Sun,
12 Dec 2004
Holiday
Fun
Yeah,
I know. It's been since the first of December that
I sent out an email. Very deliquent. I finally decided
my life feels like I'm on a treadmill that is on a
people mover. Life is moving very quickly for me these
days. Some times it feels so chaotic and busy. I am
determined to find quiet time to sit in front of the
Christmas tree listening to Christmas music with only
the tree lights on this week.
After Jade's appt with the oncologist on 1 Dec, he
and his older brother headed on a road trip to see
the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and down to AZ to
see their sister outside of Phoenix. This was like
a 48 hour whirlwind tour.
We met with some friends Sat and saw family on Sun
and then, surprise - - went back to Disneyland on
Mon the 7th. We got some buddy passes (Thanks B &
G) and headed down Mon through Thurs. I had made the
mistake of mentioning to Jade how much fun the trip
to Disneyland was and that if he was healthy enough
we should go back in Jan or Feb or springtime. He
said, "I may not have that kind of time, but
let's go again and take Jared (his younger brother)
and Kayla and go make some memories." Jade is
trying to spend time with family and make memories
with his siblings this month as much as he reasonably
can. It was a great trip and Garrett loved having
his cousin, Kayla, along this time.
We had a great time and attached some pictures of
the adventure. The first one to me is almost magical.
Kayla is on Jared's shoulders and Garrett is on Jade's
shoulders as they watch the fireworks the first night.
Christmas music is playing and they have "snow"
afterwards falling in Disneyland. The look on their
faces is so beautiful and magical to me. Great memories
from this trip.
As far as treatment goes, we're obviously chose to
take the month of December off. Jade wants a break
and a chance to make more memories while he's feeling
good. We're AMAZED that his health is holding as well
as it is. There are rough moments and such, but all
in all, Jade is doing ok. Some discomfort and pain
but still remarkable that he is able to be as active
as he is.
So, what will Jan bring? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Good question.
We're still looking at the chemo and radiation and
trying to make a decision. We're talking with HCI
and our DRs there. (They are supportive of Jade taking
the month of Dec off too.) So, who knows. Still holding
that quarter trying to decide whether to flip it or
not. ( I LAUGH when I think back to 2003 and how ready
I was to see it go and get 2004 here! Wow. That must
be one of my "dumber" moments in life. Yeah,
sure, 2004 has been so much better than 2003. Sigh.
Let's just say I'll be ringing in 2005 very cautiously.)
Through it all, trying to have faith and hope in God's
plan for our family. Trying to enjoy the holiday season
despite a lot of laundry and overdue errands from
the last couple trips. We are loving listening to
Christmas music and since we are such Christmas music
freaks, we made a couple CDs of our favorite songs.
Last night I fell asleep listening to the Charlie
Brown Christmas CD. Something very moving about Christmas
music.
"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God
is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail,
the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will
to men."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We hope your families and your homes have that peace
this month. We are grateful for the miracle we have
to have this month to enjoy and make memories as a
family. We love you and are grateful for your continued
hope and faith. Happy Holidays.
Much love and a cup of hot chocolate................................Tanya
and co.
