Funny Conversation

Two posts in one day! I guess sleep makes me very chatty! Here is a quote from a conversation Tyler had with my mother-in-law. (AKA Grandma without the ponytail.) He learned this the day before from Grandma with the ponytail.

Tyler: Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't very fuzzy, was he?

Grandma (without the ponytail): Well then, what was he?

Tyler: Hard as a rock!

Grande, Nonfat, White Chocolate Mocha

I just finished changing Bill's bandage, and I am happy to report that the infected spot is much better! It's nowhere near healed, but it has finally scabbed over which thankfully results in a non-leaking wound. He is still sleeping the day away, but he has managed to eat a Chinese chicken salad every night this week. Yes, the same salad (Wood Ranch) EVERY night! At the party, a close family friend of Bill's slipped him a very generous gift card to Wood Ranch and told him to eat as many Chinese chicken salads as he wants. He is really taking those words to heart!

A quick point of clarification about my Starbucks post. I had to laugh to myself when I read the comment about banning Starbucks... I had a grande, nonfat, white chocolate mocha in my hand as I read it. Sometimes I don't connect the two places. It was a blond moment, I suppose. I found out (from my Principal's husband) that they did not lay him off because he was on disability, but it was probably because he would have been in the next round of layoffs, since he hadn't been there that long. The letter indicates that IF he ever wanted to go back to work after disability (which isn't going to happen) he would have to go back as a rehire. We already know his long-term disability is set and he will not be returning. Since he already is on disability, they cannot cut him off, even though he is not technically an employee; hence the part about benefits not being affected. Phew! We seriously side-stepped that landmine!

I have put myself on a very strict sleep schedule. The past few months I have been getting about five hours a night. Granted, five hours a few nights in a row is still very function-able, but every night definitely wears on a person. My reasoning... The only time I get by myself is the drive to and from work... all 15 minutes of it. I haven't been home alone in years. I hate to say it, but I love the evenings when both the boys are in bed, and I get time to be by myself. Unfortunately, I deprived my sleep in order gain a few hours alone. I have finally gotten sleep this week, and I tell you, I feel amazing! It's a world of difference! Sleep really does work wonders for a person. I have promised myself that I'll be in bed and asleep by 10:30 each night. So far, so good!

Only 29 actual days of school left! I can't believe it. Where did the time go?

Ann's Birthday!

Happy birthday to my dear mother-in-law! I am so very fortunate to have the honor of knowing her and sharing the Bartak name. She is one of the most caring, giving people I have ever met. Her love for her friends and family is one to be admired, along with her faith and devotion. I love her with all of my heart, and feel so lucky to have married her wonderful son. In education, we have a common saying... "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." In my case, I am ever so grateful that is true.

Still Recovering

We are still recuperating from Saturday's bash. Tyler can't stop talking about it, and wants live every weekend with a bounce house and hundreds of people. We are all attempting to catch up on sleep, and some are better at it than others. I definitely take last place in the sleep race.

Bill is sore and tired to say the least. Before the party started, he had a little fall in the backyard while playing the Corn Hole game. He landed on his shoulder and scraped his knee trying to catch himself. So that is one more thing that needs healing and has added to his soreness.

I try to avoid writing about this topic, but I am still sickened by it and need to get it on "paper"... virtually speaking. About a week ago, we found out that Starbucks laid him off. It was quite a blow and unexpected. He was on short-term disability for six months, then had to resubmit paperwork (which is mountainous) in order to get long-term disability. Well, the doctors fell short in completing and returning the forms in a timely manner, and there was a gap between disabilities, giving Starbucks the opportunity to lay him off. I will be spending this week trying to sort things out and get disabiltiy insurance forms in order, since Starbucks claims it shouldn't affect his allottment. I'm still so new to all of this, that I haven't figured out the ins and outs of the system... to be honest, I don't know if I ever want to figure it out!

Euphoria

We are still on quite a high from the party yesterday. By the time I went to bed last night the backyard was pretty well cleaned, tables and chairs stacked, etc. It really was amazing to see the transformation! I honestly don't know where to begin my description/feelings about the day. Imagine that... me, without words. Every time I looked out into the yard I saw a swarm of intense love and support floating through the air. I felt like it was our wedding day, all over again. I kept reminding myself to take it all in because it was so incredibly amazing.

