Journal

Monday, June 30, 2008 9:44 PM CDT

I found myself sitting here tonight thinking back to when we learned of Danielle's diagnosis, to the different stages of treatment and the side effects she experienced, not only physical, but mental too. Mental in the sense that she still talks about when she was "sick" and when she was in the hospital and how she didn't like back pokes. I am thinking not only of the past, but of the present and the future. Danielle is a beautiful, energetic, sweet, fun-loving 6 year old whose love of life and her family is so strong. I think about how I have her to thank for pursuing my degree in nursing, for giving me a new perspective on life, for trying to appreciate my family and all that God has given us every day and for giving me the awareness that far too many do not have of childhood cancer. And then there is the future...every three months my heart beats a little faster as we await the results from Danielle's bloodwork. It is only when I have her results in my hands that I am able to breathe a sigh of relief...another chance at life, another day closer to five years OT and her "cure". I wonder if Danielle will have any long term effects/challenges from the poisons that saved her life and then I think that it is not worth worrying about because I have no control over it, but yet, I still worry.

I was reminded again on Saturday just how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away. We were involved in a car accident. While we were talking with the autobody shop, my husband was told that had we hit 6 more inches to the center of the vehicle, someone would have been hurt. Chances are it would have been one of the girls. In the blink of an eye life can be taken away.

On a much lighter note, Danielle is having an amazing Summer. The kids play outside, riding bikes and scooters, playing on the swing set, singing High School Musical and wishing they were Gabriella every day. They run and run until their little legs cannot take another step and then they run some more. Danielle just started ice skating lessons and Alex is still in karate and recently earned his yellow belt (we all are so proud). Ashli is becoming more and more spunky with every passing day and is in to everything. She loves to test her boundaries right now and the things that come out of her mouth are hilarious, which is hard for Brian and I to hide at times while trying to discipline. We are going to Kings Island in a couple weeks and the kids are so excited and before we know it, Danielle will start 1st grade and Alex will start kindergarten. Then...it will be just Ashli, myself and my studies all day long. Hmmmm, could be an interesting winter.

Thank you for checking in on Danielle and for being patient with my updates...no news is good news, but there is always new news. Until next time, God Bless.

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Hospital Information:

Akron Children's Hospital
One Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308

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