulu today that you went back home, and she was happy too. She wagged her tail and gave me a kiss to give to you. Annemarie

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 15:16:54 (EDT)
Name: Karen Zaruba -- Email: kzaruba@umich.edu

Simon, did you know that your transplant happened on my birthday? That makes it an extra auspicious day! You'll have to ask your mom to tell you what "auspicious" means.

Are your toenails still red? That looked neat!

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 12:35:31 (EDT)
Name: Liz, Mike, Emma, and Lucas Kennedy -- Email: lizkndy@yahoo.com
Location: Ann Arbor,

Congratulations, Simon, Miriam, Mary, and Markus! We're celebrating along with you. We've been (tensely) watching your daily reports, and we're so thankful to know people like you - so caring, strong, resourceful... Thank you for sharing both your struggles and your triumphs with us. We look forward to seeing you in church!

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 11:03:49 (EDT)
Name: jane bishop -- Email: jebish@umich.edu
Location: Ann Arbor,

WELCOME HOME, SIMON!..... It sounds as if you had a pretty rough time and survived it like a champion. Hope you continue to get out and play and enjoy the good weather we're having. Tell Miriam I give her permission to "bug" you now that you're home! Love to all, Jane

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 09:27:15 (EDT)
Name: Anne, Tom and Johannes -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN 55057

YahooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Simon's home!!! We're all so happy about that, and that you're feeling better off the medicine! We all send big hugs to Simon, Miriam, Mary, Markus and Ann

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 07:01:21 (EDT)
Name: Jane Stepnitz

Simon, So wonderful to hear that you're home. Hope you enjoyed that Toy Story DVD your mom said you were going to watch. That is one of my favorites! Hope you and your family have a great weekend. Love, Jane, Katie, Abbey and Eric

Friday, September 13, 2002 -- 04:30:44 (EDT)
Name: Julia -- Email: j.schwartz@stafag.ch
Location: Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Soooooooooooo glad you're home!

Love, Julia Serena Alma Christoph

Wednesday, September 11, 2002 -- 17:21:15 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY USA

Man, are your numbers lookin' good, kiddo! What wonderful news.

Laura wanted me to send you some more jokes now that you're feeling more like laughing again....

Q: (this one's an original ... I think!) Why did the elephant use a straw?
A: Because he wanted to drink some hay! ("Get it," says Laura -- "straw ... hay?! Ha, ha!"

Q: What did the mother strawberry say to her children?
A: Don't get caught in a jam! ;-)

Keep up the good work. We're so glad to see you smiling again!

Best wishes to all the Craig-Vodoseks from Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Wednesday, September 11, 2002 -- 13:16:12 (EDT)
Name: Jacqui, George & Emily Shambaugh -- Email: jacquelyn.shambaugh@watsonwyatt.com
Location: Oakton, VA

Simon, we're so glad that you're "uptrending" and feeling better and better! We're pulling for you and keeping your whole family in our thoughts.

A couple funny ones:

Why did the cookie go to the doctor?
Because he was feeling crumby!

Why did the chicken sit on the egg?
Because it didn't have a chair!

Wednesday, September 11, 2002 -- 09:37:50 (EDT)
Name: Irene Judmayer -- Email: i.judmayer@oon.at
Location: Linz, Austria

I keep you all in my heart an thoughts!

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 -- 22:10:59 (EDT)
Name: eunyoung and sungjoo -- Email: seungminmom@hotmail.com
Location: ann arbor, mi usa

hi simon. we had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful mom at the yard sales this summer. we bought a bunch of your toys and clothes for our son, seungmin. he has so much fun with them. thank you very much.
you are an amazing little boy with so much courage...i hope we can meet someday.
you are always in our prayers!!
love,
the bae family

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 -- 12:53:26 (EDT)
Name: Gari Stein

Hello Simon, I was very touched to read about how you can feel the power of life in you body. You are truly such a special child. I am so proud to know you all these years. Your grandma came with Miriam to music class today, and she told me, with great joy, and tears in both our eyes, how well you are doing and how it appears those bad cells are being replaced with healthy ones. So many are praying for you, that I am not surprised, but oh so happy, to hear such good news. I can't wait to see you and hope you will come to class when you are up to it. Much love and peace to you and your family, Gari

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 -- 11:00:53 (EDT)
Name: Karen Merrill -- Email: kmerrill@williams.edu
Location: Sunderland, MA

Go Simon! Those are some great numbers, so your cancer-fighting magic is doing its work! We are so thrilled you're beginning to feel a little more like yourself. I'm sending big hugs to you and your whole family.

