12/11/10 One year since diagnosis eve..... A celebration of community.....

Friday, a gathering happened. With Owen's One year milestone pending, Justine and Tracy, our resident Organiser/Angels decided that a party for those on our food roster was in order. That evening, wedged perfectly between massive downpours of rain we had an opportunity to say thank you to those who have supported Owen and our family. The meals, the fruit and vegetables, the gifts, the big things and the little things, emails, words of encouragement, the list never ends........ .
It turned out to be a happy and uplifting occasion. And Owen was in his element, moving, shifting, organising and helping. He gave a beautiful speech which he had spent 2 weeks on. As a 9 year old, he is comfortable in front of adults. The last year of his life, most of the time has been with doctors, nurses, and his mum and dad, a big part of his childhood has been bypassed. I can see the changes. His conversation is not childllike anymore. It is about the bigger things in life. This happens when you chat with haematologists, resident doctors, oncologists then psychologists and psychiatrists and the usual playful banter with nurses. Just a normal week for a 9 year old called Owen. (I actually love it when the child takes over and he sits a plays Lego...)
.
We had said that having a child with a disabilty made us aware that the world was full of good people. People who help and support and devote their lives to making these children's lives better. We never understood why we had to go through the same learning cycle again with Owen. But, the support from everyone showed us that the world is a good place, and people care.

.

So thank you to everyone.

This thank you extends to everyone....... Not just to those that were there on Friday. Everyone.....

We are now cooking and shopping for ouselves, and trying to do things as normally as possible.

I am now checking on Owen visually when I go to bed, and leave for work in the morning. No more checking his temps by touching his forehead. He is well.... except for his bad blood counts but they will improve.. with time.

Lee suggested that it was time to start going to school without a bandanna.... He is now happy to do it....!