We figured that over the course of the day around 200 people passed through the backyard. From the Amat Clan (Bill's high school), to the Golden Staff, to the Claim Jumper locals, the list is really endless. The Brittons, the Elliotts, the Wadkins, the Morgans, the Gorgones, the Kapsners, the Golondziniers, the Nicassios, I could literally go on and on. To say "thank you" simply does not begin to show our appreciation. Again, speechless...

I will be totally honest to admit that I was not exactly on the band wagon for this party. It was an idea that was far too large for me to fully understand if the work warranted the result. I was apprehensive and the "Celebration of Life" idea (although I know it's becoming popular) did not sit well with me. Maybe I was in extreme denial, maybe I was too tired to think about having a party, maybe I was unwilling to face reality... maybe it was all of the above. It was an emotional day (for many) and Bill's speech did not help the cause. I realize that was something he "had" to do for his own peace of mind, but that was the absolute hardest speech I have ever endured. I can't even write about it, because I am unable to type through the tears. The only way I can explain it, is "The Ugly Cry" factor. (Translation: Not just teary, but the ugly face one morphs into while crying.)

Although I was hestitant on the party idea, I would not change it for anything. It was PERFECT and went off without a hitch. I am so thankful we did it, and I am even more thankful that Mike took the lead on the planning and execution. He really did an amazing job, and Bill and I are ever so grateful! The memory will be with us forever. (Not to mention Tyler had the BEST time and woke up this morning and said, "Wow, we had a really great party yesterday!")

I had a few people ask me how I was doing, and a few comments on how surprising it is that I haven't broken down yet. I have to make it very clear. I have broken down many, many times. There are moments that I literally can't hold it together and count every minute until Tyler and Bill go to bed so that I can sit by myself and cry. Some people have good days and bad days, well, my good and bad come in approximately five minute increments. It's quite the roller coaster ride! Even amongst the tears... yesterday was the greatest day we have had in a very long time.

Awareness!

Wow! Party... Amazing... Unbelievable... Love... Support... Family... Friends...

Thank You.

*More to come later.*

The Shin-Dig

The big shin-dig is tomorrow! I can't believe it! We had a crazy day with people in and out, deliveries, etc. Bill didn't get much rest today, so I am keeping my fingers crossed he can make it through tomorrow and actually enjoy it! I have decided that this is going to be Bill's Annual Awareness Party. Every year around April, we will throw a bash to celebrate survival. I just want to reiterate that everyone is invited and it is an Open House starting at 11:00.

The backyard looks amazing. I tried to capture a picture of the beautiful lights strung over the pool, but the proper justice just wasn't done. I guess you will all have to see it in person tomorrow... minus the darkness. I have to hand it to Mike, Bill's best friend. He has literally planned everything down to the last detail and facilitated Bill's every wish to put on this party - and he has selflessly done it with an insane amount of support and love. If/when you see him tomorrow, please let him know how much his efforts are appreciated and make sure you have a beer with him.

Let the awareness begin!!

Chinese Chicken Salad

Although Bill's appetite isn't exactly in full force right now, he has a peculiar craving for Chinese Chicken Salad from Wood Ranch. (Of course he couldn't crave one from a cheaper restaurant.) He has eaten *probably* five of them the past ten days, with one China Coast Salad from Islands mixed in, which is essentially the same thing.

He is still losing weight - a lot of it. I bought him a pair of shorts last week and they are now too big and he will soon need a size 32, or maybe even a 30. The hard part is that he has had numerous situations where people haven't recognized him. He has now lost just over 80 pounds!!!! I have talked to him (nagged at him?) numerous times about staying strong and the necessity of food for nourishment and healing. He is adamant that he really is not thrilled about trying to gain weight back. I truly think he likes being thin, not sans muscle, but skinny. With Bill's attitude in mind, I'd like to quote my grandmother for him, "You can never be too rich or too thin, and there is no such thing as a diamond too gaudy." OK, Bill would probably leave the last part off, but since she was MY grandma, I get to include the diamond part. ;)

An Eight Year Old...

I teach second grade - not new information to most, but merely a reminder. The children are seven and eight years old. One of my students started a blog (I'm so proud), and while I'd love to post the link, I just can't publicly make her known. Instead I am including a few lines of her first post for you to see the amazing writing of a second grader... she wrote this independently and it was not edited by an adult.

