It's hard to believe it has only been one week since we found out about Allison's tumor. It feels like an eternity and we have only just begun. We are getting depleted and feeling every minute of strain. Right now my only arsenal is my ability to soothe Allison. I've sung every lullaby from her infancy at least five times today and they work wonders. It also helps me to relax when I see her face soften into sleep. I also glimpsed a tired smile and a few giggles from her today which gave me enormous hope, but we still have mountains to climb before we get back to that sparkle in her eyes and infectious laugh. She still is not speaking and it kills me not to hear her voice.
TV seems too harsh; memories and stories of school friends and other fun activities still cause some pain. But music is really helping, and if any of you want to burn lullaby music and other soothing CD's that may be your favorites we would really appreciate it. We are still limiting visitors just because the hubbub of the hospital is about all we can handle right now. We are back to that schedule so many of us knew when we had babies--a little activity, a little food, and a little sleep are our timetable all day. Therapy has started and there are angels lurking here that give me something to go on hour by hour. Today two of them swooped in with a backpack loaded to the gills with fun games, a hot pink Leapster, and lots of other crafts that seemed handpicked for Allison. To be the recipient of so much generosity helps a tiny bit to soften the hard blows we have sustained. And Allison did appreciate that both Hanukkah and her birthday arrived on April 11 when I showed her the bounty.
Thanks for staying tuned and for keeping us bolstered. Your kindness and reminders of the wide world outside help keep us afloat. Soon we hope to join it again, when we will live every day to the utmost. For now, please do it for us!! Just do it, whatever it is you want. Life is too precious to waste any minute.
Love,
Dianna
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16 comments:
Thinking of you and your beautiful family every minute of every day...stay strong.
Love, Tracy, Russ, Ben & Sam
Dear Winns, Litvaks and Fishmans, If love,caring,positive thoughts and prayers can possibly help, know that you are covered from Alabama. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, every minute of every day. We are so grateful for this website. It keeps us close, but we still wish we were closer geographically and could be of help to you all. I'm hoping that beginning therapies will be a turning point for Allison, and that you will very soon have your wonderful daughter back. Our love to you all, the Alabama Fishmans, Monroes and Neymans
Dearest Allison, Brian, Dianna and Emily
My thoughts and prayers have been with you guys this past week and Chris not being much of prayer guy is sending good karma your way.
I can't even imagine what the past week has been like but your courage, strength and love will guide you - as will the promise of more bright smiles from that oh so beautiful girl of yours.
We are here when you need us - a play date, a school pickup, a babysitter, a run to the store, - anything now or in the weeks ahead we are close and ready to do whatever!!
Lots of love - Bekah ( and my gang- Chris, Cec and Eli)
Allison,
I just checked in one more time to see if how your day went today. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed getting some presents. Sounds like you got some pretty cool stuff. I hope that makes up for the long days in the hospital at least a little bit. And I hope tomorrow is a good day.
Love,
Mary (Zoe's mom)
PS - Zoe is asleep tonight, too. She keeps writing you notes, but I will help her send you a message on the blog soon.
Allison - Hooray - a leapster! Anytime you want to borrow games, Jack would love to share his stash. You are such a brave and strong girl! Keep giving your Mom and Dad smiles!! We love you!!
Jill (& Jack)
Allison,
I'm going to send my favorite lullaby's by Brahms that I use today when I am traveling far from home. If I remember correctly, "Lullaby" is the song from the bear hanging on Katie's bed post (from when it hung over her baby crib).
Brahms was a German composer who lived a long time ago (which to kids is a long, long, long, long, did I mention, long time ago). He was 7 years old when he learned the piano! His music was influenced by Beethoven, Mozart and German Folk Music. He is one part of the 3 great "B's" of German composers: Beethoven, Bach and Brahms.
I hope you will enjoy the calm and soothing music he composed.
Jim
Dear Allison, You don't know us but we are friends of your mom and aunt Marcy from college and we live in Montana. What a week you have had. We wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and wishing you the speediest recovery possible. We can tell just by reading all of the messages that you are an amazing, strong kid. So hang in there and keep fighting! Someday when you are feeling better we hope we get to meet you- we have three girls of our own and they are always looking for new friends. Plus, you and your family would have lots of fun visiting Montana! Until then we will be thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon. Love, Laura And Dave Roe
Hi Allison,
I just burned a CD for you with songs from Enya. They are soft and soothing as lullabies, and helped soothe Max and Ethan on nights they couldn't sleep.
Hugs to you all,
Kathy, Jay, Max and Ethan
hi b + d --- don't have anything to say; just thinking about you guys.
thank you for sharing this experience so nakedly
It is a season of renewal. I know you will move from darkness to light--to healing, to wholeness, to normalcy. Thank God for modern medicine and thank God for the love of families and friends. We're watching and sending good energy from miles and miles away.
Love, Cat, Curt, Marit and Greer
Allison,
It's your friends again writing to say hi and tell you about our day in room 212.
Zoe says, today we are writing poems and performing Reader's Theater.
Ella says, I like you. I can't wait to have a playdate with you.
Ricardo says, I miss you.
Nicholas says, I'm sorry you missed the egg drop today. Mine was the only boy egg who survived.
Gaige says, I wish you were here. I put my egg in a rocket ship, but it still broke!
Haley says, I hope you feel better. You are a good friend, Allison. The kids all wish you were here.
Mrs. Young says, I miss your bright smile and your bright ideas.
Dear Allison, Brian, Dianna, and Emily,
We send positive thoughts and prayers to all of you. As Brian came to the aid of our family recently, we are here to help in any way we can.
Nancy and Tom Howe
While you are taking care of Allison, please be sure to take care of yourselves.
It must be almost impossible, but try to get some sleep and remember to eat.
So many people are willing to do anything to make this ordeal more bearable. Please lean on us, when you are ready
Your are always in my thoughts.
Dear Brian and Dianna,
I can't begin to tell you how moved I am when I read about the many reactions you are expressing, quite eloquently. Your honesty is humbling.
We are thinking of you all, praying for your sweet Allison, and feeling positive about her recovery . We want to help in any way we can.
Keep your strength and know so many people are sending prayers for all of you!
Love,
Peg, Dave, & Debra
Brian, Dianna and Emily,
We're sending love to your family and thinking about you all the time. We're here for anything you need, please just ask. Hugs,
Christina and Michael Sevilla
Hi Allison!
I am so happy that you are getting stronger and better! I always new you were a strong little girl. I have been busy at school getting ready for end of the year business and activities. I wrote a grant to get some money for an after school program and to help with getting more p.e. equipment for next year. I sure do miss you a lot! I saw the picture of Mickey and Minnie visiting you. How cool is that!
Anyway, I just wanted to say "hi" and let you know that I am thinking of you often.
Keep getting well.
Love,
Ms Salter
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