The Village Barber

Most of you know that my wife is sick. And while it is a topic of regular conversation in the shop as people inquire about how she is doing, I realized today when a newer customer asked on his wife's and mother-in-law's behalf about my wife's health, that I haven't exactly explained publicly where we stand. I also have a lot of extended family, and friends of ours who have moved away or we have not been as frequently in touch with who follow my business page. So here's an update for everyone:

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer which had spread to her nearby lymph node in September. A week or so later, imaging showed lesions on various bones throughout her body, changing her diagnosis from a Stage 2 cancer to Stage 4. Our first oncologist put her on a regimen of drugs to attempt to stall, but not to eradicate, her cancer.

We have since gotten a second opinion, and transitioned her care to a different oncologist who ordered a bone biopsy to confirm what the imaging shows. We received those results around Christmas/New Year, which have served to confuse things for me, emotionally if nothing else. Her hip bone biopsy came back negative for cancer. But the medical staff has essentially disregarded the biopsy as a "false negative." They will not biopsy the bone again for 3 years. So in the meantime, we continue to live our life together as a family. We continue to try to farm the property we live on, both to provide for our needs, as well as to work toward our healing. To raise our kids according to the beliefs and plans that we agreed on 17 years ago when we started our relationship. And I continue to try to provide financially by cutting hair.

I know it has changed the schedule quite a bit, and it may continue to do so. But I really appreciate everyone who has been patient with me, and those who have poured out more generosity and loving words than I deserve. Thank you for caring about my family, those of you who do. Thank you for the prayer. We honestly hope and believe that even now, the Lord is healing this beautiful woman, whose hair looked incredible 15 years ago on our wedding photo (pictured above).

Shop will be closed as we remember our brother on Jan 20th. Just going to be a day for family. Normal hours the repeat of the week. Solid ash, my friend.

Requiescat en pace, Henri.

I am taking today off (Saturday Dec 27) as I work on finishing up all of the butchering and meat processing for the year, but also as we continue to celebrate Christmas together as a family. It is the 3rd day of Christmas, and while I obviously can't take off all twelve, we are doing our best as a household, especially this year which has been so tumultuous for us, to keep the Christmas feast going during its season.

Thank you so much to all who blessed us with their generosity this year as we approached the holidays. I'm humbled by it, and it has meant so much to our whole family. May the Lord give you His peace.

I'll be closed today as I take my wife for a bone biopsy today. The plan at this point is to be open tomorrow and Saturday, but if I'm needed at home during her recovery I'll reevaluate. Thanks for understanding

Closed due to weather today. I've fought uphill until 10:30 last night, and again all morning today and I'm still not ready for the snow today. See you guys tomorrow. Maybe I'll be able to think straight by then.