As we drove past the entrance of San Francisco and across the large beautiful Bay Bridge, I could see the blue bay and the gentle waves blowing onto the sandy shore. As we got off the bridge, we continued watching Marley and Me. Did you know that Marley passes away at the end? Boo hoo! When my family walked to the beach we saw giant brown seals on huge brown planks.

She is eight years old! Can you imagine her transcripts at thirteen... eighteen... twenty-five?? I'd love to take the credit, or some of it, for her unbelievable talents, but it is pretty obvious that she came in with a solid foundation. :)

I survived my first day back from Spring Break. Tyler had a small meltdown this morning when I was leaving for work. Actually, the waterworks began when I got dressed. He hates getting dressed, with a passion. He also loathes the idea of me getting dressed and demands that I instantly return to my "soft and cozies" (translation: pajamas). He snapped out of it when our nanny came in the door and asked him if he wanted to go to the park. I can't imagine where he gets these odd quirks and obsessive behaviors. Rest assured that I have started a savings account for his therapy, or mine... whichever need presents itself first.

Bill is doing well, but has been sleeping the better majority of each day. He has some new aches and pains, but finally the infection is going away. He still has the external bag attached to the seeping hole, but it has only had fluid once. We have figured out that if he stays on top of the daily draining then he remains dry everywhere else. So far, so good.

To say he is excited about the party is an understatement! Please know that there are not formal invitations and everyone is truly invited... even if you think, "I can't go... (insert reason here)," that you are incorrect and should come. If you need our address, just send me an e-mail or post a comment with your e-mail and I'll get it to you. Same thing with directions, but I strongly recommend www.mapquest.com .

Forgiveness

*As I reread my post, it sounds a bit preachy, which is definitely not my intent. It is merely my feelings about a very personal topic. Without the accurate vocal intonation, it is sometimes hard to “hear” the written word in its truest form. Again, I remind you that this is my therapy… or lack thereof. Blog-therapy, if you will. :) Read at your own risk!

Forgiveness is a funny thing. People have so many different views about the topic and it is one that is easy to discuss, but very difficult to do. Peace is not possible without forgiveness. The only way young children can learn the habit of forgiveness is by seeing their parents forgive others and themselves. The freedom to be at peace in our own skins - that’s what forgiveness allows. We relinquish this freedom when we hold onto anger and resentment. Enormous amounts of energy are wasted when we hold back our love, hold onto animosity, and harbor acrimonious feelings. The only remedy is letting go, and being willing to forgive. (Grammar lesson: forgive is a verb… an action, something you do.)

The spirit of forgiveness is what we are often not patient enough to imbibe in us. Most of us are guilty of not being able to forgive people who have offended us in one way or the other. Sometimes we need to forgive without reconciliation - forgiving for the mere purpose of forgiving.

We often think of forgiveness as something someone who has done wrong, must ask of us. Don’t wait until someone who did wrong, seeks forgiveness. Try forgiving without stipulations, and see the calm that could catapult you into the oblivion of peace. (I know… a little dramatic and easier said than done.)

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. It is not something you do for someone else. It is not complicated. It is simple. Identify the situation to be forgiven and ask yourself, “Am I willing to further waste my thoughts and energy on this?” Most of the time, the energy could be better spent elsewhere. In our case, continuing the fight on this horrible beast called cancer.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive, forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” Honestly, forgiveness is strength. It takes a really strong person to fully forgive someone for what they did, although you may not forget… also easier said than done.

Take this time to look at your life and see if any forgiveness is needed. Let today be the day that you make the choice to forgive and move on. Break the pattern that has prevented you from forgiving in the past. Don't wait for a crisis... Life is far too short!

Hospital Trip Today!

Another eventful day in our world! We ended up at the hospital where Bill had his catheter put in. The infection just isn't going away, and he was not only oozing this morning, but the fluid was also escaping from the area with stitches. The irony of it all is that the actual catheter, tube, and entrance point is all doing very well and healing beautifully. It's the pesky tiny puncture wound that is giving us all the trouble.

