Monday, September 1, 2008

A Peaceful Labor Day

Katie had a good day yesterday. She got out of the house to play and to walk around town a couple of times, and she finished her day at the B & W. Her immune system is still compromised, but family favorite Bugs and Worms offers outside seating at picnic tables along the river, and it met all our needs. Katie ate a great big dinner that include foods from all our plates: Rick's cheeseburger, Joshua's chicken and my fish sandwich. It was a fried protein fiesta, and we enjoyed watching her eat. Food continues to be an issue. We are actively encouraging Katie to eat all day long; we would like her to gain weight, and while popcorn chicken might not be her best nutrition choice, she was happy to have it, so we got out of the way and allowed her to gorge.

Some aspects of our lives are slowly returning to normal. Rick and Josh went to a family party Saturday night. I spent several hours at the St. Paul's tag sale yesterday. We are getting out and getting involved in regular activities again, and I am comforted by rituals. Garbage goes out Tuesday mornings. Saturday is our weekly recycling trip. Joshua starts soccer next week. Routines are satisfying. If we are home to get the garbage out and can even make it to school on time, then all is well. It's the simple things that keep me going, silly though they may be.

For the record, it's great to be back at school again. I love going back to school each year. The weather is changing. Fall is approaching. The world keeps turning. So many aspects of our life have changed in the last seven months. We are all so different. Our concerns and our joys are so different. Personally, I have a new appreciation for the things that don't change--for the few constants in our lives like our families and our friends. It's also nice to have a day off to catch up!

Katie slept well (and in her own bed!) last night, but she is tired today. She has been working so hard to get well, using muscles that haven't had much (or any) exercise in quite some time. She needs extra time to crash this week. I am so grateful for the treatment vacation we have been given. Katie took a walk around the block with me Saturday, and while it wiped her out for the rest of the day, it was so exciting to watch her build strength. It's absolutely beautiful today. I think we had better get outside soon to appreciate the sun. If we don't answer the phone today, we're off on an adventure. I think we might go hiking...:)

Here's hoping you'll enjoy the long weekend, too.

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