Hey there!
It's been a while! I last wrote on January 1, and on January 2 we got the devastating news that our son had leukemia. My whole world stopped that moment, no voice, no thoughts... just action with one goal: Get. Him. Better. FIGHT like a juggernaut. With the amazing support and prayers of many of you, our family and friends, he is nearing that goal! Along with amazing advances in medicine, wonderful care both in Green Bay and at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee (a regional center for leukemia) and strength on his part, he is on his way to remission, meeting milestones right on schedule!
My son's illness is so scary, and he has been courageously dealing with the side effects of his chemo. It's awful to see your baby sick. And it is terrifying to realize that 20 years ago his prognosis would have been grave. His prognosis is exponentially better than that today, and medical advances continue! I have incredible gratitude for the brilliance, perseverance and creative problem solving skills of those in medical research, for the advances in treating so many horrible diseases. And for the continued outpouring of love and prayers from family and friends. So effective and uplifting. Please don't stop!
As we hung on that precipice in early January, I almost quit my opportunity to be in the show "Mamma Mia." I had the email written, but for some reason didn't press "send." Then we found out that my son's leukemia was able to be treated from his home near us, and he pretty much insisted I not quit, and so I was able to act, dance (badly) and sing in my first full musical! It was a smashing success! Seriously, all shows sold out and we had a great review! Check it out here:
Warren Gerds, WeAreGreenBay "critic at large" on "Mamma Mia"
I have to admit the show was a very therapeutic outlet for me. I was able to pour my stress and fear and mother-love into the role of Donna. And I got to yell at people without personal consequence! Who knew acting would have such perks and be so much fun?! Thank you to the Birder Players for the opportunity, and again to my family for their support, to all of you who were able to attend! And never fear if you missed it! We are doing a reprise in June 2020, with (as of this moment) all of the 11 principle players returning!
Finally, it has been SUPER exciting to get back to work on "Intuition." Aaron and I finished recording the vocals to the fifth track "Melancholia" and have the sixth track "East of Pain" almost written, with recording on the calendar in March. "Intuition" is a collection of highly emotional songs that explore love, insecurity, depression and fear and so much more, all very relatable. It is a "symphonic pop fantasy..." I bet you have never heard anything quite like it and I hope the songs will connect! So stay tuned!!
I am now on a little jaunt to Colorado where I have historically had crystalline inspiration for my songs. And though I am loving the snow, critical to skiing 😍... I understand it isn't for everyone. Please stay safe as this winter continues to throw snowballs at us all over the US!
With hope, faith and love!
Rändi ♫💚
#stingcancer #juggernaut
#connectingworlds 🌍🌎