Thank You

December 2000 (CT 3 years, Shayla 1 years) This picture always looks like Christi cut her own bangs, but she didn't! Really it was just the way I had the layered bangs combed (or didn't, actually!). Regardless, I love the picture and now treasure it like never before!!

It was a long night, due to Shayla's vision therapy in Toledo but we're home now and Shayla's sound asleep. I just keep reminding myself that Shayla's grades have all improved one letter grade in every subject so the therapy must be helping! She really works hard on her nightly vision homework and we're very proud of her, even if we're tired of doing all of the eye exercises ourselves. I also remind myself that driving an hour and forty minutes each way for Shayla is NOTHING compared to what we've done for Christi's treatments. This is a curable problem and treatment exists within our own state; we are so lucky to have all of that!

The incredibly thoughtful and kind blog comments regarding FU_NB06 have been absolutely amazing and have tenderly touched us deeply. It's beyond our comprehension to learn that sweet Angels on earth would check in and actually comment too. THANK YOU! We are so blessed to be surrounded by your incredible love and support! Thank you! Tomorrow Shayne will be talking with a reporter from a science news magazine about it. (I'll keep you posted.) We also received some of the sweetest of emails from fellow warrior parents, nurses and researchers. This one in particular really stood out for us:

"....and her story has left me with a new sense of hope and ambition. You see, I am a research assistant in a scientific laboratory where we grow and culture tumor cells for research. Every day, I work with these cells and I know how resilient those little suckers are! There have been many times that I think it's hopeless and a waste of time. But then I think of Christi and the other children before her that have succumbed to cancer, and I know it's all worth it. I read the post about Christi's established cell line (awesome name, by the way!) and as someone who consistently works with such cells, I am astounded by your generous gift to science. Hopefully, one day I'll have the opportunity and the honor to work with FU_NB06. But until then, I'll keep on doing my part for oncology research, for Christi and all her little friends too."

God's people are good and we thank you for helping to get us through! I've come to the understanding that I will never "get over it" and things will never be "normal" again; yet, I have come to understand that there will be a "new normal" and we're working on that. One day at a time.....