A Gentle Reminder

Today served a (not-so) gentle reminder that my daughter is still sick and still has a ways to go before we can go home.  She vomited more today than she has in a long time.  Ativan, Benadryl...they were no match for Lucy.  We arrived at St. Jude around 9:00 this morning and didn't leave until after 4:00.  It was a long day to say the least.  Lucy received platelets and that always takes a long time.  What stinks is that she will probably need blood tomorrow, so we are looking at another long, long day.  She was so tired tonight she actually slept through her dressing change.  That has never happened before!

Please continue to pray for our friend Lanie.  Her parents are living my worst nightmare.  My heart is literally broken for them.  I am not at liberty to post their Caringbridge site, but I appreciate so many asking.  Please just know that they are taking a very sick baby home and are committed to loving her until the bitter end.  Lanie has been blessed with amazing parents and they are firmly planted in the will of God.  Lanie may have many years, or she may not.  I could say the same for my Lucy and every other child here.  As a matter of fact, none of us are guaranteed anything more than the moment. 

I've learned to cherish that moment.  I soak in every smile, every laugh, every tear. 

I went to the exercise room tonight after my couch to 5k training.  As I was crossing from Target House 1 to TH 2, I stopped to watch all the little bald-headed children playing to care free on the playground.  The playground is absolutely amazing and this Memphis weather matched perfectly tonight.  My eyes filled with tears as I thought about how many families are displaced and how many children have become adjusted to this new life of theirs.  Some mothers were talking to each other.  Some were alone, clearly deep in thought and pondering their current situation.  Selfishly, it makes me happy to leave this place.  It's hard seeing that every, single day.  On the other hand, there is an unspoken solidarity that binds us mothers and familes together as we fight our individual monsters.  This place, St. Jude and Target House, has been very good to us.  They have both given us Hope. 

More tomorrow night.  Thank you for always praying.