2/5/12 (Sunday):  We made it to New Zealand today.  The trip was much more pleasant than we expected and Wiley is doing amazingly well since his most recent adjustment.  He walked about a mile today!

Sadly, while we were still en route (in Los Angeles with my sister), we learned that Wiley's father passed away in his sleep on February 2. Our hearts are heavy, especially because we cannot be there with the rest of the family, but we know that he would have wanted us to continue our trip. We're thankful that his passing was peaceful and that the family's long, difficult caretaking journey has finally come to an end. He will be sorely missed.
The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle
warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes
on in sweet refrains.....
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
- Author Unknown