Today is Monday, October 26, 2026, Issue #335
FIRST THINGS FIRST
“ Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.”
– Paulo Coelho, Brazilian novelist
A Note from Rachel…
This past week has been filled with worry, uncertainty, and a lot of waiting. My eldest son (Blake) is facing a difficult health situation far from home, and the distance makes an already challenging time feel even harder. His care team is working diligently to figure out how to help him.
While I was the only point of contact at the hospital and busy keeping the family apprised of updates, I felt completely overwhelmed with worry. I was sleeping few hours and those hours are lacking quality. I’m doing my best to stay positive, hold on to hope, and trust that things will be figured out and he will recover.
For now, I’m taking things one day at a time, finding comfort in the little things, and reminding myself that even the longest storms eventually give way to sunshine. Whatever your beliefs may be, please pray or send positive vibes our way. 💜
“ Halloween is right around the corner. You can tell because all the stores are decked out for Christmas.”
– Stephen Colbert, American comedian
Feline Tomfoolery
By Brady Wilfork Snugglebum & Belichick McDaniels Runtzilla
This is a perfect example of our human having lots of fun with AI. At least she isn’t trying to actually dress us up anymore.
– B & B
Brady (left) & Belichick (right)
Moments by Mira
www.everafterphotograpypnw.com
Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, Ever After Photography PNW is owned and operated by Mira Nachtigall, a long-time friend of Rachel.
Mental Health Minute
Rachel created the bulk of this issue prior to Blake falling ill. He became very ill on Tuesday, October 13th and was so ill that he finally went into the ER on base that Sunday, October 18th. After spending seven hours in the ER on base, he was transported by ambulance to the West Suffolk Hospital. He remains there in the isolation ward. Upon admission, he had toxins in his blood and liver, and his kidney function was diminished. His care team started ruling things out and searching for the reason of the infection.
As life threw Rachel this massive curveball, when you read this issue, she and her son Alec will be in England with Blake. They flew out of Utah on Thursday, October 22nd. Blake’s father will travel at a later date.
As of Sunday, October 25th, Blake has been without a 100+ fever for the first time in ten days and has made significant improvements. He is now lucid and anxious to go home. However, he is still being kept in West Suffolk Hospital and continues to receive IV antibiotics. He recently underwent a bone marrow biopsy (results pending), and an abdominal ultrasound has been ordered.
Today, Monday, October 26th, the results of the biopsy are expected, as well as a current panel of blood work. Blake’s physician has an idea of what may have caused his illness (something autoimmune related), and these tests may provide the clarification needed and allow for treatment and mean getting to come home.
Thanks to the USAF family, they have been helped along the way making a hard time a bit easier. Blake’s 1st Sgt and his TSgt have been a blessing.
Rachel has been busy disinfecting Blake’s living space, as the origin of the infection was unknown and measles has not been ruled out prior to their arrival. That has since been ruled out and Blake will get to come home to a very clean living space.
It sure has been a journey and Rachel is exhausted. She is holding up well. Hopefully, Blake will be back home and healthy very soon. Until next time, be well.
Feel free to stick around (below) and like, rate, share and comment (direct to Rachel). She is always looking for content ideas and would love input.