What a great time. We almost didn't go, because Allison woke with a bad nose bleed at 1:15 on Wed. morning, but as our oncologist pointed out, we have just as much risk in Denver as we do in Chicago, and after spending all night in the Childrens ER, we were ready for some fun. We conquered the American Girl store, an overwhelming, but fun, place. We stayed in luxurious accommodations at the Drake Hotel, promenading with all of the fancy people on Michigan Avenue. We took the El in from Midway, an adventure, had high tea at the Drake ($$$$!), marveled at the Shedd Aquarium, and at the coolest piece of art I've ever seen in Millennium Park. It was a great trip. I posted our pictures in a link to the right, and of course, scanned the famous cover girls who had a photo shoot at the American Girl store. I decided our family's story is similar to Kit, American Girl from the Depression, who faced major changes in her life when her dad lost his job, but rolled with the changes and still learned from them. We met some wonderful people, too. Now back to reality! Bummer about the Rockies, but we are still proud of them. We got some cool stuff from Dinger--he is the nicest mascot I've ever met.
Bye for now.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Update
We now have three chemo treatments under our belts. Spent time at the new Children's, which is a remarkable place, although there are still some bugs to work out. It is cool that some of the stress of being at that old cramped building has been eradicated, and there are so many new things to marvel at at the new hospital. But let's face it, it's still a hospital! I would much rather not have to go there. I keep reading about people who say that cancer has its good side, and I guess one good side for us are the amazing people we have met who have helped us through this. We saw many of them this past week.
I haven't been able to update you all. I hit a real low point and didn't have the energy. All of the stress of the past six months culminated and we all realized we had a long way to go without any end in sight. I know time is on our side and we will get to the end but I don't know how. Again, we are getting relief from friends and family in the most unexpected ways. When I need a lift, I get it from something nice someone does. And being with Emily and Allison, of course, who demand so much but also give back unlimited love and inspiration.
We saw a bunch of people who all said how great Allison looks. When I hear that from someone who hasn't seen her in awhile, I realize they are right. I can't believe how far she has come. She has been going to school, which is such an achievement. She loves going there, and we know that if she wants to stay home it is because she really doesn't have the energy. But when she does get there the kids have been great, and her teacher and principal have been understanding and helpful. Girl Scouts has been a great source of support and fun for her. The teacher organized the kids and their parents to make dinner for us every other week! The most beautiful mac and cheese and cookies are made by second graders who are learning how important it is to take care of others. A friend of mine also has been teaching her tap dancing, and I think she really loves doing something with her body and seeing it move. She is able to remain involved in the things she loves, which has been important for her to remain some sense of normalcy. I hope she can continue to do it as we get farther along.
I haven't been able to update you all. I hit a real low point and didn't have the energy. All of the stress of the past six months culminated and we all realized we had a long way to go without any end in sight. I know time is on our side and we will get to the end but I don't know how. Again, we are getting relief from friends and family in the most unexpected ways. When I need a lift, I get it from something nice someone does. And being with Emily and Allison, of course, who demand so much but also give back unlimited love and inspiration.
We saw a bunch of people who all said how great Allison looks. When I hear that from someone who hasn't seen her in awhile, I realize they are right. I can't believe how far she has come. She has been going to school, which is such an achievement. She loves going there, and we know that if she wants to stay home it is because she really doesn't have the energy. But when she does get there the kids have been great, and her teacher and principal have been understanding and helpful. Girl Scouts has been a great source of support and fun for her. The teacher organized the kids and their parents to make dinner for us every other week! The most beautiful mac and cheese and cookies are made by second graders who are learning how important it is to take care of others. A friend of mine also has been teaching her tap dancing, and I think she really loves doing something with her body and seeing it move. She is able to remain involved in the things she loves, which has been important for her to remain some sense of normalcy. I hope she can continue to do it as we get farther along.
- Some things we have been laughing about and doing lately:
We love the song that Jane and Michael sing about finding the perfect nanny in Mary Poppins. - Watching the Rockies!!!! Go, go, go!!! We hope to go to one World Series game!
- Getting ready to go to Chicago and the American Girl store from Oct. 25-28.
- Mooning over Zac Efron--so cute.
- Emily joining Daisy Scouts.
- Emily learning to write phonetically and making books every day since school started.
- the tooth fairy has visited our house three times in the past week: once for Allison and twice for Emily!
We'd love to hear from you if you want to write back and let us know something great--a reaction to the blogs, something silly, or just to say hi.
Best,
Dianna
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