Back in the United States of America
Posted on 08 April 2009 by Natalie
Tom was originally diagnosed with anal cancer. Cancer has now been found in other places throughout his body including the liver and lungs.
There are so many uncertainties in life, and health is a huge element that we cannot control. We are not sure what the future will bring. Although we are currently not traveling, we will pick out trip up again some time in the future. I trust that South East Asia will still be there. For the time being, I am certain our current place in life is right here, in Detroit, Michigan with family.
This is a very difficult time for Justin especially. I am not sure what you personally believe, however we are choosing to pray to God. You may join us in prayer for Tom as we believe he has a fighting chance.
We look forward to writing about our recent experimental transportation (the cruise ship) as well as sharing our thoughts on Singapore. If you are currently traveling and would like to share your ideas, advice, insight or adventures, please let us know what you’ve been up too. Justin and I will continue to post travel articles and information as we reflect on the last 6 months and plan for the future.
If there is an aspect of our backpacking journey that you would like to hear more about, please let us know. We love to entertain questions. Be creative. We have had all sorts of questions, and have not been offended yet. Hit me with your best shot.
And as for Tom, we know he is being hit hard, but fighting back hard too. Please email us if you would like to be updated with Tom’s status, in efforts to pray for his fight against cancer.
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As you are returning home, my family is leaving home. We are really excited about the adventure, but we’re nervous about leaving people at home.
There’s that constant battle of being an adventurer, yet keeping family as a top priority. I started a blog to try to mend that gap as best as possible, and we have a return flight waiting if we need it.
You have provided entertainment and reassurance to all of us travelers. It breaks my heart to hear that your family is ill. I’ll keep checking back for updates.
Thanks so much for your love and concern. Although our travels have come to pause, it is so exciting to know that your adventures are just beginning. Make sure you keep us posted on your journey. If you have a good story to share, some advice or ideas on travel let us know.
Our thoughts are with you and your family Natalie and Justin. Leaving family and friends behind is one of the most difficult parts of deciding to travel long term with your experience being the worst case scenario. It’s good that you have the opportunity to return home and support your family during this time. Take care.
I am so sorry to hear this. Being at home with your family is the right thing and it seems you know that the world will be there when the time is right to resume your travels. I will pray for your father and think good thoughts. Be safe.
Thanks Gillian, you are so kind and supportive. Justin and I have appreciated all of your encouragement and enthusiasm for travel. We are so excited for you and Jason to set off on your own journey this June.
Interested in Jason and Gillian’s One Giant Step?
@Shawn – Shawn your prayer is much appreciated. You are absolutely correct, the world isn’t going anywhere.
Today one of Tom’s visitors (at the hospital) asked me what country we wanted to visit next. The answer is Indonesia. I was beginning to learn the language with Indonesian staff members on the repositioning cruise ship. Shawn your theory is once again correct, Indonesia isn’t going anywhere either. It is far more important to be here with family.
Kaum kerabat pentingnya.
English translation: Family is the most important.
Disclaimer: I have only just begun to learn Indonesian, I could be completely off, please correct my translation if it is incorrect.
Hey guys
I was just checking your website to get your email address – I expected to find pictures of Natalie making friends with Komodo Dragons and learning to make batik with local ladies – not to find out that Justin’s dad was sick. That’s horrid news. I’m afraid I don’t really know what else to say – our thoughts are with you both and your family.
We’re in Bangkok right now – just been to see some spooky puppet theatre, and getting an early night before heading off to Angkor Wat tomorrow. We’ve been busy since we left the ship – one night in Singapore and one in KL (both too big and souless for us), then on to Penang and a sleeper train to Bangkok arriving this morning. Think we get to slow down a wee bit now and are planning at least 4 nights in Cambodia! Luxury.
Was great to meet you two – stay in touch, let us know what happens, and if you ever end up in Edinburgh, come and see us.
H&Cx
While it is great to have you guys home, it is unfortunate for the circumstances that brought you back. Both the Lowmans and the Boyds will be in our prayers.
Helen, what exciting adventures, Cambodia, Bangkok, and Penang oh my! It was so wonderful to meet both Charlie and you and hear about all of your backpacking/sailing adventures around the world. Thank you so much for your support. Continue to enjoy the unfolding of your travels.
Thank you so much Laura. We appreciate your prayers.
Know that we were both shocked to arrive in Michigan in April to find 8 inches of snow on the ground. But I guess that’s Michigan. I hope spring arrives soon for Tom.
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My aunt is in a similar situation, so I offer my empathy and my prayers. Being home with family is the right decision, and I can tell your world travels have yet to finish. I look forward to reading your future posts, and wish the best of health to your whole family.
Hi Natalie!
Great Site! I’ll keep checking back for updates. I am a backpacker myself too.
Kera thank you so much for your empathy and prayers. Your comment is very encouraging and will help us fight through another day at the hospital. I will let Tom know that he has a world of backpackers out there that care.
Maresel, know that each comment warms my heart, reminds me that people care, and that Tom is not alone. Thank you.
I hope everything works out alright with justins dad I will keep you all in my thoughts. I am really sorry that this had to happen, I know what its like to go through stuff like this if you ever need to talk so even though I dont work at EG anymore please dont hesitate to email me if you want to get together and talk over coffee or something.
Krystle
@Krystle – Thanks Krystle, right now Justin and I have been hanging out at the hospital everyday. But I will have to email you. Coffee is always wonderful!
Hey Guys…..
Jess and I will be praying for you both.
Thanks so much for your prayer. Justin and I appreciate it. Thanks Nick and Jess!
I just happened to come across your blog as I am an American living in Austria and I was having a conversation with some friends about when you go home to your home country again even for a visit you feel like a foreigner, so I decided to check out your blog. I am not a backpacker, but I understand many of the things you talk about when travelling.
There is more to it than this. My father died April 30th of cancer of the colon which spread to his liver and lungs. I know how difficult this can be.
I found a website recently that might be interesting to you. I wish that I had know about this before my father died. I wanted to forward this information on to you. If it doesn’t feel right for you, please just throw it away. I feel there is a reason why I just happened to come across your blog tonight.
No matter what happens I wish you and your family all the best.
Here is the website: http://www.miraclemineral.org/
Beth,
Thank you both for your understanding and your comment. In the last 4 months I have come to understand that cancer touches many people, often in similar ways. Enjoy your time (or perhaps your lifestyle) in Austria. I will check out the site.