Last Admit to Children's!

We'll still be here every week (later monthly) at Children's in the Oncology Clinic for Brayden to get chemo for 3 years to come. But today marks a major milestone in his nearly 7 months of treatment. Last night was Brayden's last admission for Chemo, and we pray, the last time he'll have to stay in the hospital here! He got to go back to the dungeon (or the cave - Behave in the Cave?) and had the same room again. His sedation yesterday went well. Everyone noticed his lack of hair since last time, but JUST enough to do a tiny mohawk! He wasn't looking forward to yesterday. There were some tears that ripped my heart out. I just kept trying to help him focus on how this would be the last time he'd stay overnight, and he'll have a break from the spinals for a while that have really been causing a lot of back pain. He pushed through and did well.

The sedation dizzy medicine always gives Brayden a different type of reaction. Yesterday, it was a British accent while telling a knock-knock joke sweet Sedation Team Member Shannon had told him. You know the one - the old banana, banana, orange you glad I didn't say banana? He had a GOOD time of giggling with that one...and re-telling it over and over. Silly man. Thankfully, while sedated, they gave him the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 so he didn't have to feel them. His arm is sore, but that's to be expected. I was so glad they finally got enough in to give him his vaccination and will be a little less nervous.

Coming over to the unit to be admitted was an odd comfort. The sweet nurses and techs gave him hugs and hellos all around. He had a good dinner and we watched some cartoons after work was over. After the 2nd try, his kidneys were ready for the Cytoxin. But before, he jumped into my couch bed with me and celebrated with some popcorn he requested. Before I knew it, we were both snoozing so snuggly! He finally got his chemo at 10 and Ara-C with it as well. Thankfully, his stats through the night looked good. No fevers, thank goodness. The nurse just came in and told us he'll have Ara-C again at 11 and we should go home within a couple hours after that. I was glad he slept through all the interruptions through the night. I had to wake him up at 4 to use the restroom and he told me he was 'sleeping so peacefully.' Thank goodness.

He's very sore this morning from his procedure and, of course, could care less about food. I'm hoping and praying he'll have an uneventful ride home and the sickness won't be bad and he can continue to rest without fever. Dad's back at home waiting for us. Yesterday, after getting up at 3:30, we got stuck less than 5 miles from home in a wreck for over an hour with no way to pass. We were so thankful that we had just missed the wreck and that no one had been hurt in the one in front of us. We always pray for safe travels and we were definitely under protection yesterday and prayerfully, again today.

We've been praying for Hannah Grace for almost 2 months now since we first heard her story from a dear friend. She's also being treated her at ACH and needs your prayers. I have her link to her Caring Bridge site posted to the right. There are so many side effects to all of the chemo. What she's enduring is so scary. Brayden asks about her daily and has her on his prayer list on his school planner. Some days, I'm honestly scared for him to ask. We're hoping and praying for a miracle for her recovery. This morning, I was glad I had tissues close by after reading a poem her mom posted after seeing it from another site. So many families have shared this beautiful poem. I wish I knew who the author was...but we wanted to share with you. So poignant of what our real focus needs to be.

Once upon a special day in Heaven up above , the tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by His love. ‘The time is coming, very soon’, God said, ‘Do not be scared. Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared’.

And so God looked upon these souls, in mute considerati​on. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.

The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family.

‘How would you like to change the world?’ God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.

‘I'm going to make the world laugh’, one soul said with a smile, ‘for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial’.

‘Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well’. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.

‘And I'll remind the world to sing’, a sweet little soul told the Lord. ‘I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord’.

‘You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song’.

‘I will show compassion’​, the next little soul raised her hand. ‘Some people only need a friend, someone to understand’.​

‘Compassio​n is a good thing’, God said with much delight. ‘To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right’.

And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.

And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun, Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one.

‘Come sit with me my little child’, God said with just a sigh. ‘Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life.

'And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray’.

The tiniest soul raised her head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. ‘Father, I am ready for the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed’.

She could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen her face, they were praying for her safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.

‘What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do you impart?’

‘All that you will need’, God said, ‘I've placed within your heart’. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that she would be, and whispered as he watched her go...'You'l​l teach them . . . to love Me.'