Consistency - Day 127

Busy Busy.  Interim Maintenance is not quite as intensive with the number of hospital/clinic visits overall, so we have had a relatively normal last 10 days.  Normal meaning Polly and I have both been able to work and also try to enjoy some of the little parts of this time of the year.  Ellie's blood counts have remained high since her last in patient stay, thankfully, and so as a result Halloween was a full go.

T & E went as Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  We were able to go around one of the quieter, little kid friendly neighborhoods nearby.  Quieter being key so as to try to stay away from too many germs.  They both had a blast and it was a joy to see them get into their first real trick or treating experience.  The Candy?  Yes, that would be the least of their desires.  The super highlight for both was jumping out of the stroller to run up to the front door and ring the "ding dong" (doorbell).  We could have ended the night right there and they would've gone home happier than clams.  They figured they should take something from the large bowl that every gracious adult who answered lowered down to mouse ears level and put in their bags.  That is after all apparently just what you do.  And then?  Race back to the stroller where Timmy proudly proclaimed "Mama - go NEXT HOUSE" where another ding dong awaited.  Priceless times.  And even better to feel like nothing was wrong for a night.

Ellie went in for labs this morning to qualify her for her #2 of 4 in-patient stays this coming weekend for this phase of treatment.  On Friday, we'll head back down to El Camino Hospital in Mtn View for the 4 day stay. Knowing the drill now will likely make the weekend go a little faster than last time.  Having her immune system stay above 1000 for over two weeks now has been a huge blessing.  It allowed us all to do flu shots and really get good n' ready for the cold season.  She is losing a little more of what's left of her hair (thankyou, Vincristine) but still asks on occasion in the morning while I am getting ready if I could comb it for her like I do mine.  I sure hope her innocence, in what seems to be the purest form, lasts until we can call her "cured".  It fuels the rest of my day.

The soccer season has now started for me so there isn't as much time as I like to write.  It still remains a very therapeutic outlet and keeps my eyes wide open with perspective despite the daily grind.  We're fortunate to have some quieter weeks right now.  Any chance you can to refuel and renew, you do it.  Ellie has been doing pretty good and we just hope that continues throughout this phase.  Getting through the upcoming weekend in-patient is our next obstacle.  We'll be ready for it.

Yesterday, the message in the All Saints Day school mass centered around the idea that the Saints were folks who became who they were because they were consistent with their path.  They didn't waver.  I think its interesting that either I am listening a little more intently on some days or this particular Homily just seemed to coincide at the right moment to outside thoughts circling the brain which I can pair together perfectly.  I heard a very reassuring and resounding  - Stay the Course.  Now, I'm not going to go mow some corn down and build a ball field, but you HAVE to hear this type of message from time to time.  A church service, a song on the car radio, a quote, a dialogue with a student you'd never expect to have, a call from a family member or friend.  I'm listening and I'm hearing many great things from many corners that help us consistently commit and do what we need to do.  Throw in a night of "ding dongs" and we've got some laughter along the way to smooth some of the rough edges out.

I hope you will pray for another little friend or ours at LPCH tonight, 5 year old Bailey.  She is one of these wonderful children who know not what is happening to them but only how to move forward with their days the best way they know how.  We are praying for her recovery, for her parent's strength, and for some smiles to show themselves soon.  The consistency in a kid's smile can speak volumes without physically saying a word.  It is familiarity in a simple form which in turn provides comfort.  If you listen, they in their own way are telling us adults that everything is going to be ok.