March 24th
March 24, 2010 at 8:42 pm | Posted in -Favorites, 03/2010 | 5 CommentsToday is Andrew’s “diagnosiversary.” It was a year ago today he started this fight against leukemia, and it was a year ago today we all began our journey into the world of childhood cancer. Every time I’ve glanced at the calendar since I flipped it to March, my eyes have darted to this date. March 24th. March 24th. March 24th. I finally took the calendar next to my desk down because it was so damn distracting.
With as important as today must be to me subconsciously, you’d think my feelings about it would be clear. But they’re not. Is it a sad day? Is it a joyous day? Or is it just a day, like any other?
In the last year, Andrew has had three bone marrow aspirates, about 20 spinal taps, over 60 vials of chemo injected into his central line, and more needle pokes than I care to count. He has spent more full days at the hospital than he has at school. He has endured more pain than I have in my entire life. When I think about the treatment he has suffered through to get this far, and all the treatment he still has ahead of him, today is a heartbreaking day. Today is maybe even a day to be angry.
In the last year, Andrew has had more good days than bad. He has met celebrities, and he’s received notes, prayers and gifts from people around the world. He’s made a wacky wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He’s mastered every Wii activity available to him, and he’s watched more TV than any other 11-year-old in the free world. When I think about the support he has received, today is an uplifting day. Today is maybe even a day to be thankful.
In the last year, Andrew has matured far beyond his years. He has inspired many people to live differently. He has inspired me to live differently. He has made every nurse in the oncology clinic smile, and he’s made most of them laugh out loud. He has cried far less than I have, and he has shown remarkable strength and courage. When I think about how Andrew has handled this experience, today is a proud day. Today is maybe even a day to celebrate.
Happy Diagnosiversary, Andrew, and here’s to many, many more.
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Pingback by Year Two « It's Not About the Why, It's About The Win— March 24, 2011 #
I admire Andrew’s courage and stamina! I admire your strength to go on everyday as if it’s a normal one. I’m proud to say I have a friend who’s been thru hell and back twice! I’m damn glad I have you and your family as my friends, and you to write blogs that inspire, (me & others) add light to some dark days and have taught alot of people what’s important and just how thankful we all should be.
I love you Kent Family.
Comment by Kim & Bob Kowalski— March 25, 2010 #
Your children, your family, your story-they are inspiring. May your strength and courage never leave you.
Comment by Terri Crowe— March 25, 2010 #
I thank God for everything – everyday – and will continue to do so for the rest of my life! Andrew – you are such an inspiration to all of us – and Kristen – words cannot truly express how your writings touch my heart with every word! I just wish there was something we could do to ease your family’s pain and struggles! We love you all with all our hearts!!!! xoxoxo
Comment by Lisa Squire— March 24, 2010 #
Today is a day we are so thankful for everyone. Thankful for their lives, love, and smiles! We will celebrate many many many more things to be thankful for with Andrew!!!
Comment by Abby Squire— March 24, 2010 #