That is a way to sum up today. Today, my world was completely flipped. I sit here at two am, just praying that when I eventually fall asleep, when I wake this will all be a bad dream. A very bad dream. Sadly, it’s reality and I’m facing it head on.
Leukemia.
Wow, there it is in writing. Man, how I wish I was saying I had leukemia, sadly, it’s not. Gabe, our six year old son has been tentatively (pretty much certainly) diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It’s been a whirl wind day.
7:30 am, I made an appointment with the pediatrican for both kids since it appeared both had recurring ear infections and Gabe had super swollen lymph glands. At 9 am this morning, I was whining about what seemed to be yet another ear infection and lamenting the thought of having to pay for two ear tube surgeries because it seemed our daughter had another ear infection too. At 10:30, the doctor appointment started out routine and rapidly transformed to concerning. By noon, blood had been drawn and I was seeing the writing on the wall and unable to focus at work on what had to be done while I waited for the call from the doctor. 3:40 pm, someone kicks me in my stomach and I’m told that my son has to be taken by ambulance to Oakland, CA for treatment for leukemia.
Yesterday, my kid was as healthy as a horse. Today, I don’t know what to think as I sit in a hospital room with a child with two IV’s being pumped full of saline and platelets so that he can undergo testing tomorrow so that we can find out what the hell is going on. Man, that was fast.
If you’re reading this, I ask one thing of you – please pray for my family. Pray for Gabe to be healed. Pray for Chet and I to be strong for him through this process. Pray for Rebeka who isn’t here with us, but with her loving Grandparents, to feel secure in what she’s got going on.
The Endless Evolution 
What a horrible, horrible ordeal! I am so sorry to hear about your baby! I know we only know each other through the “web”, but I will be praying for your little one and your family. Maybe it’s something totally different than leukemia, I will keep my fingers crossed and my prayers constant. Be strong.
Cheryl in Arkansas.
Micheline, Chet,
Gabe is a special boy. I still can remember sitting on a lazy afternoon in Leadville and having this amazing little bundle of joy jump into my lap and tell me I needed to read him a story. Right then, and right there. Of course one story morphed into one story read, then another, then another, then another … But that’s always been Gabe’s charm: Taking time to stop, smile, laugh and have fun. He has all of the attributes of his parents — creativity, energy, tenacity and compassion. All of these wonderful personal characteristics are going to work in his favor.
A long time ago, Bishop Desmond Tutu said that as long as human beings retain their capacity of spirit, remarkable things will always happen. Anyone who even spends even five minutes with your family knows that all of you possess a capacity of spirit that truly is off the charts.
We’re thinking and praying for all of you.
Love,
John
Hi Micheline-
I saw your post today about your son and my heart sunk for you. I wanted to let you know I have some friends whose son was diagnosed with the same thing and he is doing excellent today. You can read about it here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexdavidson
Sometimes when crazy things happen, I’m comforted by getting all the information I can and hearing about people with similar stories and experiences who have been there. Maybe you feel the same way. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers!
Shelley
we love you all and are praying for you. We’ll be thinking of you all through this time. XOXO
Mich, I am just sick to death about this. You all are in my thoughts like crazy. *Sigh*
When I lived in Oakland my good friend’s little girl had heart complications and the children’s hospital there was absolutely amazing, they saved her life. I am assuming that is the hospital he was taken to? That is one great hospital if so.
With concern and love, Ashley
Dear, dear Micheline, My love for you and your beloved Chet, Gabriel ,and Rebeka, your Mom, your Dad, and Chet’s family knows no bounds. If that is prayer, then prayers are endless and boundless that Gabriel will get better, much much better. Notes and cards and pictures will be on their way.
Chet and Micheline, Cabriel and Rebeka, and all your extended family. Our thoughts are with you and we will be hoping for a good end result. Both Jamie and I are regular donars. Jamie donates Plasma and I donate Platelets, on a couple of occasions I have been priviledged to meet people who have been recipients of platelets and I must say it is a wonderful feeling to know that we can help.
To all those people who are not platelet donars, if you are able to donate please do so if you can.
Again our thoughts are with all the Fairbank family.j
Aileen and Jamie
Micheline and Chet – I am so terribly sorry to hear the news that Gabriel is sick. My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is such a strong little guy, I just know he is going to pull out of this and come out on top! There is no other way around it for a kid like him. Give him my love. Willow sends her love too. She’s very worried about him.