Scott Zandstra's Father - Uncle Jeff

Scott called this morning to inform us that his dad, Chuck Zandstra, died this morning.  Chuck was battling cancer.  Chuck & Arlene are our friends and were members of our small group at church.  We don't have the arrangements.  We are sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral as we are still in Birchwood.  Uncle Jeff was moved to a room from the surgical critical care unit today.  He will be in the hospital for several more days - then be in rehabilitation.

Uncle Jeff's surgery

Tòmorrow morning at 8:00 Uncle Jeff will be having open-heart surgery with 4 bi-passes.  One artery is 90% blocked.  Aunt Lee and Jeff came to Birchwood last Saturday.  Jeff wasn't feeling well so Elmer took him to the Marshfield Clinic in Rice Lake.  They transferred him to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.  We will be going to the hospital at 5:00 tomorrow to see him before they take him for surgery at 6:15.  Keep Jeff and the doctors in your prayers.

Chicago Marathon

Hello Yous kids! As some of you may or may not know, I decided to make an extreme New Year's Resolution and run the Chicago Marathon this year (I guess Sam's running is starting to rub off on me). For those who would like to come out and support, the race is on Sunday, Oct. 12th. Depending on which wave I'm in, I believe I will begin running at either 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. I understand that the reunion at Uncle Wayne's is the same weekend, so whoever is there can track me online if you would like. Wish me luck!

Update from the East

It's been a month of firsts for the Gesch family in North Jersey!

• Sawyer's first day of Kindergarten
• Xander's first day of Preschool
• The Family's first visit to NYC (via Ferry to the High Line and Times Square)
• Sawyer's first day of soccer practice
• Our first "first day" at Eastern Christian

Here's some pictures to prove it: