MONSTER MASH

Here is my crew.

We may have finished the season 1-6, but I would still call it a success. That is because the point of putting this team together was for these boys to have fun outside of school and make some memories.

One cannot win every game or every title. However, one can always have fun when one plays with one's friends and give one's all.

Until next season!

PROFILES IN COURAGE

This season for the Monster Mash Arbor futsal team has been a challenging one. We played in the Competitive Division with "Classic" teams who play together year-round, and the skill of these other teams led to some lop-sided losses. 

However another key contributor to our losses was limited players. This is a function of other commitments, vacation, etc, and was totally understandable. That is not to say that having a limited squad was not painful though. 

On the second to last game, our scarcity of players was particularly pronounced as we had only five players- the minimum needed to field a team-versus the other team's 10 players. This meant that our guys had to play all 48 minutes with no breaks or substitutions. 

In my experience, the team with more substitutions often beats the team with more skills, and our game that day was no exception. Yes, we did go on to lose, but not before our guys fought like hell and gave everything they had. There was blood. There was sweat, and there were even a few tears. At no point did our guys give up or stop fighting, and that was the true lesson of the day. It is easy to be bold and not capitulate when victory seems possible. It is another thing altogether to play like that when defeat seems all but assured. I hope these boys carry this lesson with them and remember that life is full of ups and downs. We cannot control the outcome of events. However, that does not mean that we cannot control how we react to those circumstances and that we give up. 

Courage apparently comes in all sizes!

WHEN I ROOT, I ROOT FOR THE TIMBERS

This past weekend the Portland Timbers won their first trophy in the forty year history of the club - the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup, or Championship.

The Timbers first joined MLS five years ago. For the most part, their performances could be described in two words during that time - underwhelming or disappointing. They had only made the playoffs once until this season, and they were often known for folding in critical moments in games big and small alike. Despite that, the people of Portland have been ardent supporters, even earning the city the nickname "Soccer City USA." That is why this season feels like such a vindication of the city's passion for this team and for the sport.

The Timbers' coach Caleb Porter is the chief reason for the team's turnaround. He helped lead them to the playoffs twice in three seasons. His understanding of tactics and his decision to play a style of football that made the most of his players' talents were critical for the team's on field success and for maintaining the interest and devotion of the fan base.

On Sunday all of his and the team's hard work was rewarded as they triumphed over the Columbus Crew in the Final. The game was not pretty, but the Timbers scored early and then defended like some of the best sides in Europe (Think Chelsea or the Italian national team). It is not the kind of free-flowing, attacking soccer they played much of the season, but it was pragmatic and ultimately successful.

The team was greeted by thousands of fans yesterday at the airport when they returned home yesterday.

Today, the city's streets were lined with thousands more spectators during an open air bus ride by the team. Never mind that the weather was dreadful with downpours all day, the Timbers' supporters were not going to miss out on this occasion.

Forty years is a long time to wait, but I have a feeling that this team will be hoisting the Cup again much sooner than that. As the club's saying goes, Rose City 'til I die (RCTID)! Go Timbers!

LOSING ONE'S RELIGION

Last week, another terrible act of terror took place in California. New evidence suggests that this was due to Islamic extremists who were acting on behalf of the religious fundamentalist organization ISIS.

Far too often, religious extremism has wreaked havoc in world history. There have been countless wars, massacres, and barbaric acts in the name of one god or another. It is enough to make one question whether religion is a force for good or evil in this world.

What would a world without religion look like? Well, there would be one less thing to divide us and force us into separate camps with intolerant world views. I am certain that this would not solve all of our problems, but might it be a start?

We will never know the answer because far too many people around the globe espouse deep-seated religious principles. I hope that they can come to understand that what is right for them may not be right for the rest of us and that violence is never the answer. Until then, we will see more bloodshed in the name of gods. May those gods forgive these believers because I certainly will never forgive them.

SPOTLIGHT

Recently, I saw the new film "Spotlight" that chronicles the true story of the priest sex abuse scandal and the cover up by the Archdiocese of Boston. The cast is shown above. The movie was very well done and illustrates how powerful institutions can cause serious damage, especially when they go unchallenged. Moreover, the movie captures the power of the free press to expose wrongdoing and to effect change.

The title of the film is taken from the name of a special investigations unit of the Boston Globe newspaper. The editor of the Spotlight team during the early 2000s when this movie takes place is man called Walter "Robby" Robinson. Like the majority of his team, Robby was educated in the Catholic Church, and he still holds the Church in high esteem despite no longer actively practicing his faith. That is because of how intertwined the Church is in the his life and in the lives of so many people from the Boston community. Eventually, the wrongdoings and harm caused by the Church compel Robby and the rest of his team to expose the Church's sins, and we all know how the story ends.

As a lapsed Catholic, I was inspired by this film every bit as much as I was disgusted by the actions of the sick pedophile priests and the Church leadership who covered for them.

To put things in perspective, many people were recently up in arms about how Volkswagen falsified emissions data for its fleet of diesel cars. Many people will never buy a Volkswagen again.

If the Church were a corporation, would we still be patronizing it? How could one? Now obviously a car maker and a religious organization are not the same thing. However, emissions falsifications are also not the same thing as child rape.

There are many reasons why I will not return to the Church, but no reason is more important than the harms done to the meekest of the flock by the Church hierarchy. As a former altar boy, I realize that I easily could have been one of the victims. That I was not a victim has more to do with chance than the grace of God.

MY TOWN

I thought I would share this beautiful picture of my town. It is a reminder of how blessed I am to live where I do.  Come visit and see for yourself!

RCTID

RCTID is the official motto of the Portland Timbers, our local soccer team that plays in Major League Soccer. It stands for Rose City 'til I Die. (i.e. I will always support the Timbers).

I have been a season ticket holder for five years now, and surprisingly this is the first time I believe I have written about the Timbers here. This is because the team have been perennial under performers.

This year is different though, and the Timbers have played some exceptional football. There are several reasons for this: players playing in positions to which they're best-suited, better players, and better coaching/organization.

Tonight, the Timbers defeated FC Dallas to win the Western Conference Championship and advance to the MLS Cup. Win or lose, this has been an exceptional season, and I am truly proud of our team.

Enjoy the final goal in the series with Dallas! It is one for the ages!

THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

Earlier this month I began coaching the Arbor Boys futsal team Monster Mash for the fourth time. We finished as league champions the previous three seasons and had only lost three times in three seasons. This season has been much more challenging, and we have already lost three matches.

There are several explanations for the difference in results this year. First, we lost one of our top players to injury. Second, we have had a few player absences. Finally, and most importantly, we are playing in the Competitive Under 11 (U11) Division. We had played in Competitive divisions before, but this age group is clearly much more competitive. This is because every team we face is made up of players on "Classic," year-round soccer teams. Our team, on the other hand, is made up of some Classic players, some who play recreational ("Rec") soccer and some who do not play at all. Our competition is organized, aggressive, and skilled. This is enough to overcome the familiarity our players have with each other from playing at recess every day and to overcome one of our truly exceptional players - Q.

I have tried to keep the boys' spirits up and explained to them that our competition is truly skilled and that we should still hold our heads high for giving it our all. We have managed to win one match and nearly beat the top team last week. That team had only given up 7 seven goals in two matches - the fewest of any team. We were able to put six past them, though they scored eight.

We have three games left, and we will keep going. One cannot win every match, but one can give one's all. Here's to humility and picking one's self up - lessons the boys have learned all too well this season.

HE'S BACK

After more than a two month absence, Lionel Messi returned to the stage last weekend during a momentous occasion - the first league match against FC Barcelona's eternal rival, Real Madrid.

It had been a quiet, almost sad two months for football since Messi's went out with a medial cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. I certainly did not enjoy watching the game as much or following soccer news. However, all of that sadness came to an end once Messi stepped on the field.

By that point in the game, Barca were already cruising and led 3-0. Shortly after coming on, Messi made a beautiful run and completed a brilliant pass that led to a quick through ball to Luis Suarez, who finished it clinically. Barca went on to win 4-0.

Just three days later Messi returned to action and scored two goals in the Champions League against Roma. His first was utterly brilliant, and I think there are few in the game who could have scored from the tight position Messi found himself in.



Finally, this weekend, Messi scored again in a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in league play. He's back!

It is Messi's genius and the joy he exudes on the pitch that we all have missed so much. His absence due to injury and his return are a reminder that Messi is mortal. We should enjoy him while we can. That is why my family and I will be traveling to Barcelona for the third straight year (fourth for me) to witness Leo and all the Barca players.

Visca Leo and visca Barca!

ICI C'EST PARIS

Ici c'est Paris is the motto of the French football club Paris St. Germain. However, this phrase took on a much more ominous, almost questioning tone late last week after the coordinated attacks on the city. Ici c'est Paris?

Several teams of terrorists carried out multiple attacks on "soft" targets throughout the city. These included a restaurant, a concert hall, and the Stade de France national stadium where Les Bleus (The Blues), as the French national team is known, were playing Germany. More than 100 people were killed in these attacks, and several hundred people have been wounded. It was the single worst terrorist attack on French soil, and the French were still reeling today as I write this.

They were not alone in their sadness and outrage. We in America know the tragedy that terrorism brings, and we are not the only ones. There were bombs in Turkey and Lebanon, too. ISIS is on the march.

All of these events are even more tragic when one considers that there is no obvious solution to stamping out global terrorism. How do you convince disaffected youth to not blow themselves up? How do you prevent such tragedies without trampling on civil rights?

We will need some creative solutions, but I am afraid it is not possible to stop terrorism and to prevent these crises. Much can be done to thwart them and to minimize their impact, but it is folly to think that we can live in a world free of global terrorism.

What is in our control is how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to such tragedies.

My family has a trip to Europe planned this year. We are still committed to going. We want to see this part of the world that gave birth to our country and our way of life. We will not be deterred. We will not be terrorized into changing our way of life.

More than ever it is so obvious that we are all connected. We, humankind, rise and fall as one. Today, and every day, je suis un Parisien (I am a Parisian)!

WAKE ME UP!

Nicholas has been taking music lessons for the past five years with his teacher Jan. He started off with the ukulele but graduated to the mandolin over a year ago. When he upgraded his instrument, I decided to buy a mandolin, too, and to devote myself more fully to learning how to play the instrument.

Each year Jan holds a Fall recital, and Nicholas and I have performed together the last few years. In years past, I was quite nervous up there and did not execute my part very well.

This year, we decided to pick a song we heard at the Women's World Cup Final during the warm ups before the match. It is a beautiful ballad by the Swedish DJ Avicci called, "Wake Me Up."

We practiced the song for over two months. Nicholas was in charge of the melody - the more difficult part. I was in charge of the chords.

Today was the recital day. We were both calm and resolute as we took the stage. We were ready. We knew the piece inside and out. We knocked it out of the park!

Enjoy!

IMMIGRATION LESSON

Our nation faces an immigration crisis with millions of undocumented aliens and many others clamoring to come to the U.S. Because of this, it is very easy for discussion of immigration to devolve into xenophobia and "us vs. them" diatribes (see the Republican primary field). However, I experienced a very personal story of how our broken immigration policy impacts family's lives while attending on the inpatient oncology service this past week.

J, we will call him, was a Mexican immigrant who had been living in the US for the past several years. He worked in the fields in the agriculture industry - a job most Americans refuse to do. While here, he developed shoulder pain that was severe enough to land him in the hospital. He was found to have a large mass that turned out to be a bone cancer. He was started on chemotherapy. However, he developed a bowel perforation and almost died. Sadly, his wife and infant child were back in Mexico and unable to visit him because of his undocumented status. Eventually, his wife was allowed to come to see him because we feared he might die.

Fortunately, he survived that hospitalization and was well enough to be admitted for another cycle of chemo. During this hospitalization, the chemo made him confused and quite emotionally labile. He was unable to hold back his feelings, which poured out on rounds one day. He said that this treatment was not worth it. He just wanted to be with his son back in Mexico. However, he knew that if he left he would not be able to receive treatment that might stabilize his cancer and allow him to live for the next few years. He was stuck between staying here and receiving treatment that had only caused complications so far or going home to die to be with his son. The starkness and brutality of this choice was straight out of a Camus novel. What should he do? What would you choose?

Ultimately, his mental status improved, and he became more clear. He decided to forge ahead with treatment.

I never asked him what went into this decision, but I bet he would have said something like this. "I want to stay here and fight the cancer because that will give me the best chance of surviving so that I can spend more time with my child who is hundreds of miles away. I want to get well enough to go home or live long enough for this government to change its cruel, unfeeling laws."

Here endeth the immigration lesson.

THE INNOCENCE OF YOUTH

I have been on call this week supervising the inpatient Solid Tumor service. We admit patients to our team who have complications from cancer or who need to receive high doses of chemotherapy over several days. Last night we admitted a 25 year old young man to start chemotherapy treatment.

This young man had a prior history of a genetic disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) that leads to countless polyps in the colon and an increased risk of colon cancer. When he was found to have masses on his liver and a large abdominal mass, it was assumed that he had developed a colon cancer.  However, to add insult to injury, his biopsy showed that he had a completely unrelated cancer - a sarcoma that is a soft tissue type of cancer.

When I saw him this morning, I instinctively asked him, "How are you today?" He replied, "I have been better..." His response made me really appreciate you inappropriate and insensitive my seemingly mundane question had been. Of course, he was not doing well; he was going to die of his cancer as a young man, and he knew it.

I quickly shifted focus and asked him more specific questions about symptoms related to the chemo we were giving and examined him. I told him we were here if he needed anything and that he should not be shy about asking for nausea meds. He nodded in agreement, and we made our way out of the room.

I was struck by several things during this encounter. 1. Cancer sucks. 2. One should chose one's words carefully and really think before one speaks. 3. There is nothing more unfair than a young person afflicted by a terrible disease like cancer. 4. Finally, enjoy every moment of good health because health is until further notice.

BOYS IN THE BOAT

Recently, Nicholas and I finished the book Boys and the Boat - the true story of the University of Washington Crew Team won the gold medal in the 1936 Olympics.

The book was inspiring on several levels, most of all because the boys of the title all hailed from the Pacific Northwest. They each came from humble walks of life but went on to be the most heralded American crew team in history. Along the way to triumphing in the Olympics, they dispatched some of the best crew teams in the country from Cal-Berkeley and several East Coast teams full of blue bloods. In fact, several of the boys from that team won every race during their four years of collegiate and Olympic rowing - quite a feat!

Pick up Boys in Boat. It may just inspire you to do something you did not think was possible.

THREEPEAT

Last week, my futsal team Arse-and-all won our third title in the past five seasons. It was one of our easiest championship runs, and we actually won the title with one week to spare in the season.  However, like with every season, we did it a little bit differently.

In the past, we have been much more of a possession-based team with quick interchanging passes and many beautiful team goals much like Guardiola's Barca. This season, however, we played a decidedly different style - more counterattacking with less possession or control - kind of like the current Barca. They say that one must adapt or die. Therefore, I guess we can call this evolution, although I am not sure I would call it progress or more beautiful than our former style. However, one must dance with the one that brought you or play the style that fits the current players, many of whom were new and unused to the style of play that we used to inflict on other teams.

I do not want you to think that playing was boring or unfulfilling. On the contrary, it felt great to complete such a wonderful collective achievement of winning another title as a team. Working together to create something beautiful is what brings me back to this team and this game every time. Playing is fun, and playing and winning is even better.

I sprang for trophies for the team when it was clear that we would be champions, and I bought a cup trophy, too. This is because far too often we dwell on the failures and lows rather than the successes and highs in life. This was not one of those moments, We had a small ceremony after the final game, and we even got some love on social media from the facility at which we play.  The players seem truly touched, but it was I who had been touched by them and everything they gave to the team this season.

We are taking a little bit of a break, but I hope we will be back on the court soon. Here's to Arse!

THE CIRCLE

Sometimes a book comes along that really makes one think about how one is living and where our society is heading. The latest book from Dave Eggers called The Circle is one of those books.

The novel is set in Northern California and tells the story of a recent college graduate named Mae who lands a job at a tech giant called the Circle - think Facebook meets Google. Mae is quickly drawn into the charms of this company with its free cafeteria, many college-like interest clubs, and its diverse group of very bright and driven young people. Along the way, Mae gets a clearer view of the Circle and how its business model is largely built on getting its customers and employees, alike, to allow the Circle access into their lives. This is much more than mining status updates and search histories. The Circle creates products and technologies that are increasingly intrusive and that come to dominate nearly every aspect of the users daily activities.

This may seem quite dystopian or far-fetched until one actually evaluates one's own life and use of technology. For example, I would not be able to share this story with you if it were not for the fact that Google runs the Blogger website.  Similarly, I commonly share photos with you on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. These sites are currently free, but, at any moment, these companies could charge a fee that we would probably pay to keep using this content. Moreover, all of our "likes," "comments," and "re-tweets" are being monitored so that companies can micro target us and get us to buy their products. Finally, every single search we do on the internet is visible to every search engine company. It is only a matter of time until we have to pay to keep our search histories private. All of this is to say that while technology and the internet have improved the world in so many great ways, there is a price that will be soon extort from us for this technology.

I do not think the answer to this dilemma is to retreat into a cave or become a Luddite. However, I would suggest that you do not do anything online that you would be embarrassed to have your parents or coworkers find out about. Think before you Google because Google and the like are thinking about your googling.

THE L WORD

Tonight, Justin Trudeau pulled off a major upset and unseated Steven Harper to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. He is the second youngest man to be elected to this post and the second Trudeau, following in the footsteps of his father Pierre, who was my first Prime Minister.

In a campaign straight out of Obama's playbook, Trudeau appealed to our better angels while his chief rival Mr. Harper attempted to appeal to our worst devils.

The victory is all the more stunning because Harper and the Conservatives had held power for nearly a decade while Trudeau's Liberal Party had been banished to the woods.

My own country's politics put this victory into even greater perspective because candidates of all parties flee from the label of liberal, which is viewed as political suicide. However, the Trudeau victory reminds us that ideas and principles matter. Government's job is to help those who cannot help themselves rather than to get out of the way of the rich who merely seek to enrich themselves.

So, let's raise a glass to Mr. Trudeau and to Canucks everywhere who made the choice that was best for their country. Labels be damned.

LIVING ON HIS OWN TERMS

I saw one of my patients Mr. I. recently for the last time. He was a large man - almost a bear of man - who was straight out of Grizzly Adams, and his appointments can only be described as spectacles.

I first met him over three years ago when he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. In those three years, I must have treated him with nearly 5-6 therapies. He always agreed to try something new, but he always added his own special brand of humor to the discussions.

One of the more memorable visits involved a discussion of chemotherapy. I listed off the possible side effects, which included alopecia, or hair loss. As I have tried to describe, Mr. I. was a mountain man of sorts with long gray hair. When I mentioned hair loss, he said that might not matter to a "bald motherfucker like you" but that he did not look forward to the hair loss. I could only smile because this was classic Mr. I. - telling it like is without any sugarcoating. One always knew what was on Mr. I's mind because he always told you what he was thinking!

As his disease progressed, we ran out of options. I recommended hospice, but he refused even though he agreed that no further treatments were possible. He said that he did not want to know about prognosis, and I refrained from discussing his projected longevity. At each visit, I saw his symptoms worsen, but he was adamant that he did not want anyone from hospice coming out to his home to bother him.

I saw him for the last time several weeks ago. He was quite weak, and he was relying more on a friend to help him. I again brought up the idea of hospice and said that hospice might allow his friend to go back to being his friend rather than his medical caregiver. It was at this time that I came to fully appreciate Mr. I. and from where he was coming.

He said that he was not sure hospice would be able to make it to his house, which was in a remote, undeveloped area of the state. He also confided that he was not sure that they would think much of where he lived. I reassured him that hospice was able to serve all parts of our state and that they were there to help him rather than judge him or his living quarters.

During that final visit, I noticed how utterly resigned Mr. I. was to his fate for the first time . He did not cry, but I could sense that he had finally come to accept that his end was near. This fighter's loss of hope, his resignation was truly one of the saddest things I have ever experienced in a clinic visit.

A few days later he called the clinic to say goodbye and to thank us for all we had done for him. He even apologized for the way he had behaved at times, which was quite unnecessary. He died shortly thereafter.

Just like there was an ending to Mr. I's story, I am sure there is a story to his ending. For me, though, the moral is simple: one should cherish this life and live it to the fullest on one's own terms until the very end. Is there really any other way to live? I know that's how Mr. I lived it.

SAYING THANK YOU BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

One of my dear patients recently went on hospice. We met each other over eight years ago after I first started at my current job, and therefore it was very sad to say goodbye.

Mr. S. was one of the most selfless patients whom I have ever met. He enrolled in over four clinical trials in his lifetime. Moreover, he was always kind and courteous to me and the entire staff. He always thanked me even when the news I had to deliver was not what he wanted to hear.  He even brought in donuts for the nursing staff on days he received chemotherapy. When I got word of this, I said jokingly to my nurse, "Where is my glazed donut?" She shared this anecdote with the patient, and thereafter he made sure to include a glazed donut earmarked for me whenever he brought treats in.

Our last clinic visit was quite sad. I told him that I was sorry that the day had come when I could do no more to treat his cancer. I told him that I would continue to treat his symptoms with palliative care and hospice but that cancer medicines would cause more harm than good. We said our goodbyes and gave each other a good, long, tearful hug.

A few weeks later after he enrolled on hospice, my nurse told me that he had invited her to a party that his RV club was putting on for him. Camping and RV'ing were one of his main hobbies, and we often planned our treatments around these trips. In the party, he told his friends how lucky he was to have them and how grateful he was for the care he had received. He told my nurse that he could really sense how hard it was for me to give him the news about hospice and how much I felt for him.

After hearing this story, I decided to reach out to him before it was too late. I always send a note to families after patients pass away, but in this instance I felt the need to reach out to the patient, himself. I sent him a card that described my admiration for him.  I told him that anything I did for him paled in comparison to everything he had taught me about grace, class, and resilience - especially when faced with a terminal illness. I told him that I drew strength from him and that he was the reason I wake up every morning asking myself the same question: what will you do to cure cancer today? The answer is always the same - never enough and not soon enough. Godspeed Mr. S.

MINDFULNESS

Recently, I started taking a class in Mindfulness based on the teachings of the American psychologist Jon Kabat-Zinn. I signed up for the class because it feels like each year is more challenging than the last. There are more duties and expectations at work and home but no more time per day to complete all these duties. In this situation, stress is created by the disconnect between what we and others expect of ourselves and the reality of what we are actually capable.

Kabat-Zinn's teachings remind us that the present - the here and now - should be our chief concern. We should focus completely on what is before us, rather than dwelling on what is in the past or becoming consumed by the uncertainty of the future.

This is easier said than done, especially when one is busy and feeling overburdened. However, I have found that focusing through meditation has had a significant impact on my ability to work and parent more effectively. The verdict is out on whether it will help my marriage.

There is so much beauty in our daily lives, but it is so easy to miss these moments when one is not fully engaged or when one is distracted. It is also easy to focus on the negative when one does not slow down and appreciate everything that is positive in one's life.

I hope I can continue these practices - not only because they make me more efficient, but also because they make me feel more connected with others and with my life. It is a significant time commitment to try to stretch one's brain through these techniques. However, it is really no different than an exercise or stretching routine that so many of us who are getting older already do on a daily basis.

So, here's a challenge. Turn off the phone and TV. Sit quietly and just focus on one thing - breathing -for ten minutes per day. I promise that this alone will not solve your problems, but it will certainly bring both your problems and their solutions into focus.

LIKE TURNING THE SOCCER SWITCH OFF

This weekend Lionel Messi suffered a knee injury during a game against Las Palmas that will rule him out for the next two months. It was a sad and terrifying sight to behold as he fell to the ground unable to carry on. This is especially true when one considers how much Messi means to his team and to the game of football, in general.

I cannot think of another athlete whose absence for an extended stretch of time - let alone one game - brings so much sorrow to football fans worldwide. This is because Messi epitomizes everything that is great in sport - sportsmanship, skill, and a serious competitive side.

The game will be a little emptier for the next months, a little less joyful. It truly does feel like the game has been turned off - or at least turned down - due to Messi's injury. Here's to a speedy recovery so that Messi can get back to thrilling fans of Barca and the game of soccer worldwide!

DO NO HARM

That brain surgery is fraught with disaster and complications should come as no surprise. However, we rarely hear about that side of this field. That is, until the wonderful confessional book Do No Harm by the British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh pictured above.

Marsh's book recounts his experiences operating on brains and spinal cords for over forty years in England and elsewhere. Unlike most medical books that focus on the heroic, this book also highlights how harrowing the experience of brain surgery can be to both the patient and the surgeon.

Mistakes in medicine are inevitable. Yet, there is no organ less forgiving of mistakes than the brain. Certainly, there are portions of the brain that when traumatized do not lead to permanent damage. Then, there is the rest - what Marsh calls "eloquent brain" - that whose damage leads to significant disability. Unfortunately, very terrible diseases often lurk in or near eloquent brain - tumors, aneurysms, strokes. While the latter is the domain of the neurologist, the former two are the domains - and perhaps cemeteries - of brain surgeons.

How does one venture into these territories day in and day out? It takes more than hubris. It takes courage and the conviction that the benefits of intervention outweigh the risks. Marsh acknowledges that it is heroic to take on challenging cases that others might pass on. However, he clearly reminds the reader that thoughtfulness and cautiousness must also be considered if we are to truly operate under the principle of "first, do not harm" -  a first principle of Medicine that is laid out in the Hippocratic Oath that all doctors take at some point in his/her training.

I often think of this Oath and this principle of avoiding interventions when harming the patient seems much more certain that helping him. Oncology is not brain surgery, but certain parts of the body, like the nerves or bone marrow, do not forgive or forget the poisons to which they are exposed. Because of this, I do have an abiding belief that it is much worse to harm a patient with an intervention than to withhold a toxic, unsafe therapy that has the potential to improve longevity by a few months.

My patients often disagree with this approach. This is because, although there are risks with dangerous treatments like chemotherapy, the risk of a poor outcome without no treatment is a certainty.

It is within this context that life and death medial decisions are made every day. Marsh reminds the practitioner and patient alike of the gravity of Medicine and our choices. Let us remember his words when making these shared decision, and let us first do no harm!

LITERARY MORTALITY

I recently finished reading Our Souls at Night, the latest novel by Kent Haruf. I enjoyed the book thoroughly. However, it was only after I completed it that I realized that Mr. Haruf had passed away recently and that this would be his final book. This revelation made me quite sad.

I first came across this author more than fifteen years ago when my book club from residency read his novel Plainsong. Like Souls, Plainsong takes place in the fictional small town of Holt, Colorado. Both books capture moments of pettiness and grace in this small town and remind one just how similar we all are. The prose is simple, much like the setting of Mr. Haruf's novels. However, the simplicity of the writing is what makes the stories so beautiful, and I am sad that I will not be able to read another of his stories.

Mr. Haruf's death is a reminder of how ephemeral life is, and how writers and artists are mortal just like everyone else. While Souls may be Mr. Haruf's last book, his works will live on well beyond his death. Let us appreciate the beauty in everyday life and in art and literature before it is too late for us, too! Rest in peace, Mr. Haruf.

PROMOTION/DEMOTION

Nicholas' soccer coach asked to meet with us last week to review his progress over the summer season. I was not quite sure what to expect when I received the email, but I had an idea.

The soccer club Nicholas plays for has four levels, and Nicholas was playing on the black team, the third of the four tiers. The coach said that he enjoyed having Nicholas on the black team, but he thought that Nicholas was better suited for the lower team. This decision was mainly based on Nicholas' lack of aggressiveness and inability to make quick decisions in attack. I had witnessed exactly what the coach was describing on multiple occasions and told the coach that I agreed with the decision. 

After our conversation, the coach invited Nicholas in and shared the news with him. The coach was very thoughtful and used the right mix of motivation and compassion when breaking the news to Nicholas, who was visibly upset. As Nicholas took in this information, I could see him choke up and fight back tears of embarrassment. The coach told him that this move was not permanent and that it was up to Nicholas to work his way back up to the third team. The coach also said that he thought Nicholas was a wonderful young man and cleared loved the game.

As a parent, this was heartbreaking to watch. My little guy who eats, breathes, and sleeps soccer was being demoted, and there was nothing that I could do about it. 

Later that night, we talked after reading bedtime stories. I told Nicholas that his experience that night is not unlike what many of us face each day. One has to work hard and earn one's place - whether it be in the workplace, at school, or on the pitch. He expressed understanding, but it was at this time that he began to tear up. 

I wiped away his tears and gave him a big hug. I shared my own stories of not making countless sports teams growing up, and I also reminded him that several of his friends had been too afraid of failure to even try out for the soccer team. Finally, I helped him remember that he plays quite aggressively whenever we go to the park to play soccer with Cate. Nicholas perked up and said he knew that he could do better.

I look forward to watching Nicholas no matter what color team he plays on, and I would not bet against this kid making his way back up the pecking order!

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

This week, we have been enjoying vacation near Banff National Park in Alberta. Of course, we brought along a soccer ball, and we quickly found a pitch nearby in town with absolutely breathtaking views of the Rockies.

We went there earlier this week to run around and blow off some steam. The kids and other adults went to the playground area. However, I headed for the pitch. I started to practice free kicks, which was a little tough. This was because there was no net in the goal and because so many of my kicks sailed over the bar. :(

An Asian gentleman saw me, and he stationed himself behind the goal. He then proceeded to shag my kicks and return them to me. He also provided some encouraging words along the way. 

After I was done practicing, I proposed a kids versus parents game, and our families and his family joined in this spontaneous kick about. 

The game was competitive, especially with Cate and Nicholas on the opposite side. However, the parents might just have prevailed due to some special play from yours truly and the Asian dad who had started the evening by shagging my free kicks.  It turned out that he was an orthopedic surgeon who was visiting from Beijing, and that he too loved football and Messi. What a small world!

They say that a soccer ball can help break down barriers and bring people of different creeds, nationalities, and political affiliations together. I do not know about all that, but it was clear to me that night that soccer is a beautiful, beautiful game appreciated the world over - from the USA to China by way of Canada!

STORYBOOK ENDING

Yesterday, Barca played the UEFA Super Cup Championship match in Tbilisi, Georgia against its domestic rival Sevilla. A lot was on the line in this match. This is because, Barca had won all three of the trophies available to the club last year. A win in Georgia would have put them one step closer to their goal of a clean sweep of all six possible trophies in this calendar year.

The game started off with a Sevilla goal from a free kick. Not to be undone, Messi equalled with a splendid free kick of his own. He followed this with another free kick goal, and Rafinha and Luis Suarez added one more goal each. Barca led 4-1 at half. However, the game was far from over.

Sevilla fought back and tied the game in the closing minutes. This sent the game to added extra time. In the first period, no goal was to be found. However, more fireworks were to come.

Pedro Rodriguez, a Barca youth prospect, was substituted late in the game, and he had an extra bit of determination. This was not only because he wanted to win another trophy. Rather, it was because he has been strongly linked with a move away from Barca to another club due to lack of playing time. The game in Tbilisi might actually have been his last match in a Barca shirt.

In the second added time period, Messi was fouled outside the box. He blasted a free kick in, but it was blocked by the hand of a Sevilla player. Messi played on and fired in the rebound that the keeper could only parry. Guess who was there to pick up the pieces and put the goal away? If you guessed Pedro, you would be right!

Barca went on to prevail 5-4, and they lifted their fourth trophy of the year.

One could not write a better ending than what we witnessed! We thank you Pedro for your years of service and devotion to this team. If this was indeed your last game, you go out a hero to all cules. Visca Barca!

A FINAL TO REMEMBER

The United States National Team won its third World Cup final recently, and we were very lucky to witness it in person!

The US team started the tournament slowly, and many feared that the US would not make it out of its group stage, labelled the "Group of Death." This was because the US' play early in the tournament was quite lackluster due to a combination of nerves and poor player selections and tactics by Coach Jill Ellis.

These mistakes were corrected as the tournament went on, and the solid US defense that only conceded one goal in five matches kept the American's dreams of a third title alive.

It was fitting that the US' opponent in the final was Japan - the team the US had beaten in the 2012 Olympics, the last major international final, but who had defeated the Americans in the last World Cup final in 2011. 

Japan had played uninspiring, robotic football for the entire tournament, but they did enough to win each of their five games. Most predicted that Japan would bring their A game to the final and that the Americans would face a tough test. 

Those observers were wrong. Because within three minutes, the US was up 1-0 on a Carli Lloyd set piece goal. Two minutes later, Lloyd scored again. Lauren Holliday added a third within the first quarter hour. At twenty minutes, Carli Lloyd scored her third, a beautiful shot from midfield that caught the Japanese keeper off her line.

We and the overwhelmingly partisan US crowd went wild, but there was more excitement to come. Japan scored, and added one more in the second half. However, Tobin Heath from the US quickly responded to make it 5-2, which would be the final score.

