Journey

If you have followed our family’s story for the last two years you will remember that at one point we were encouraged by another cancer warrior to view it as an adventure. An experience with rewards, risks, and unknown outcomes. As we reflect on our adventure we can also now see it as a journey - one that we are still on.

Part of the most comforting and successful parts of this journey was when we decided to pursue a service dog for Miles. Charlee was a gift from our friend Sage and our community. Due to COVid and training, her time with Miles in the hospitals was not immediate. However, once her companionship was allowed all of the doctors and nurses immediately recognized what a game-changer she was for Miles’s care. Needle pokes, Port access, Chemo - all of the things which before changed his spirit - became easier. The weight of Charlee on his body allowed a calmness to wash over him. Their partnership gave him courage and her presence brought smiles to medical workers and other patients.

Recently we learned that Charlee’s breeder is gifting a GoldenDoodle to the new Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital, specifically the Pediatric Oncology Unit, at the Asante Rogue Regional Hospital in Southern Oregon. In memory of Miles’s journey, in honor of other kids’ journeys, and of course “Don’t Stop Believen’” - “Ms. Journey” will be joining the staff at the hospital to make kids smile through darker days. Journey will be fostered by our friends the Harrison family until she is ready to make her rounds.

As our family continues our journey through grief we have all returned to work or school. Carter is blessed with his 4H steer, bird hunting, baseball and basketball to keep a smile on his face.

We continue to see Miles’s light shine as we enjoyed a sno-cat adventure thanks to the Oregon Wine Experience auction. We look forward to sharing his story with various store managers as we prepare to see his sweet smile all over Southern Oregon as the Children’s Miracle Network child - in an effort to raise funds to improve care. Additionally, there’s a stuffed pig, in honor of Miles’s 4H pig sales and the generosity he was able to show because of them.

Thank you for checking in on all of us as we continue our journey in life without Miles. Every journey - whether literal or figurative, is a thing that could impact life, reason, and even passion for what one holds dear. We know that Journey the dog will impact many lives - just like Miles.