Home visit

I believe in miracles.  Not necessarily in the same way and fashion as in Biblical times, but I believe that God works miracles in our lives using modern means.  Without the intervention of medicine, Anna should not have lived through the month of February.  Without the intervention of Anna's support networks (family, friends, and beyond), our family would not have made it through the last three months.  Without Anna's fierce determination, Anna probably would not have built up the strength to have a visit home today.  God worked these miracles.

We hope that the the next miracle in store for us is for Anna to come home "for good" on Monday.  However, Kate came down with a low grade fever this afternoon/evening while Anna was home visiting, so we will have to wait and see how how this all plays out (and then she fell asleep at 6:15 ... hmmm).  In addition, a few extra pieces still need to fall in place at the hospital in order for Anna to be discharged on Monday.

We are aware now that a cancer journey is never really over.  In fact, for Anna it has just begun.  She will continue to have treatments for six more months.  After that point, her "success" will be measured mostly by how far out she is from treatment.  The farther out she is, the safer she will be.  But there is always the chance that the medulloblastoma will resurface.  Or that a secondary cancer will occur because of the intensive radiation.  Knowing these things, however, makes the time we have with her now just a bit sweeter.

Yesterday Matt and I spent the morning together with Anna.  Then we went out separate ways to spent some time on our own with the different kids.  It's weird to think that this might be one of the last times we'll be parenting that way for awhile.  Our relationships with Anna have certainly grown to a different level while spending as much time with her at the hospital as we have.

Today I picked Anna up and brought her home for the day.  She and Ethan napped at about the same time.  Having Kate being the only one awake while the other two slept was a bit of a role reversal.  I think it will take Kate and Anna some time to redefine their sister relationship after all this time apart, and with Anna having changed as much as she has.

Matt and I realized that when we bring Anna home from the hospital it will be similar to the transition when we brought any of our babies home from the hospital for the first time, except this baby weighs about 45 pounds and can talk.  A little bit harder and yet a little bit easier ;)

Time for prayers

Thanksgiving
Please give thanks that Anna was granted a day pass for today.
Please thank God for the beautiful weather this weekend, after the cold and rainy week.
Please continue to give thanks for the support our family has been receiving.
Please continue to thank God for all of Anna's care givers at the hospital.
Please thank God that Anna still shows no need for a shunt.
Please give thanks that Anna is done with her first round of treatment.

Requests
Please continue to pray that Anna's treatments are 100% effective.
Please pray that Kate's virus is quick, easy, and doesn't pass to anyone else in the family.
Please pray that the tummy troubles Ethan has been experiencing are quick, easy, and don't pass to anyone else in the family.
Please ask God to keep Anna safe and healthy as she is transitioning to life at home.
Please pray for widsom and strength as we prepare to care for all of Anna's needs at home.
Please ask God to guide the right helpers to our home in the coming weeks.

Thanks, as always, for everything.