I have never been more proud of an American sports team, and I am thrilled that we were able to witness such a remarkable match. Here's to our national team. U-S-A! U-S-A!

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

Good books make one think. Great books, on the other hand hand, make one reflect on one's place in this world. By that metric, All the Light We Cannot See is a fantastic book.

The novel by the American Anthony Doerr is set in wartime Europe and tells the story of two young people - one a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and another a German boy named Werner. The book alternates between their perspectives and tells their war stories, which are seemingly unconnected. However, there is a connection between these characters, and the book is a deep study in empathy and the ties that bind us despite our different nationalities and ideologies.

The book has clear shortcomings. The prose is often pretentious. One of the German characters is really more of a caricature, and Werner's character is not fully developed. Despite this, All the Light We Cannot See manages to move and inspire.

It does so by telling a heartbreaking story from the perspective of two lost souls struggling to survive and maintain their dignity in one of Europe's bleakest times. Pick up the book. You will not be able to put it down. Afterwards, you will appreciate all the light around you that you might not have seen before.

GRADUATION DAY

One of the toughest tickets in town every year is the Arbor eighth grade graduation ceremony. This is because space is limited and because the event is so darn moving. That is why we were so gratified to receive an invitation in the mail from Cate's eighth grade buddy Elena.

At the event, each graduating student gives a speech with content of their choosing. It is amazing how each child has something different to say about his/her experience. Some children talk about where they started off and the person whom they are now. Others mention their favorite experiences at the school. Uniformly though, the children thank the head of school and founder Kit Abel Hawkins. They know that without Kit, Arbor would not exist and that their experience would not have been so magical.

For the parents in the audience, the day is quite bittersweet even if one's own child is not graduating. As I heard the children's speeches, I could not help but reflect on the five years that have passed since Nicholas joined Arbor. In nearly every way, these graduating seniors were a reminder of how ephemeral childhood is. Perhaps that is why I was moved to tears so many times during the ceremony and why I found myself hugging Nicholas in a little more closely as the event wore on.

At the ceremony, many kids encouraged their kindergarten buddies like Cate who were in attendance to appreciate how special Arbor is. Many of the graduates like Elena specifically thanked their buddies and told them how special their relationship with them was. This was not just because the kindergartners are so small and sweet. Rather, in many ways, the kindergartners were a reminder to the eighth graders of how they, too, entered this school full of innocence and naivety and how much they, themselves, had grown in the past nine years.

Afterwards, I gave out countless hugs to the graduates whom I knew and to their parents. Before we left, I found Kit. I looked her in the eye and merely said, "Thank you." No other words were necessary. Afterwards, we hugged, and then we departed.

That day, more than any other, I realized how lucky our family is to be a part of this community and to have such an amazing group of teachers, staff, and students to help our kids grow.

I do not envy any medical school that tries to recruit me away before Cate graduates from Arbor. Jobs are interchangeable, but graduation day reminds me that Arbor is truly one of a kind.

PERFECTION

Most days our greatest dreams are crushed by the harsh reality of the world. That is why Barcelona completing the treble - winning the Spanish League, the Copa del Rey (domestic Cup trophy), and the UEFA Champions League - yesterday was so sweet. Indeed, no team has ever won the treble twice in its history, but that is exactly what Barca achieved yesterday!

This was an exceptionally long road to Champions League glory this time for Barca. Barcelona won its first European Cup, or Champions League title, of this young century and the second in the history of the club in 2006. In 2009, the team won its next Champions League title in Pep Guardiola's first season. Like this year, Guardiola's Barca won the treble that year. Two years later, Barca again hoisted the trophy in Wembley for the club's fourth Champions League title. However, Barcelona was a spectator during the Champions League finals in the past three seasons. Last year we did not even reach the semifinal of that competition and finished the season without any trophies at all.

This season, we started with our fourth coach in four years, Luis Enrique. This instability and an early, slow start left many observers wondering whether Barca would go trophyless again.

However, this team was not about to finish another season empty-handed. Indeed, the team went on a blistering run of form in the second half of the year. In total, Barca ended up winning 50 of its 60 matches in 2014-2015, a staggering result.

They were not always easy victories, and the team relied on a new style of play and personnel to achieve many of those victories. Perhaps that is why this season feels so very special. What we achieved, we achieved in an entirely new way - part possession-based football with a nod to our past but every bit counterattacking football, too.

Certain stars did shine more brightly this season - particularly the frontline trio of Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Lionel Messi (SNM aka "Show No Mercy" as they are known). However, this was a team in every sense of the word. Our defense improved and became more organized and less vulnerable under Enrique. Pique and Mascherano returned to their previous, exceptionally high form. Jordi Alba and Dani Alves also improved their defensive work rate. Further, the Croat Ivan Rakitic entered into the starting midfield rotation while Xavi Hernandez, the greatest attacking midfielder ever, took on the role of super sub.

Unlike their rivals Real Madrid, there was no infighting amongst this team, and Pique has called this Barca team the most unified locker room he has played in. Indeed, selflessness and service in the name of the team permeated every aspect of this team's play and on-field success.

Despite our exceptional collection of players, it was never going to be easy winning the UEFA Champions League - the toughest club competition in the world. Indeed, en route to this title we vanquished the domestic league champions of  Holland, Cyprus, England, France, Germany, and Italy. Those results, including a compelling win against Italian champions Juventus in the final, make this trophy that much more sweet and deserving.

We will not see another team like this ever again. Indeed, Xavi Hernandez is retiring from the club, and Dani Alves may also leave. There are rumors that the coach may go, too. Because how exactly does one top a season of perfection like this one?

It is for all these reasons, that this triumph by Barca reminds one to enjoy the highs in life and to not lose sight of the beauty in everyday victories, both large and small. This sentiment was best summed up by Ivan Rakitic in an interview early in the season where he described his goal. To paraphrase him, he said, "We do not want to win every game. No one can do that. However, we do want to win every trophy available to us!"

Well said Ivan and well done Barca! Simply the best!

MESSI IS GENIUS

My love for all things Barca is well-known to anyone who reads this blog. However, increasingly, Leo Messi is becoming more central to my adoration for that team.

This past weekend, he helped Barca secure its second trophies in as many weeks with a brilliant display in the Copa del Rey. The first of his two goals was quite possibly the best goal I have ever seen him score, and I have seen about 300 of his goals. I am pretty sure that the commentator agrees with me.

On that first goal, Messi's foot skills were astounding. However, Messi's ability to also dribble at such a fast speed and to bamboozle his opponents was something truly special.

Let's hope that Messi brings his magic to Berlin this weekend where the Champions' League trophy awaits. The Treble awaits us, and I would not bet against Messi the Genius.

