Happy Freedom!
I just had my 8th month post-chemo oncology appointment. It's been eight months since Thanksgiving- it's hard to believe.
During the winter, Mom kept me under wraps and still away from the public eye (and germs) until my Make A Wish trip to Orlando, Florida. Once we made it through that, Mom and Dad realized (finally) that the worst may actually be behind us and it was safe now for me to get out some and it would actually be to my detriment to keep me inside and hidden forever.
They realized there's a lot of life to live and I had best catch up- no more hiding my light under a bushel- no!
I'm free, Baby. Watch out world- they're setting me free!!! Happy Independence Day to me!!!!
So, really, since that time of deciding it's ok for me to get out and involved in things, I've been busy, busy, busy, and not too free at all. Ha!
First order of business-
I started going back to church! I stay in the pew and say my alleluias with my cousins and I like it! I got to take a family picture with my special prayer buddy, Fr. Angel, on a day my siblings served at Mass. He and this whole parish held me in their hearts when I was unwell and I can't ever thank them enough. It's been great going to church as a family now and seeing my church family. Truly truly faith has had so much to do with my success in beating this disease. I can't say enough about the power of prayer. I still haven't mastered the Our Father, I say "give us our presents" instead of "forgive us our trespasses." But mom lets it slide because I have indeed been given so many presents from God- each day is a gift when you're a cancer survivor- so it makes sense. I'll keep praying. You can keep it up too. Sometimes just praying for understanding is helpful, even if you don't end up getting what you want. If you look hard enough, you'll see all the presents God has given you. Mine are almost too numerous to count.
Second order of business- therapy! I go to speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and Hippo Therapy (which is actually with horses not hippopotamuses.) Lots of learning going on to prepare me for school in the fall. Mom and Dad are hoping I'll be able to be mainstreamed and in school with typical kids. I act pretty typical and even though I'm a bit delayed in a lot of what I can do, I am proving I can do most things, on my own timeline. My newest sentence is this, and it's a long and clear one, even people who don't normally talk to me can understand my words, "I know I can do it, by myself!" I say it often and it applies to just about everything.
Third order of business, summer fun! Mom signed me up for T-ball. I'm learning to hit the ball and run the bases. During my most recent game I skipped first base all together and ran straight to second base after hitting the ball. It wasn't quite what people expected, but I made it there with my adorable little run and effectively stole first. I like keeping people on their toes. My siblings are my coaches and it's been lots of fun.
Mom also signed me up for swimming lessons. I've got no fear of jumping into the water and I just started using my arms to reach and my legs to kick. I'm not all that good at blowing bubbles yet, but at least I'm not drinking the pool water. I've got a patient coach and am getting stronger all the time.
Last order of business, cooking. It really goes back to this. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Mom has used cooking as a teaching tool since I said one of my first words, "cup" in reference to a measuring cup. We used it as speech therapy as I talk though the recipes, occupational therapy with all of the twisting and stirring and even as physical therapy because of the core strength building I do standing on a chair while cooking with no other support. I have been doing a lot of cooking this summer and my interest in food has increased as my chemo-tongue has gone away- meaning food tastes like food again. Last night I even ate cauliflower. Recently I've been making cookies for my NANNA who is going through her own physical therapy, after she broke her leg earlier this summer. She's been a real trooper working on building her core strength, just like me.
This cancer journey for me is nearly through, as our doctor said today. He is planning on transferring us from the cancer clinic to the survivorship clinic and soon we will only be going into the hospital once every two months instead of monthly. As our visits lessen, we are still trying to remember those in need. We brought in books for the other kids today (thank you donors!!) and we are so happy that Mom's blood drive turned out so well (thank you donors!!) We have learned that as individuals we are capable of many things indeed, but as a group of individuals, much like those who fought for America's independence, we can make a much bigger difference working together, giving together, praying together.
Thank you, as always, for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you for giving books and giving blood. Here's hoping you enjoy your freedom, freedom to work hard and learn and make changes in your life to be the best you that you can be. I am doing the same. This life isn't a gimme- it's a gift! Enjoy your presents and may you enjoy your freedom.
Today after the trip to the hospital I went to the Zoo.
Here I am pretending to be an elephant.
I absolutely love the train at the Zoo too.
