Aug 26th

We apologize for the delay in posting. I could make many excuses for the absence of postings, but I will spare you all of the details of that. As my intelligent husband reminded me- I can post brief messages to let you know that we are well and post again later with all of the deep/emotional thoughts that I typically include. Today's posting will be a combination of both.

As usual, life passes quickly and many changes occur before we have often processed the facts. Bryce started kindergarten on Monday and it has been both exciting and emotional. Robert and I placed him on the bus on the first day of school and watched him ride away without us to protect and care for him. We had to have trust in ourselves- that we had taught him the skills to be independent and successful in school. We had to trust in him- that he would behave appropriately and find his place in school. We had to trust in the school- that they would take care of him, nature him, and help him to learn. Luckily, Bryce has been excited to go and is eager to exert his independence.

I write about this because the home/school relationship is similar to the home/hospital/relationship that Robert and I have with Hopkins. We have had to spend a lot of time in the hospital, learn the 'new' rules and regulations of treating Robert's medical condition and learn to live with the 'new' normal that has impacted our family dynamic & family relationships. We have had to place our trust in the medical professionals- that they will nature and care for us. We are incredibly thankful to be working with the most caring and brilliant people at Hopkins. We ask that you continue to wish for Robert's good health and ultimately a cure. Thanks.

Aug. 12th

It has been some time since our last post but we have a good reason for that. Robert and I went to Rhode Island and we have not had much new information to share beyond that. Robert and I had a good time on our trip and it felt like we had been away forever. That is the longest time that we have been away from the boys. The boys had a great time without us and it was like they were on their own vacation. I tell everyone that they didn't miss us and that made it so much easier to be away. They were certainly happy to see us when we returned, but really didn't mind that we had been away for five days by ourselves. Knowing that the boys were being cared for and entertained made it so much easier for us to relax and enjoy our time away. However, I have told our neighbors and my sister & brother-in-law that- they have spoiled the boys- because they had so much fun with them- we (Robert and I) are now- just boring.

Despite obstacles we were able to go, relax, and have a good time. Some obstacles included the fact that Robert was diagnosed with an ear infection and I was diagnosed with strep on the morning of our flight out. We both got medications and packed them along with the countless number of other drugs we had already packed and headed for the airport. Other then Robert experiencing some pain on the first flight, we felt well during most of the trip. Another obstacle- My luggage did not arrive in RI. I'm not sure who was more upset. Robert kept checking with the front desk at the hotel and arranged to have them call us when it arrived- I think that he was scared that I was not going to relax until I had my clothes with me. Robert said that he wished that it was his luggage that had been routed to another airport and I agreed. Seriously, Robert and I just tried to accept it as another glitch to laugh about and kept moving as we were determined to have a good time. The luggage arrived around 3:30 the next day and I was back to being indecisive about what to wear. We had great weather beside the one rain storm that we got drenched in and really felt that the sunsets were there for our own personal viewing.

Honestly - we feel that the trip couldn't have come at a better time. We had just received good news from the doctors, the boys were content to be without us, and we were ready to take the time. We feel fortunate to be physically able to travel and to have others support us in being ready to travel. This trip would not have been possible without the support of some very caring and thoughtful people who obviously have kind hearts. We did not take the opportunity and the time away for granted and hope that we used the time to refresh ourselves and be stronger for it. Take care and may you all find peace in your lives.