MI CAPITA, MI CAPITA

My love for soccer came late in life nearly five years ago during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. What captivated me most about watching the game then was the controlled possession of the Spanish National Team.

If that team had an architect or a soul, it would belong to Xavi Hernandez. This is why I was so saddened to hear today that Xavi decided to retire from Barca, his club for the past 25 years.

What has Xavi meant to Spanish football and to Barca? Everything. He helped the Spanish team win its first World Cup and two consecutive European Championships as bookends to the World Cup win. For Barca, he was even more prolific, winning 22 trophies over a 17 year career with the first team as the team's #6, or central midfielder. However, it was Xavi's control and discipline more than the silverware that will leave an even more lasting imprint.

It is clear that Barca's style of tiki-taka, or quick-passing, possession-based, attacking football would not have been possible without Xavi pulling the strings. His vision of the game, his use of space, and his anticipation of his teammates' movements is unrivaled. Indeed, people called Xavi "Chameleon Eyes" because it was as though he could see in all directions at once! Similarly, it was not a surprise when Xavi was the unanimous choice to replace Barca legend Carles Puyol as Capita, or captain, when Puyol retired.

Do not take my word for Xavi's greatness. Here is what his teammate Dani Alves had to say, "While we live in the present. Xavi lives in the future, He thinks ahead of everyone else and he tries to makes everything so much easier." His partner in crime in midfield Andres Iniesta said this, "I have run out of compliments for him. There is no one who can compare to what he represents as a person and player." Finally, his Spanish National Team teammate and Real Madrid rival Iker Casillas said, "People ask me every year who I'd take out of the Barcleona team to give us a better chance of winning, and every year I tell them the same: Xavi. His control and use of the ball make him their best player."

We celebrate Xavi tonight, but both he and we cules realize there is more work to be done this season. We play the final League match of the season this Saturday. Then, we will play the Copa del Rey Final and the Champions League Final over the next two weeks.

Let's make it 3/3 for our Captain and Legend!

Visca Xavi! #6racies! Simply the best!

A FITTING TRIBUTE

This weekend I attended the funeral ceremony of one of my dearest patients - Laszlo Szarvas aka Coach.

I had the privilege to know Coach Las and his son for the past three years. Seeing them always brightened my Tuesday clinic days for several reasons. First, seeing Coach Las gave me the opportunity to talk football with an expert and giant of the game. Coach Las played in two World Cup Finals and one European Championship and also coached Hungary to the World Cup Finals in Spain in 1982. However, I was also moved every time I witnessed the banter devotion between Coach and his son Laszlo during their visits. It was as though they were giving me a lesson on how to stand by someone whom you love and how to keep one's dignity amidst the whirlwind of something as serious as metastatic cancer.

For all those reasons, I was honored when the younger Laszlo invited me to his father's memorial service at the Washington Coast. I was not the only from our clinic who had been touched by this family, and several members of our staff joined me at the memorial. These included two of our study coordinators who met Coach when he enrolled on clinical trials and my nurse.

We talked about how much Coach meant to us on the drive there. We also shared how much our interactions with him and his son had taught us about the importance of living a life one could be proud of like Coach.

Not surprisingly, the memorial was beautiful. The younger Laszlo was a wonderful host. He brought so much dignity to the proceedings and did not misplace a single word as he led us through the remembrance of his dad and finally the scattering of his ashes - fittingly in the shape of a heart.

All this time, I had thought of Coach as my teacher, but it was the younger Laszlo - a man not much younger than me - who was my teacher yesterday.  He showed so much strength and character amidst this greatest loss of his life. I told Laszlo that I knew that he would be eventually be stronger after losing his dead. I also told him that I knew that he would live his life the way his father had - with virtue and compassion and comfort in the fact that if he could survive his dad's passing, he could survive anything.

Afterwards, my team and I stopped off at local bar on the way home. We all raised a glass to Laszlo the older and the younger. What a life we have a chance to live. What tremendous families whom we get to know. What amazing role models these men and women are - these patients, these heroes, these life teachers.

WORTHY WINNERS

Today, Barcelona won its seventh Spanish League title in 11 years and 23rd League title overall.

Fittingly, today's victory came in the Vicente Calderon Stadium of last year's winners Atletico Madrid. I say fittingly because 364 days ago Atletico Madrid wrested the League title from us by drawing us 1-1 at our stadium, the Camp Nou.

The match was very intense - just as the entire season has been for Barca this year. The Catalans were in attack all game long, and the game was decided early in the second half by Leo Messi. He played a beautiful one-two (give and go pass) with Pedro in the box and then slotted the ball home at the far post past the Atletico Madrid goalie. Thereafter, the Barca coach Luis Enrique used all three of his substitutes. That brought both fresh legs and greater defensive purpose to the game, and we easily saw the match out.

Back in Barcelona, Real Madrid defeated our cross-town rival Espanyol. However, it was for naught. This is because our win today left us with a four point lead with only one game - or three points - remaining.

Barca's title this year was a surprise for many reasons. First, we brought in several new personnel both on the pitch and in the dugout.

The Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was recruited. However, he was forced to miss the first two months of the season while serving a ban for biting an opponent in the World Cup. Further, he was not mentally sharp in the first half of the season and found it hard to integrate into our squad.

Second, we also recruited the talented Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic who took over the spot of the great orchestrator Xavi Hernandez in midfield. At times, we did not seem to have cohesion in the middle of the pitch, and many blamed Ivan.

Finally, we also brought in a new coach - Luis Enrique - who was a former Barca player and coach of the Barca B team. Enrique had coached two other first division sides after leaving Barca B, but he had not achieved much success and had never won a trophy as a coach. His policy of rotating stars and picking a different line-up every week for the first half of the season left fans and players scratching their heads.

Despite all of these adjustments, the team had some noticeable strengths this season. First, they were immense defensively and only conceded 17 goals in 37 matches so far. In fact, Barca did not concede a single goal in 33 of those 37 matches. Further, the attacking trio of SNM (Suarez, Neymar, and Messi aka Show No Mercy) selflessly distributed the ball and shared in the goal-scoring responsibilities. This attacking trident left defenses in their wake, scoring 108 goals in League play to date.

After a trophy less 2014, this League title feels very sweet and deserved. It was truly a team title despite individual greatness that specific players demonstrated in specific games. Importantly, we have two more chances at silver wear in the next three weeks. In two weeks, we play the Copa del Rey final at the Camp Nou. In early June, we also have a chance to win our fifth European Cup when we face Juventus in the Champions' League Final.

For now though, let us savor the League title and these wonderful men. If I had to pick one word to describe how I feel about these Barca players, it would be love. Visca Barca and Visca Catalunya!

