Nearly every day I'm brought to tears by the generosity of the people that know Elizabeth and our family and this week was no different. The backpack above is just one example. A friend at school wanted to do something to help Elizabeth so his mom embroidered this hospital backpack for her. Several Jr high kids wrote notes and filled it with all sorts of 'comforts' (like a blanket, lotion, chapstick) for Elizabeth. The idea is that this backpack will be returned to the school when she goes to the hospital for chemo. Friends will refill it and return it to her every time she gets home from her hospital chemo. This was such a great thing for her to have her first few days back from the hospital! She feels pretty crummy for a day or two and this will be such a nice thing for her to have and look through during the most miserable days when she returns home. In addition to this, yet another dear friend contacted me about doing a fundraiser. (Wow...just wow.) There were flowers and notes left at our doorstep from school friends. A package was sent by peers all the way in West Virginia. (My brother in law from that area shared Elizabeth's story with his family there and the girls at church there wanted to show her support.) An aunt, cousin and grandma spent extra time with my kids to cheer them up while I was away at the hospital with Elizabeth and an uncle stopped by once Elizabeth was home to visit with all of us.
This has been a heavy year for the world and for our country, but I feel more inspired than ever by the generosity, faith, prayers, love and support of amazing people. There is so much good!!! I've seen countless miracles through people and through divine intervention. When I feel like I can't go on, I remember these miracles and trust God that another one will be there when I need it. Thank you for your prayers. I have a lot of anxiety about the coming months of balancing daily radiation and chemo weeks and family life during our months in Seattle and I know Elizabeth is feeling this as well. I'm more grateful than ever for the continuous support.
Physical therapy came today and the Dr's and PT have essentially said 'take the wheelchair away.' Of course she's using it when she's sick for a her few days home from chemo and whenever she feels tired or needs a break, but she is supposed to start wearing the leg braces and using the walker nearly full time. The leg braces are custom made, but still clunky and annoying and I feel bad it's one more thing for her to tolerate. PT stressed that the leg braces will help ensure she walks with proper form and even simplify walking for now because she won't have to worry about controlling her ankle joint and can focus on her form with her knees. (Wearing the braces while sitting is also important to maintain proper ankle flexion.) No chemo till the 14th, so I'm hopeful for a good week of progress!