Love, Karen

Monday, September 09, 2002 -- 21:55:49 (EDT)
Name: Steve Williams -- Email: tikakofi@pacbell.net
Location: Oakland, CA

Woah those are great numbers you continue to post Simon! It would appear that steady solid progress appears in your uplifted emotional state in addition to the higher counts. Congrats and keep up the great work. Our family remains with you wholeheartedly in spirit and continue to wish you the very very best on your road to recovery. Hi to Miriam, Mary, Marcus and extended family.

Love;

Steve, Annette & Rowan Williams

Monday, September 09, 2002 -- 10:32:26 (EDT)
Name: Lindsay & Andre -- Email: llg@umich.edu
Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Hey guys. . .We're still checking in nearly every day and thinking lots of positive thoughts for Simon & the whole family. I heard some wonderful & encouraging news from Ann last night and just want to share my excitement!!

Lots of warm thoughts & love -- Lindsay & Andre

Monday, September 09, 2002 -- 03:27:48 (EDT)
Name: Julia -- Email: j.schwartz@stafag.ch
Location: Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Dear Simon, We have been thinking a lot about you lately and checking your progress regularly. We know that this is a hard time for you and wish you the very best! Love, Serena, Alma, Christoph and Julia

Monday, September 09, 2002 -- 00:19:08 (EDT)
Name: Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt
Location: Seattle,

Hoorah for p/o day 10 we are hoping day 11 is better still. It is wonderful to see the pictures of you with your cool trains.

We continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers and send lots of love,

M,L,L &C

Sunday, September 08, 2002 -- 14:36:13 (EDT)
Name: annette, steve, rowan
Location: Oakland,

Simon,

It's so nice to see your pictures and that cool Thomas train set with tunnels a round house and everything. Great news that you seem to be on an upswing keep it up. Love ya, AS&R

Sunday, September 08, 2002 -- 11:37:59 (EDT)
Name: amy -- Email: asheon@umich.edu

Simon:

I'm thinking lots of "white blood cells going up" thoughts for you! I liked reading about what Adrienne did with you. I have a funny story about her. One day, my daddy was visiting from Maryland. While I was at work, he went for a walk and got lost in the neighborhood. He saw a lady gardening and asked her if she knew where my street was. He looked at her again and then realized it was Adrienne and that he hadn't seen her for probably 40 years! They used to see each other in high school in Toledo where they both grew up! So my parents know that Adrienne is doing nice things for you and they are also thinking good thoughts about helping your itching and sores go away and your white blood cells to go up!

Sunday, September 08, 2002 -- 10:36:42 (EDT)
Name: Margot and Nathan -- Email: julie.lautens@sympatico.ca
Location: , Canada

Dear Simon - We're glad you are feeling better now. We think you are going to be very happy when you get your new train set. Today we are on an expedition to get some information from Ikea for the train table. We'll tell your mom what we find out. We are glad you are getting a present from the Wish Foundation. Love - your cousins Margot and Nathan

Sunday, September 08, 2002 -- 08:54:46 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: rghopkins@earthlink.net
Location: Clinton, NY USA

Way to go, Simon! Sounds as though you're doing much better now and that those white blood cells are rushing back in to do their work. Wonderful! We'll keep watching your progress and wishing you well -- all of you!

Best,
Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Saturday, September 07, 2002 -- 22:39:00 (EDT)
Name: Alison Becker -- Email: beckerpat7@aol.com
Location: Tampa, FL USA

What an absolutely COOL webpage. Thanks for sharing it, Simon. Hang in there, kiddo -- I can't wait to hear more of your stories!