NICHOLAS' STRENGTH

Nicholas participated in tryouts for a Boys U11 "Classic," or competitive team this week. We were told in advance that this was going to be challenging and that not all kids would be selected. Nicholas was unfazed by this fact. This was quite remarkable since I knew many parents whose children told them that they were too afraid of rejection to even try out.

Nicholas came back from each of the two sessions happy and more confident than when we dropped him off. We were not sure if this was delusional or simply healthy. After the final tryout, we were told to check our email in the morning to see the final decisions.

When I woke up this morning, I found Nicholas downstairs drawing as he often does. However, he did not ask me to check the email or inquire if I knew the status of his acceptance or rejection. I gave him a big hug and told him that I thought he was a world class player and son. I told him that I was proud of him no matter what the decision by the club was. He smiled and went back about his business.

Later this morning, I did receive an email from the club. Nicholas was selected to join the team!

When I returned at the end of the day, I told Nicholas about his acceptance. He was excited.

I asked him how he could be so confident that he would be accepted. He replied that he did not know if he would be accepted. However, he knew that he had tried his best and that he thought his best would be good enough.

I hope he always maintains this same sense of self-confidence without becoming cocky and that he also maintains such a high level of self-worth. Win or lose, accepted or declined, I love this boy like no other.

Here's to Nicholas!

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

There have been many beautiful European nights in the Camp Nou in the history of FC Barcelona. However, there have been few that were sweeter than last night when Barca dismantled Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions' League semifinal match up.

There was quite a bit of drama leading up to the game. This is because this was the first time Barca's former manager and Bayern's current manager Pep Guardiola had faced his old club. In addition, the last time these two teams met in 2013, Bayern won the tie 7-0 on aggregate between the two games.
It is noteworthy that Lionel Messi, the world's best player, did not participate in those two games versus Bayern in 2013, although he bore witness to those blowouts from the bench.

This time the fans held up signs that said "We Are Ready," and the Barca team clearly brought their "A" game last night.

Early on, Barca were the better side, but they could not put away their chances. Similarly, Bayern missed a great opportunity from close range. At half, the score was 0-0. Despite this, Barca looked the much more dangerous of the two sides, and one felt that it was only a matter of time until the Catalans found a breakthrough.

Unsurprisingly, that breakthrough came from the left foot of Lionel Messi at the 77th minute mark. The play started with a turnover in the Bayern end that was forced by Dani Alves. He then slotted the ball to Messi outside the box, who hammered home his first goal in the knockout round of this year's Champions' League competition. Only four minutes later, Messi followed up with a brilliant attack. This attack began with a feint that left the Bayern defender flat on his back and was followed with a cheeky chip by Messi over the Bayern keeper.

Finally, in the 94th minute, Messi sent a through ball to Neymar, who Neymar made the most of the opportunity. That made the score 3-0, and the referee called time on this match shortly thereafter.

You can watch all the highlights here.

Unsurprisingly, the one statistic that Bayern and Guardiola did "win" was time of possession (53%-47%). However, possessing the ball is not enough to decide a game. Controlled possession is much more important, and Bayern were rarely in control. This was due to the collective effort of our players who harassed the Muncheners all night long. Indeed, despite my description of Messi's and Neymar's heroics, this was match decided by the entire Barca team who did not even allow Bayern a single shot on target.

We will enjoy this European night for a long while, especially since I recorded it with my DVR! However, we will not rest until we finish Bayern off next week and win the remaining 5 games - make that 6 games if we make it to the Champions' League final in Berlin later this month! The Spanish league title and the Spanish Cup also hang in the balance, and we must deftly navigate this competitive tightrope if we are to secure the treble (winning all three trophies).

My money is on Barca who never fail to astound me and who continue to create one beautiful European night after the other.

Visca Barca!

THE CROSSOVER

Sometimes certain books just grab you. Kwame Alexander's new book "the Crossover" belongs in that category. 

We picked up "the Crossover" at Powell's in the Portland the airport. We drawn to it because Nicholas has become rather interested in basketball, and the cover of the novel is adorned with the image of basketball player and  with the sticker for the Newbery Award Medal for the best children's book of 2015. 

At first, I began to read the book with Nicholas, but he went on to finish it himself. I had planned to read it with Cate, but Nicholas dissuaded me from this because he said "she is too young for some of what happens." Intrigued, I read the book on my own tonight, and I was blown away.

There are many reasons why "the Crossover" is remarkable. First, the entire book is written in verse - poems or short raps - and tells the story of two young African-American brothers whose dad is a former basketball great. The book never feels gimmicky, and the words and verse are heavy with emotion but also full of life. The story, too, is quite heartfelt. Indeed, the main character Josh is forced to crossover into many new and challenging directions throughout the course of the book. I constantly found myself empathizing with the young man and remembering so many similar experiences from my own childhood. Finally, this is not a dumbed down version of a coming of age story; not everything works out in the end in "the Crossover," and the ending is quite thought-provoking - especially for young readers. How many times can one say that about a book written primarily for tweens?

Pick up a copy of "The Crossover" or check it out from your library. I promise it will not disappoint, but please have your Kleenex handy!

THE HUNT!

This past Saturday the kids took part in an Easter egg hunt in my old neighborhood in Austin during our visit. As you can tell, they were off to the races once the signal was given.

They both cleaned up.

Where is my solid milk chocolate bunny though?

HOW TO MAKE A CATE

Before Spring Break, the kids in Cate's class completed a "mad libs" style exercise. The goal of the project was to create a recipe of themselves. Cate Cate's is shown below. Warning, this girl is sugary sweet, but she is also pretty spicy!

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

We were back in Texas last week for Spring Break. It was a chance to catch up with friends and family and take a break from work.

We started off in San Antonio visiting my sister and my dad. It was great to be back in the land of beef enchiladas and the Riverwalk, and we even took in a Spurs game! The kids had a great time playing with Cousin Jasmine and Jinxy the dog.

From there, we headed to New Braunfels for a "pit" stop at Cooper's, one of the best BBQ joints in the world. The food was excellent, and we even stopped in for a cherry lime slush at Sonic afterwards!

Finally, we finished the trip in Austin. There, we caught up with my mom, brother, and my friend Kate. I was struck by how much Wells Branch, my old neighborhood, had changed. There is a beautiful trail system, library, active neighborhood association. They even put on an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. Simply put, my old neighborhood is cooler than your old neighborhood!

The trip reminded me how much I miss my family and the place I grew up. However, the trip also reminded me that my life is firmly centered in Oregon now. My job, most of my friends, and so much of what I find beautiful in the world is right here. In short, my roots are here in Portland. 

Thank goodness for planes and vacations though that allow one to reconnect. Let me also remind the readers that flights not only depart from Portland to Texas. They also fly in the opposite direction! Next trip is on you family!