July 9th

We are back from GA and really enjoyed our time with everyone. It felt good to get away, spend time with family, and to do what was so typical and normal before we embarked on the medical journey that we have been facing. We were able to appreciate the fact that we were able to go. We were able to appreciate the fact that we were doing what had become routine - before the diagnosis. We were relaxing and spending time with each other without feeling the constant pressures of life.

The flight was a unique experience for each of us. Bryce was fearful and adamant that he was not getting on the plane. Trey was excited and truly viewing it with amazement. Robert and I were anxious to get everyone on the plane and keep them occupied and content. In the end- all went extremely well and it was an enjoyable experience for everyone. Let's just say- the flight attendant saw that Bryce was upset and sent the boys and I directly to the cockpit. The boys got to sit in the pilots and co-pilot's seats and were given extra special attention that put them at ease and had us all very excited. Once I realized that I did not have the camera - Robert did - The pilot got on the microphone and said, "Robert Kinberg please bring the camera to the cockpit." Imagine this- Robert has two car seats on the plane, some carry on bags, and has to move against the traffic of passengers still boarding to get to us in the cockpit. He did it and I have pictures that capture the excitement in the cockpit. These are the memories that we will treasure always.

I will draw upon this experience often as it is in some way an analogy for life. There are things that we are all fearful of and yet we can overcome them. Bryce trusted in us to be there for him (affirm his fear), to teach him (Robert talked him through what was happening), and protect him - and was able to enjoy the flight and even look forward to doing it again. Sometimes the inexperience and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming and fearful. However, having people around us - to affirm that our feelings and fears are valid, to guide us, and to support us allows us to get through the dark and scary times knowing that we will be more experienced and stronger because of it. The willingness of strangers to reach out and help confirms that we need to extend ourselves/accept help and learn from others. The flight attendant and pilots taking time out to help the boys is equivalent to the number of strangers that have reached out to us and have given us reason to smile. And even if flying is not our favorite thing to do or our first choice of transportation - doing it and understanding that the experience opens us up to seeing the big beautiful world and the many places and cultures that we would not have seen if we had not overcome the fear - is worth it and is the power that keeps us flying again. This diagnosis is not what we would have chosen - but we must believe that this experience and all of the emotions that are encompassed in it- will open our hearts and eyes to feel and see things in ways that are unique and powerful. I believe that if we do not give in to the stress of the immediate situation and keep our eyes on the big picture, we will be stronger and better for it. Once the boys were relaxed and in the air, I had a huge sense of relief for them and told them that the world is now theirs and they can explore it.