We had to take Tyler with us today... we didn't anticipate being there over three hours. Since he was with us, I did not go into the room with Bill. That was definitely a blessing this time around. They drained him before they did anything in order to make sure he was completely dry - inside and out. The jars the hospital uses have a suction to get the fluid moving faster. Since he was empty, the suction became excruciatingly painful and he cried out in pain. I'm glad I didn't have to see it. He ended up with an oxygen mask and his shoes were kicked off. (He thought he was going to black out.) They also removed his stitches and glued the "hole" together from the inside. Then the doctor attached an external bag that can also be drained just in case it continues to leak. At least he won't change his clothes five times a day from being wet and uncomfortable. Hopefully we are on the uphill side of this mountain.

We were at the hospital so long that Tyler and I missed his sport class this afternoon. It was basketball today, so he probably would have enjoyed it. At least they have the same sport two weeks in a row. I don't know how he will pick flowers on a basketball court... should be interesting.

Last Half of Spring Break

Only three days left of Spring Break, and I am stretching it out. Today was another school day for Tyler, and I meticulously planned my four free hours. I opted to stay away from the mall today (for financial reasons) and got a pedicure while I did my daily New York Times crossword puzzle. It was pure bliss!

Bill's few stitches are still infected, but are definitely better. He is in less pain, but it still oozes and is pussy. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? The antibiotics are working, but a little slower than we were hoping. He has mostly slept the entire week, in fact, he has even dozed off mid sentence, or while I changed his bandage. The fatigue is present in full force. He is going to take a break from the trial drug (since that is the sleep inducer) in order to be awake and alert for the party. I want him to enjoy it, not struggle to stay upright.

Tyler and I have had a wonderful time this week... I don't want it to end. We are headed to the beach house in Carlsbad this weekend. I am trying to talk Bill into staying an extra day or two, since I'll have to go to work on Monday. We'll see if he is persuadable.

Awareness Party!

I took Tyler to school today... yes, during spring break. It was three and half hours of pure bliss. Not that I don't love spending time home with him, but the chance to go to the mall alone is priceless. I am new person!

The party is still on for April 25th! I have come up with a new theme for it. It is no longer "the above ground funeral". That name makes my stomach turn, so I have turned it into an Awareness Party. Awareness about skin cancer, awareness about sun protection, awareness about loving every minute, awareness about enjoying everyday, awareness to count your blessings, awareness to live your dreams... the list goes on and on.

Easter Sunday

What a weekend! It has been a whirlwind, and I am ready to begin my week off. Saturday, I took Tyler to the mall to "see" the Easter bunny, not sit on his lap... those are his words. Nevermind the black shirt with a skull and cross bones on it. The visit wasn't planned... or not planned well. We stood and watched a few kids first, then he decided we could get in line and he'd sit next to the bunny, because his head was too big. He did great! I practically ran to the end of the line before anything could change his mind. His goal was to tell the Easter bunny what he wanted for Easter. I had to explain that it was not like Santa, and this was not Christmas. The real picture (not this one) is so cute! I was too cheap to buy the CD with the picture since I was already wrapped into $27 for one 5 x 7 and four wallets! I took a few shots with my own camera, but they obviously make you buy a set of pictures. I am clearly in the wrong business... but I digress.

Today was a wonderful Easter! Having Tyler really "get it" this year has been so much fun! We had our Easter egg hunt this morning and played with a few toys the bunny brought. (This is a picture of Egg Hunt #1.)

Bill's little set of stitches is completely infected. It is, brace yourself, filled with puss and oozing. I can handle the tube and catheter, but the infected part under the boil, is a little tough for me. We ended up at Urgent Care this morning so he could be checked before our long day. It's amazing how many people go to Urgent Care on Easter morning. The doctor gently squeezed the area to get as much puss out as possible. He was able to leave the stitches in, but if it doesn't start to heal with the antibiotic, then he may need to have the stitches out to completely heal.

We went to my aunt's house after and Tyler got to have Egg Hunt #2! That Easter bunny really gets around! If you look closely, you can see that there were eggs everywhere! They literally covered the grass... and he was the only egg hunter. I didn't think he would ever finish!

