Sunday, May 14, was a terrific day in many respects for the Schaefer family. We began with a Mother’s Day brunch for Cookie at Bistro 110 and all kids were in attendance. From there we went to the Aire Crown Theatre at McCormick Place to witness George III graduate from Northwestern University Law School (“with honors,” I might add)! What a proud moment for all of us as evident in the photo.
I would have never thought back on May 1 that I’d ever be able to participate in Sunday’s festivities. With the blessing and encouragement of my doctor, however, we did it! Other than twice-weekly visits to the NMH clinic, this was my first venture into the public—my “graduation” of sorts. It was great! While I’ve accepted the fact that my recovery is not going to be as swift as I would like, this was a major milestone. I’m still quite weak and fatigued both physically and mentally but each day gets better. I’ve lost 20+ pounds and nap quite a bit. I’m just now beginning to do some of my “office work” at home after doing nothing for eight weeks! I can’t begin to express my gratitude to Gene, Anje and the entire crew at Schaefer’s for picking up the ball for me – you’re the best!
My other bit of great news is that my doctor said that there is no reason that I cannot go on our 10-person father-son fishing trip on June 23. This had been planned long before I even knew what “stem cell transplant” meant and I have really been looking forward to it. Look out fish, here come the Schaefer men!
Thank you again for your interest and wonderful support.
George & family
May 16, 2006 at 9:20 pm
Cuno,
Great, great news. I’m sure it was a terrific day for all.
Metz
May 17, 2006 at 7:11 am
George, Cookie and the entire family:
What a terrific way to celebrate your first post-transplant “venture into the public”, George! We know it must have been a very special Mother’s Day for Cookie. And, congratulations to Georgie (i.e., “III”).
George, most people would love to be able to lose 20+ pounds and to have an opporunity to nap a lot, but none of us would want to do it your way. We don’t think your diet formula is a “fad” that ever will catch on.
As for the family photo, everyone’s expressions reflect their joys of the day. George, perhaps you may want to consider changing your nickname from “Cuno” to “Cue Ball”. And, it seems that Bobby would win the pre-transplant George look-a-like competition.
Enjoy the fishing trip, guys…”fish on”!
Love,
Bob & Annette
May 17, 2006 at 10:16 am
As always thank you for the update and congratulations to George on his graduation. Do you think he can represent me on some parking tickets?
Love,
Liz
May 18, 2006 at 8:19 am
Great news!
It must be tough to get all 10 fishermen to agree on the same fish story.
Have a great time.
May 19, 2006 at 12:26 pm
WHAT A FABULOUS PICTURE OF ALL OF YOU…HAD TO HAVE MADE FOR A WONDERFUL MOTHER’S DAY FOR COOKIE AND A PROUD MOMENT FOR YOU BOTH…LOVE,BEVY
May 24, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Great News, Cuno and I know all enjoyed your attendance at those important family events. tell George that things have improved since my graduation from NU Law…we got our diplomas in the mail!! We’re still reserving you a place in the beer tent at the ND Class of ‘66 reunion the weekend of June 1-4. Arlis hasn’t returned my Gulfstream yet but I can certainly arrange for transportation befitting a celebrity like yourself. I wonder if Bill Contos (Chez Paul) still has that Saudi Arabian Rolls Royce that Oelerich brought to an ND game a while back??!! Keep up the good work and hope to see you soon.
Frank & Debby Murtha
May 29, 2006 at 3:34 pm
Have been away for about a month and checked in for your update. You and your whole family look fantastic! Keep up the good work and continue to take good care of yourself, George / Cookie!
Mary Anne Edwards
June 1, 2006 at 8:22 am
Dear George and Cookie – Jim has been wonderful about passing your progress on to Phil and me. Yours is such a lesson in all the things that life is really about – love of family, trust and hope in God, and, hardest of all, patience.
Take good care of yourselves (Cookie, too!) and know that people from all corners of your life are praying for you and glad things are going along, though not so fast, well.
Love, Kate
June 1, 2006 at 2:01 pm
George,
The May 14 pic is great. We think that is a good look for you – clean-shaven all around and svelt. It will be tough to keep when you are back to the munchies at the store. Keep up the good work. And congrats on having George join the rest of us 50,000 lawyers in Cook County!
Jim & Pattie
June 3, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Dear George,
I first learned of your illness and transplant last night when some of the guys
called me from the reunion. I was both saddened and yet, at the same time
pleased, when I learned of your recent stemcell transplant. I share some great
of our Freshman year together when I switched my major to Ray Charles.
I am even more encouraged now that I read you are up, getting stronger and now
have a letter from Charle Weiss!
I will stay in touch with you and plan to see you at the 50th, if not sooner.
You are in my prayers.
Frank