Friday, September 06, 2002 -- 21:24:04 (EDT)
Name: anne -- Email: doyleyad@stolaf.edu
Location: Northfield, MN USA

Hi Simon, and Miriam, and Markus and Mary,

We are talking about you and thinking about lots and lots of white blood cells swarming in to conquer all the nasties. Go you little white blood cells! I also wanted to tell you, Simon, that I sing Der Mond ist aufegegangen to Johannes every night. I know it used to be your favorite song (I remember singing it to you when you were much much younger), and Johannes smiles everytime I start to sing it. And we always think about you when we sing it and hope you are sleeping well and having happy dreams. We hope your throat gets better veryvery soon, and that nasty itching stops soon, as well.

Lots of love and kisses,

Anne, Tom, and Johannes

Friday, September 06, 2002 -- 20:15:09 (EDT)
Name: Sally, Jim, Amy and Sarah
Location: Seattle,

We think of you every day and hope you start to feel better !! Sending LOTS of love to all of you.

Friday, September 06, 2002 -- 15:51:06 (EDT)
Name: Lawrie, Curt, Madi and Lexi
Location: Seatlle, WA

Simon and family,
You all are in our thoughts, prayers and conversations daily. Today we are focusing our thoughts and prayers on "rising white blood cell counts, relief from pain and iching, and gone with the yuky/mucus/sour throat"

We love you all,

Madi, Lexi, Lawrie and Curt

Friday, September 06, 2002 -- 14:05:07 (EDT)
Name: Ellen Roussey -- Email: eroussey@comcast.net
Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA

Simon,
I am so sorry to hear that you are uncomfortable and itchy. Being itchy is the worst, isn't it? I'm glad your mom helps you out with that. Maybe you could think of every itch as your body working on healing itself, so every scratch helps you get a little bit better. It's worth a try, anyway. I hope you are feeling better today than yesterday, and that tomorrow will be better yet. Our thoughts and are hearts are with you.
Love, Ellen, Jamie, Cully, and Alex

Friday, September 06, 2002 -- 13:51:53 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: khopkins@mail.colgate.edu
Location: Clinton, NY USA

Hi, Simon. I really liked reading about the rainbows you had painted on your nails! They must be so colorful to look at -- just like your web site! We saw a *real* rainbow the other day, outside our kitchen window, up over the farmer's field that's right in back of our house. It wasn't a half rainbow either, but a full one, which is always exciting. Laura wanted to run outside and follow it to find the leprechaun's pot of gold at the end; but it looked as though it was extending clear into the next town, which is several miles away, so we decided just to *imagine* what the pot would look like if ever we got there.... Do you suppose the leprechaun would have wanted to share the gold with us? We didn't think so, but we thought he might possibly let us *peek* at it, just the same. ;-)

You probably would have enjoyed the scene at the bottom of our driveway yesterday morning. It was our first day of school here in Clinton. Danny (in his super-fast sneakers that I wrote about a while ago) and Laura (in some light-up sneakers that may be something like yours!) were anticipating the arrival of the school bus. Dan, with all the 3rd-grade nonchalance and sophistication he could muster (given his obvious excitement), was doing a little tap-shuffle kind of "boxing" dance in place while Laura ran and skipped exuberantly around him, her backpack jiggling crazily up and down on her back as she went. They could hardly *wait* for that bus to pull up and wisk them off to school!

And speaking of school, I noticed a message from *your* teacher here -- terrific! Those pear "mice" she mentioned sounded like fun to make *and* fun to snack on.... Mmmm. I bet you'll be glad when you're feeling well enough to go to school -- and I bet your classmates and teacher will be *super* glad to see you, too!

