Crossing off the wish list

What an incredible week we've been having! After returning from Little Rock last Monday, it was Brayden's week to be on steroids, so we knew there would be higher counts as it stimulated his white cell production, thus giving us a little buffer to get out and play a bit more. For the weekend we had some fun outings! Brayden was so happy to be invited to a friend's birthday party and even happier he was able to go! He loved being with almost all the kiddos from his class and playing Lazer Tag! Another welcomed glimpse of normalcy. We were so thrilled to get to spend some time with our sweet friends and have a dinner out with them & Brayden too and get to go bowling! It was Brayden's first time to go since before diagnosis and he LOVES bowling. We decided quickly we were all a little out of practice and this is NOTHING like Wii bowling! He really touched my heart when he said during the game that he almost forgot he had cancer. This was certainly a little thing to do that was a BIG impact to him in just having fun and getting his mind off of everything. It was a big day to get to officially cross off another wish from Brayden's list he made after diagnosis. It seemed so far away until he could be able to do the things he loves so the wish list was a way for him to have something to look forward to. I'm so thankful we're having the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy crossing more things off his list. We got to hang out at Border's and his hot chocolate dessert treat was nothing short of dessert! 3 kinds of chocolate and whipped cream, sprinkles overflowing! YUMM! He was eating it up especially with steroids being in control!

Monday was back to the local clinic for chemo. No surprise that his counts were elevated after a week on steroids. Still, much higher than they've been in the past. If they are high next week and the week after, based on info from his Oncologist, his dosage of chemo will most likely be increased. All the blood results and happenings of getting chemo were over-shadowed by Brayden's activities at the clinic. He LOVES the nurses there and has added more casualties to his teasing and overall sarcastic nature. It got a little out of control (I think only for Mom) while there were giggles and shouting of sport team comparisons and the list goes on. Whatever he can find, he holds on to and loves giving the ladies a hard time. It's great because he always walks in with a smile and leaves with one too. I'm always amazed at how much they get right in there with him in the teasing!

Last night was another big day. We've been wanting to see another movie for a while, as there have been a couple new ones out he could see. It was SO fun! Afterward, Dad hopped in the backseat after so Brayden could ride in the front seat. We drove with the open sun roof and enjoyed the amazing weather while blasting some tunes and looking ridiculous as a family about town jamming like the family without rhythm that we are!

School is still going well for Brayden. There have been some adjustment obstacles but I've been so proud of how hard he's working to just fit in and get back into the swing of things. He wants SO badly to do well. He's only had to miss when we travel to Children's, so I'm thankful that his immune system is staying strong. It might have just a bit to do with the Germ-X in his desk, clorox wipes in his lunch box and mom's daily questions after his initial return about ensuring the 20-second hand washing process is still being done. Hey, he is still a 10-year-old boy that we ALL know struggle with washing those hands! I've said it before - at least I haven't made him obsessive about it but he's doing great remembering to be careful. Recess has been a bit tough for him. He wants to run just as fast as the other boys and play soccer like the good 'ol days. His stamina isn't all the way back, but has improved so much in the last month. He's getting there and we're thankful for those who are supporting him along the way in little ways we may not even realize.

Our evenings have been filled with enjoying the sunshine and hitting some golf balls, practicing the Presidents in order and realizing there is only a few weeks left of school. 4th grade seemed like it only just started in so many ways and it's almost over. Teacher Appreciation was last week and I hope we have adequately expressed our appreciation to the impact the wonderful teachers at his school have had. There is more to look forward to with a busy weekend approaching. Another Mother's Day. I'm thankful beyond words to take it all in. In my heart though is an ache for other mothers that have been drawn close to our hearts this year and in years prior. Please remember them in your prayers; those who have suffered the loss so deep to a mother...God has their names close to heart and I pray gives them a special comfort this weekend.