I miss the phone call by one ring and look down to see that Jordan was the caller. When I pickup the voicemail, the commentary is immediate. No “hello” or useless pleasantries. –Dad, when I lose my hair my friend says I should use your clippers to shave it off, so I’ll make a deal with you. I will shave my head if you will shave your face. Love, your daughter, Jordan.

Jordan did well at her MRI yesterday. As we suspected, the tumor has grown again. It was 11mm in March, 15mm in June and it is now estimated at 19mm. Most likely as a result of its increased size, we are also seeing swelling on the upper part of her spine. All of which tells us we must act. Fortunately, the LA and Chicago-based oncology teams agree that we should hold off on surgery due to the risks.

She reported to CHLA at 7:30 this morning for a new MRI scan. She’s in the tube now. Tomorrow, she and I will head north to share the new scans with a Stanford neurosurgeon. And then, she goes to camp for a week. One step at a time…

I start “Why Don’t You Do Right” on the stereo. Upstairs I hear her voice singing along. A few minutes later she thumps down the stairs. –Get out of here, give me some money, too. She sings along, missing several words but trying to carry the tune. Just as she’s getting it, she interrupts herself. –Dad, is this Peggy Holiday? –Peggy Lee. –She really is a good singer. –I’m a fan.

We play games when we gather for dinner, especially when we eat out. We began the practice several years ago to prevent the incessant quarrels the kids would start when left to their own conversations. Word association games are our favorite. Jordan is quite good at these. I think it is the truest sign of her intelligence. Though her brain starts and stutters over matters of common logic, she can string ideas together with an uncommon and poetic wit.