Loads of healthy and healing thoughts from Upstate New York,
Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Thursday, September 05, 2002 -- 18:01:27 (EDT)
Name: LeeWilliams

Hi Simon - been thinking of you lots sending love and strenght to get through this hard time - that hopefully will make you stronger and getting close to being well. Grace and Logan spent lots of time here last week and this week while their Mom had meetings for teaching. They caught lots of gooey worms in my yard and a baby cricket but they put them back. They also say warm hi's to you. Love, Lee

Thursday, September 05, 2002 -- 15:35:24 (EDT)
Name: Heidi Hargesheimer -- Email: hargeshe@aaps.k12.mi.us

Hi Simon. I'll be your Kindergarten teacher this year. I really liked your web site. The class has been busy with mice - we even made mice out of pears and ate them for snack. We've read so many stories about mice, too. Maybe you have some favorites. Bye for now.

Thursday, September 05, 2002 -- 07:46:13 (EDT)
Name: Jean Watson -- Email: jl_watson100@hotmail.com
Location: Canton, OH USA

Simon,
Alex's class had a "Joke Day" yesterday, and I thought you might appreciate some of the highlights:

Q: What does a teddy bear say when he's had too much to eat?
A: I'm stuffed!

Q: Why did the boy eat his homework?
A: Because his teacher told him it would be a piece of cake!

I was searching Yahoo the other day for your name and found an old website of your dad's that has pictures of you and Miriam that are from 2 years ago (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~markvodo/PAGES/personal.html) My how you've grown! Also, I recognized a Mom-sweater in there - Mary, I can picture you in high school knitting away while you and I wrote that silly column for the News Trib!

My friend who had a stem cell transplant earlier in the summer started to feel much better after the first few days - I sure hope you do too.

I send prayers your way all the time. Love, Jean

Thursday, September 05, 2002 -- 01:57:33 (EDT)
Name: annette
Location: Oakland,

Mary,

We are out here checking in on Simon's progress all the time thanks for your update on the message board. Wish there was something more tangible we could do. Hate to hear about the pain but know it's all to have something better soon. Applaud your courage and hope you get momments when you don't need to be strong. We read Fantasitc Mr. Fox one of Dahl's (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fame) books yesterday and Rowan thinks Simon might like it too. Sending all the healing thoughts we have.

love, AS&R

Thursday, September 05, 2002 -- 01:33:45 (EDT)
Name: Rachel Obstfeld -- Email: ppimarcie@aol.com
Location: Irvine, CA USA

Dear Simon: Wow! You are such a brave boy! We are all looking forward to hearing that you are once again home and feeling much better. We read that you got a Leap Frog - how do you like it? And how is your new Game Boy Advance? Shall we send you some more games for either of these two toys? I bet lots of folks would be happy to send you some games for these hand held computer toys - what do you think you would like - maybe you can get your Mom to give us some feedback so we can get you some good games. Lots of Love - let's get together for a good game of tag real soon!

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 -- 22:36:59 (EDT)
Name: Susan Hartman
Location: Ann Arbor,

Dear Simon,
A lot of people are reading your website and thinking about you and your family right now.
I like the phrase "We are holding you in the Light"--the Light is in you and around you and in all the people who love you.
I hope you are able to be more comfortable soon. I look forward to seeing you on a walk again once you are able to be home and get around.
I see messages from a friend of yours named Schuyler. I have a teen-aged son named Schuyler, too. (Is the other Schuyler a boy or a girl? I've known both. "My" Schuyler used to spell his name as Skyler, but likes this way better!)

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 -- 21:26:44 (EDT)
Name: Mary Craig -- Email: mfcraig@umich.edu

This is a message for Gari Stein. Yes, Miriam is planning to come next Tuesday!--Mary

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 -- 20:45:31 (EDT)
Name: Gari Stein

Hello Simon, well it sounds like this is a pretty hard time for you. It is hard to imagine how hard your body is working to ship out all the bad cells to make room for the healthy ones. I am thinking of you all throughout the day and hope you will be able to visit with Miriam at music class. I am sending you my prayers and love as always. Much love to you and your family. Gari

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 -- 20:32:35 (EDT)
Name: Mary Craig -- Email: mfcraig@umich.edu
Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA

Hi everyone!

I have been checking in on Simon's message board more often than I've been able to post full updates on his progress. I'm glad to know that you are out there and sending your vibes our way. The steam of messages has been pretty thin, so I'm guessing that you all are wondering about what the heck to say at a time like this.

