The Day before Day One

As far as chemotherapy goes, the first day is called Day One.  Tomorrow is our "Day One," but, today we had to go in for the last tests.  Jake had blood drawn to record beginning cell counts, an echocardiogram, and an EKG.  I am so proud of this little boy, he is so mature and brave.  He does whatever the doctors ask him to do and rarely complains.  Unless, of course, you want to pull a band-aid off. 

If you have never been to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta you are lucky!  But, if you have been, you know that the staff, treatment, and service is unparallelled.  They are wonderful people.  We have been there half a dozen times now and we haven't met a single person there that wasn't a joy to be around.  I can't say enough about this hospital and we are so so fortunate to live close enough to be able to take Jake there, even though it's a 40 mile commute each way.  As my Dad pointed out, at least it's not a plane ride away!

As we were leaving the hospital today there was a musician playing for a big group of kids, all of whom are sick.  Attached to IVs, hairless, in wheel chairs, you name it.  I realized that my baby is going to be one of those kids in a matter of hours and I had to walk away so that Jake couldn't see my tears.  With our Day One on the horizon I am being forced to accept this reality, and folks it ain't easy.  Then again, no one said this was going to be easy.  My brother, Dan, sent an email with perfect timing.  In it he said "You are a strong woman and I know you and Randy will be strong for Jake."  Thanks for the reminder, Dan, and you're right!  Jake needs us and we will get through this.  There is no other choice.