Life's little ups and downs have me overcome with emotion these days

No one warned me I'd be quite so weepy at my son's wedding. Who knew becoming a mother-in-law would require so much Kleenex?

And, no, not in your typical mother-in-law jokester way.

Not only was it a joy to witness my son's wonderful moment, but our family treasures having a new member of our clan, a young woman who brings great love and laughter to us. We all feel very lucky and very blessed.

Taylor

For those of you who wondered why I haven't written about little Taylor Radtke in a while, I just wanted you to know that I was out of town playing weepy mother-in-law. But, thanks to Taylor's mom and dad, Laurie and Jeff, and my Daily Herald colleagues, I kept up with every step of this little girl's heartrending saga as surgeons successfully removed the tumor in her head. And, like many of you, I was more than a bit weepy at the wonderful news the tumor had been completely removed.

My stomach flipped a bit at this week's news that the tumor is different than initially believed. Read my story detailing that.

I don't think anything could dampen this family's excitement at how well Taylor is doing. If all continues well, they hope to soon get the OK to come home.

Helping hands

Boy, wouldn't it be great if they could make it home for the special Oktoberfest fundraiser on Saturday? The Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department and Radtke family friends have partnered with firefighters and business folks across the area to plan a heck of a party, and they invite us all to come. The fun starts at 4 p.m. with brats and beer, a silent auction from 6 to 8 p.m. and dancing until 10 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 135 S. Buesching Road in Lake Zurich. It's $5 per adult to get in with all proceeds going to the family. Children younger than 12 get in free. See you there!

Roller coaster

After my family got a small taste of the roller coaster ride of emotion the Radtkes have faced this past week, I marvel even more at their endurance during such a scary time. My mom, who is 79, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition about 36 hours after my son's wedding with a severe infection. You regular readers know she's had a rough couple of years and only wants to wind down her days in her own home, peacefully puffing on a cigarette with a Diet Coke on lots of ice nearby. Put her in a hospital, much less suggest rehab or nursing care, and she's normally one feisty soul. Weak, in pain and unable to tend to most of her own needs, it was looking very grim for her throughout much of last week. But, it seems to be a time of miracles and the lady is happily back at home. Her world is shrinking and each fight takes a bit more out of her, but she's still fighting.

If I didn't know better, I'd think she and a little girl named Taylor share a bit of the same fighting spirit. I hope so -- for, if they do, Taylor won't have any trouble fighting off any return of that tumor.

Welcome home!

There was a return of a jubilant sort in my office this week. My colleague Adam Kovac has returned to the newsroom after his stint in Iraq. Many of you helped Adam and other soldiers phone home with your generous donations of phone cards. I know he and his wife, Sarah, were touched by your kindness.

We have many other soldiers still there pulling sometimes very difficult, sometimes tedious duty. Lots of you are trying to make this holiday season a little more cheerful for them. You can join the effort by donating to McHenry County College's collection effort.

They suggest phone cards, AA and AAA batteries, warm socks, skin lotion, comedy DVDs, music CDs, electronic hand-held games, crossword puzzles, word search games, cookies, trail mix, nuts, candy and holiday note cards. You'll find collection boxes outside of Room B174 in the Commons Area in Building B and outside Room A256. Adam, by the way, says a simple "thanks" goes a long way for those troops.

The colleague also invites us all to Monday's Veterans Day Recognition ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room. Seems like a great way to let all of our veterans know how much we value their service.

Welcome home, Kovac - and thanks!