Our social worker warned us that 2 months after we finished Erin's treatments that we would start to really feel the repercussions of what we had just gone through. We lived on adrenaline for 7 1/2 months. We lived each day one at a time. We learned to expect the worst and to praise the smallest of small improvements. So in February when we were struggling to be "normal" again and we hit a depressive slump, John and I talked about what would make us the happiest. My reply was, "go on our make-a-wish trip and then be done with life." (I'm not as crazy as I sound!)
We have been looking forward to this trip for almost a year now. Some quiet times in the hospital I would imagine our family laughing and playing at Disneyworld and not being torn apart between home and hospital and not having the word "cancer" be a part of our daily vocabulary.
Our make-a-wish trip has been a part of our everyday discussion. The kids are thrilled beyond comprehension. We are so excited to enjoy a huge break and a special time to be together enjoying one another's companionship - without the thoughts of cancer. Just the other day we received details about our trip and about staying in the Give Kids The World Village, which is specially for make-a-wish families. I bawled while I read the letter out loud to John. My heart has been so full just thinking about how special this is for our family and for Erin.
I have so many wonderful experiences I want to share about Erin's Princess Ball that make-a-wish threw for her and some awesome stuff I want to share about Sky View High School and their student body officers, but that will have to come in a later post.
I have so many people to thank. I once started out writing thank you cards to as many people as I could think of, but I know that I couldn't write enough cards to everyone who has been so kind to our family. The list grows by more and more people everyday. We are very grateful for your love, your prayers, your support, your hugs, your meals, your friendship, and your faith in us and in our Savior. I keep wondering who the amazing people were who left many treats, surprises, and Christmas gifts on our doorstep. We wish we knew your names so that we could thank you personally! Thank you for reading this blog and passing it on to others who have similar trials. We only hope that this blog can help others to see that there is success over AML out there.
I want to thank EVERYONE who has been so generous in donating to our CureSearch Team Little Air Bear. We are thrilled about how much money our team has raised and will continue to raise. Our kids are excited about fundraising and at the end of the month they want to throw a lemonade stand and a fingernail painting stand to help raise more money. So, be watching our street and please make a stop if you see the kids out with their signs and lemonade/fingernail polish.
Finally, I want to thank my older sister who also chopped her hair off this week. You can see pictures HERE. She had a previous hair donation that was 12'' long that she never mailed in and then with the cut she just did she had another 14'' to mail in. With my 10'' we total 36'' of hair to donate. I am so excited about this! I love doing things for a good cause.
Sorry about that interjection into your phone call with Brent :). I was over to wish him luck as 2nd counselor in y'all's bishopric and to talk to him about a carpentry project. You are awesome though, I really do mean that. Also, I hope you know that I see your blog not just about being a reminder that people can survive AML, but that people can survive all the diseases that fall under the word "cancer." Maybe I've already said this - and please forgive me if I have - but I honestly thought that if my father died (which, as you know he did) from his cancer that I would be bitter towards and jealous of those whose loved ones survived it. The blessing is is that I am not - I feel the exact opposite. I am filled with extreme gratitude for each person - adult & child - who survives it. I am grateful that another family didn't have to go through what my family did/is. I wouldn't wish loosing a loved one too soon on anyone. So, thank you Jill and God bless you for writing and telling Erin's story and letting me have moments of gratitude and joy because you didn't have to go through that. Enjoy your time away, together, and being treated extra special. Y'all are awesome because you went through it and found the strength to do it, and to continue to do it (because you are forever changed) with such grace and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteI am SOOOO happy that you guys have your MAW trip coming up! It is AMAZING! It'll way exceed even the fantastic expectations you already have of it. Have a WONDERFUL time!! You guys deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the overwhelming feelings of gratitude for all the nice things people have done for you. It is impossible to thank everyone, isn't it. Hopefully they get it. :)
woops that was briana, not eric. :)
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for you all with your MAW trip! Take lots of pics so we can see those looks of sheer magic on each of your faces! We know what a hard journey it's been and you all deserve this time away together...without cancer! We are so glad that--even though tough circumstances brought us together--we have you all as lifelong friends. Say hi to Mickey and Minnie for us. Love you guys!
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