We are doing OK. We are still facing (after 2 weeks of trying) the frustration of no ethernet functionality in Simon's hospital room. So, anytime we go online there, it means tying up the phone and waiting around for a modem connection. We're used to things being a lot faster than that!! Even Simon was terribly disappointed today when he tried to play on the Thomas the Tank Engine Web site, but it was all too slow!

Today is Simon's Day +7 since his infusion of stem cells last week. The doctors still say it will be about Day 12-15 before his blood counts recover and he begins to feel better.

After a tired Tuesday, Simon's Wednesday (today) has been marked by irritability and anger. He's been pretty straight with his doctors and nurses: "Stop bothering me! Go away!" And with his mommy: "No, don't go!!!"

But I did go, and I had a therapeutic shopping spree at Borders before coming home to see my mom and the inimitably energetic Miriam. Miriam is counting the "sleeps" until her 3rd birthday on September 20th. Amazing.

Simon's blood counts continue to hover in the neutropenic range (below 0.5 white blood cells). He's on three different antibiotics to fight off infections suspected in his ears, maybe urine, maybe blood. They keep checking cultures. He's also getting so much other medicine that it's hard to list all of it: narcotics, benedryl, an anti-fungal medicine, tylenol, and occasionally others.

Please keep thinking of him as we make it, one day at at time, through this period. Despite Simon's considerable discomfort, the doctors continue to tell us how much better he's doing than the average transpant patient.

Stay with us!--Mary

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 -- 12:00:52 (EDT)
Name: Connie -- Email: malacarnec@oths.k12.il.us
Location: O'Fallon, IL USA

Hi, Simon!
My niece, Shawn Pelak, who volunteers at the hospital and knows you, suggested I look at your web page. All I can say is WOW!! It's really cool! I wish I knew how to make a web page like yours.

I hope you are feeling better today. I read about all that you've been through, and I want you to know that you are one of the bravest people I know, and I hope and pray that you're out of the hospital soon. Until then, may all your dreams be rainbows!!

Connie

PS When you see Shawn, tell her hello from me!

Tuesday, September 03, 2002 -- 22:49:48 (EDT)
Name: Rowan Williams
Location: Oakland,

Simon,

WE have been having a lot of fun reading all the jokes on your web site.

Here's one from me.

Why did the red kiss yellow?
because they loved each other

Why did the green paper go to the red pencil?

Because the green paper wanted to put a butterfly in her hair.

Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because he wanted to get a cup of ice cream.

Why did the crab go in bucket?

Because he wasn't smart.

I hope you have a good week. I hope you get better. I hope you have a good time with your parents.

ROWAN

I TYPED MY OWN NAME

Tuesday, September 03, 2002 -- 14:05:38 (EDT)
Name: Kris Hopkins -- Email: rghopkins@earthlink.net
Location: Clinton, NY USA

I'm really sorry to hear things are not at all comfortable for you right now, Simon. I guess the silver lining is that once you're in the midst of the "worst part," it means you're closer to the part where you'll begin to feel better again. But I'm sure it's hard sometimes for you and your family to be patient with the process, especially when parts of that process are so unpleasant....

I hope, though, that the "virtual" presence of all of your many cyber-friends and -family will make this rough patch a bit easier to navigate. Please know that we're thinking of all of you every day and sending you extra doses of strength, hope, patience, and caring during this especially challenging period.

Peace,
Kris, Rob, Emily, Danny, and Laura

Monday, September 02, 2002 -- 21:29:06 (EDT)
Name: Claudia Craig -- Email: davcraig@iupui.edu
Location: Indianapolis, IN USA

Dear Simon,

I hope you get better soon. And I hope you're feeling OK. I was playing with a couple of frogs today and a toad, too. My friend Summer found them, and I wish you could have been with us.

Love, Claudia

P.S. Simon, Eliza says, "Hello," too. We've been thinking about you and missing you, your sister and your parents. I know that you're being very brave about your treatment. You just keep learning new things, and you keep amazing us all. We love you, David and Jocelyn

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