Gabriel is doing AWESOME! Okay, I took a cue from Matt Hammitt, lead singer for the band Sanctus Real and primary author of Bowen’s Heart, and that is to be very judicious in the use of exclamation marks. But, today is a joyful day worthy of emphasis.
Today Gabriel officially was taking off the I.V. full time! This is truly wonderful news that he doesn’t have to be attached to the tube 24/7 right now. He will still have the I.V. at night, but he’s been doing well enough and processing enough fluids orally that they were comfortable to allow him the freedom from being attached to the I.V. during the day. I can’t tell you how much it made me smile just to think about it and to see him able to walk around without managing his tubes.
We got the results of his bone marrow and spinal tap, and both have moved positively in the right direction. Gabriel has made significant progress.
Compounding the wonderful day, last nights round of chemo went effectively unnoticed by Gabriel. It’s amazing, but he hasn’t had any of the unfortunate side effects from the Chemo so far. He’s just been a happy, fun loving, bouncy little boy today, and those are things that just make Chet and I feel so fortunate and blessed.
Looking back on this past year, it’s been a amazing year. Here is our 2010 in review:
After a 5 month marathon of remodeling, we sold our beloved Craftsman home in Reno and purchased our now beloved home in Washoe Valley.
We made a terrific trip to Lava Beds National Monument.
During the escrow closing and moving and getting adjusted, Gabriel has surgery to repair a perforated ear drum that hadn’t healed after one of his ear tubes fell out.
This past summer, Chet ran the Western States 100 in his best 100 miler time ever thanks to the hard pushing of George and Scott.
But, a 100 miler with Chet isn’t just focusing on the task at hand, it’s full of laughter and good times, including a bit of pre-race nervous energy expenditures.
(p.s. I left out the non “G” rated images)
Eating a healthy breakfast…
And then enjoying some well deserved time off the feet with your pacers.
Chet three weeks later ran the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 for the 5th consecutive year.
Gabriel started First Grade and Rebeka had her very first pedicure.
There’s been a bit of home remodeling.
I kind-of-sort-of got another half-marathon under my belt.
Found MY beer …
Gabriel became a Cub Scout.
And we ended the year with a bang here at the Children’s Hospital in Oakland.
Wishing everyone a Banana Happy New Year!