Update on Tom Click

I know all of you are concerned about Tom and thinking about him. He's still at Brigham and Women's recuperating from his second surgery, which was not planned. His attitude and spirit have been amazing to witness, given all he has gone through. Understandably, it is starting to weigh on him as it would anyone. He is really anxious to get home to Shelley and Ryan in time for Ryan's first birthday on Friday. Shelley has been a constant by his side and her love, caring and juggling abilities are truly something to admire. We are so blessed to have her in our family.

Many of you have asked what you can do. Right now, there is really not much we can do except pray hard for him. But, he does have his Blackberry and can receive emails. Feel free to send him one and let him know you are thinking of him. Of course, we have relayed your thoughts and prayers as well. He doesn't always have his email on, so he may not respond right away. But, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. His email is tclick@techtarget.com.

When he's feeling better, I'm sure he will post a more proper update to the blog.

-Kelley.

THE SPECTACULAR SINGING SEVEN

From Right to left they are Jim, holding Logan Banks, Bailey Settar, Hailee Langenbach holding Grady Edwards, Brylie Edwards, Pam (aka Nomie or Nana) holding Dylan Edwards and Austin Settar.

Now that we have formally introduced you all to our grandchildren (aka THE SPECTACULAR SINGING SEVEN) They had their first GIG in Charlotte on New Years Day in the Settars kitchen singing You Are My Sunshine ---Accompanied by their own instruments! Needless to say they rocked the house! They can't wait to meet the Piano Man and his 75+ member band at Sagamore Beach so they can jam all together!

Love to everyone,
Pam & Jim

The view from Clockerville.

Hello All:
First of all to Tom Click - thanks for the update and the inspiring courage that is palpable from your words. You are in all of our minds and hearts.
Keep up the incredibly positive attitude Tom. It really will help and this whole experience will be a distant memory in due time. Kudos to Shelley, Ann, Kelly and Matt, Dave for all of your support to Tom.
Tom – I’ve always said that colons were overrated. So hang in there and thanks for the excuse to have a Manhattan in your and Shelley’s honor tonight.

Lorraine and I are missing Jeff and Chris tremendously and slowly but surely adjusting to the empty nest. However, our feelings are tempered by the fact that they are very happy at Loyola and doing great. They’re really enjoying Baltimore (or Ballmore as the locals call it). In addition to adjusting very well to the “college environment/experience” they both did very well academically in their first college semester in what is a challenging academic environment and we are really proud of them. Lorraine and I are going down to visit them in 2 weeks. The boys turned the big 19 on Feb. 1st.

The boys email addresses are: Jeff: janealon@loyola.com Chris: crnealon@loyola.com

Lorraine’s birthday was on Feb. 4 which we celebrated at Bullfinch’s in Sudbury with a quiet and enjoyable dinner.

I want to take the opportunity to do a shout out to Roberta and Terry in Fla. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Well that’s it for now from Clockerville. We hope everyone is happy and having fun.

John and Lorraine

A letter from Tom to Jack

Hi Jacko: Thanks for the email; Sorry to hear about the rugby coaching situation. Talk to Patrick about whether his former coach who now works at Rugby Imports has any contacts in the Westfield area. You never know until you try! I see that Ralph Nader is speaking at Westfield on Weds. Feb 4. He will be entertaining and have an interesting perspective as to the state of the US and the World. Let me know if you go; I would be interested in hearing what he said. Sounds like you are settling into your 2nd semester schedule. Things at home are status quo. MaryCatherine's b-ball teams continue to perform in winning form with some great come from behind victories; very entertaining. Mom and I had Aunts Ann, Jane, Kathy, Liz, Lorraine, Uncles John and Ralph and Kathy's high school friend Alexandria for a wonderful dinner on Sat. night. Your mother out did herself with the meal and we had a roaring fire in the living room which everyone truly enjoyed. Matt is in AZ on a Corporate Communications gig; Patrick is flying to AZ on Friday to meet up with Matt and Jake; he and Matt will be driving back to Hopkinton on the 10th or 11th. Say a prayer for their safe journey. Patrick is steadfastly working on securing employment. He received a clean bill of health re his shoulder at his last doctor's visit. Callie's birthday is Sat the 14th; I am sure you will send her a bday wish. She started her coaching duties at RWU this past Sunday. MaryCatherine has been invited to FLA over the school vacation by the Smiths. Meghan Smith plays on both bball teams. She is very excited to be going. I am sure you have probably spoken with Andrew as he is back at school. If not he has told Mom his new roommate appears to be a good guy. Emmett's surgery was successful; the growth is benign; to some degree it has been entertaining to watch Emmett negotiate his daily activities with the cone around his neck. Seamus is Seamus enough said. I started some research on housing in Westfield and the greater Westfield area; if you can see if you are permitted to post a flyer(s) around the campus for off campus housing beginning in Aug/Sept when ever the school year starts. You never know who may have connection. I'll let you go. Do your best. Keep smiling.

Love Dad

Update from Tommy Click

First, let me say thank you to everyone for all of the cards, calls, thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

I had surgery last Monday 1/26 to remove my entire colon. The purpose of this surgery to cure the Ulcerative Colitis we've been dealing with for the past 8 years. Surgery cures this disease forever and the time was right.

Because of Aunt Jane's wonderful recommendation, we built a relationship with Dr. Ron Bleday, Head of Colon Surgery at Brigham and Women's, over the past 3 years so we had Dr Bleday perform the procedure. From day 1, he has been amazing. Very confident that the timing and my current health situation was right for the surgery, so we we've been comfortable all along. The surgery went well, so well I only needed to spend the minimum 4 days in the hospital afterwards. I got home Friday 1/30 and have been resting comfortably since.

Shelley has been a true savior in this whole thing. Ryan has been sick and I am basically useless so she is really bearing the brunt of this whole thing so far. She's the best. My mom and sister and brother and everyone have been great offering to help in any way they can. We feel so lucky to have each other, and everyone around us.

Anyways, my recovery consists of a ton of rest, no lifting of any kind, no driving, limited exercise, limited work, etc. (Beer and Dry Manhattan's are recommended in my recovery oddly enough - ha!) Basically, I'm useless for the next 3-4 weeks as I build up my strength and abdomen muscles again. (right now, it's difficult to even roll over). But, every day will get better as long as I stay somewhat active, walk around, eat right, and not push it. Also, I am on a new diet as I re-train my digestive track. It's not too far from my old diet, so that adjustment isn't that bad. The surgeon and his team are very positive on my recovery thusfar so it's encouraging. I have a follow up appointment on 2/18, then will find out when my second surgery is (most likely end of March), and then this will truly be behind us in time for Michael's arrival, and the summer. In the meantime, we'll be using this time to recovery fully, spend time with Ryan and get ready for Michael. Please feel free to give us a call anytime or shoot me an email. Again, thanks to everyone for all your warm wishes. Thanks to Shelley and my family for everything you do for me each day. I'll be back on my feet and back to my old self in no time. (Better even, as Colitis will be behind us forever).

Thanks,
Tom