We left my aunt's house, and headed to Bill's parents house. I was hoping Tyler would nap in the car, and of course that didn't happen. Bill did, however, doze off on the way there. The Easter bunny went to Grandma and Papa's house too, where Egg Hunt #3 took place. The crazy Easter bunny doesn't just hide eggs at their house; he hides all sorts of things... water sprayers, stickers, a kick board, and many, many other toys and things. If you know Joe (Bill's dad) you know he is quite a gardener. His yard/flowers/garden always look great. This little patch of grass is his prized possession... the dichondra lawn. For months while it was growing, no one was allowed to walk on it. (I think it was even taped off for awhile.) I am still a little reluctant to walk on it myself. You know if Tyler isn't permitted to be on it... then NO ONE is. This picture is Tyler seeing the first egg in the middle of the lawn... he is contemplating how to get it, since he isn't allowed to walk on Papa's grass. I love my well-trained little rule follower!

Nick Adenhart

I'm sure everyone has heard the tragic story of Nick Adenhart, a rookie pitcher who played for the Angels. He was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver in Fullerton. Tragically, there were two others in the car who were killed as well. One was a student at Cal State Fullerton and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. I am a member of the same chapter and have been involved on different levels as an alum; the last one being chapter advisor. My heart aches for those families and the poor girls mourning the loss of a sorority sister. My prayers are with them during this difficult time. Please don't drink and drive.

Spring Break

Spring Break has finally arrived, and I have to say that it did not come fast enough. Tyler is the one who is desperate to have me home. Bill is constantly sleeping, so he isn't aware of my absence. He hasn't come downstairs yet today, and he is afraid to eat, because after Monday night's event he still has some vomiting issues. The under-the-tongue medication works wonders to stave it off in the beginning.

On Wednesday he went in and got the tiny hole under his tube stitched closed. At least he is no longer leaking, which makes life one hundred times easier. The leaking really put a damp-er on things... hahaha. (Sorry, I have clearly been around second graders far too long.) The stitch is working, but is actually causing him quite a bit of pain. He woke up in the middle of the night groaning and hurting. He has even gotten up to take a pain pill in the wee hours, in an attempt to make himself more comfortable. It doesn't look infected, but we are keeping a close eye on it, just in case. I keep asking him if it seems normal to have that much pain for two or three stitches. He consistently replies that the stomach is a very sensitive area to have stitches... I couldn't resist the reminder that I had a C-section when I birthed his child, a son, after thirty-six hours of labor... I throw it in every chance I get. :)

STRESS

It's not the pain. It's not the fear, the uncertainty, the heartbreak, or the anger.

It's the stress that's the toughest to deal with sometimes. Think of the average stresses in a person's life - relationship, kids, school, work, bills, etc. - and then multiply it to the nth degree. I am tired. I feel tired, I wake up tired, and I look tired.

Bill can take medication for the pain. We can talk to each other about the fear, and we remind ourselves that we're not alone. When the anger flares, I have to tell my mind that there is no one to blame. It doesn't mean that all the other feelings aren't valid and strong. They are, at times, also overwhelming... but what they all add up to is stress.

The pressure of coping with everything that the cancer presents, can feel impossible. I don't think there is any easy answer as to how to deal with the stress. It's not just going to go away, as much as we would like that to happen. It affects everyone, not just the person who has cancer. The caregivers, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, and nurses. They all can fall victim to it, too.

What would help would be some sort of break. A short recess that would allow everyone just to take a deep breath and get an escape for a few minutes... but that is unlikely, too.

I think all I can do is try to let the stress wash over us, remind myself that we all feel it, and not allow us to make things more difficult than they already are. I had no idea stress could feel like this... physically or mentally.

In Honor of No Housework Day!

Today was a much better day! Bill slept in late and woke up feeling much better. He even ate dinner tonight, and participated in Baskin Robbins' dollar scoop night. Now, at 9:00 I just took him up a bowl of Top Ramen, so his appetite is back! He is still way underweight, and as of this morning he has lost a total of almost 70 pounds since the diagnosis on August 1st! (Yes, I know the exact date.) A little scary when I see that number typed...

Today is national "No Housework Day!" I encourage you all to practice this holiday and I, for one, am willing to convert to any religion who practices this wonderful day. I'd like to dedicate this post to the person who declared this holiday today... no doubt it must be a woman.

The Good with the Bad

And the pendulum swings...
Yesterday was a great day with amazing news, and then around six last night Bill became really sick. Really sick! He vomited seven times in an hour and a half, and had diarrhea in between. He thinks he maybe had a bout with food poisoning, I think he had a bout with a beast called, cancer. I was on the phone with nurse triage line from the City of Hope trying to see what I could do. Her first advice was to put a cold wash cloth on his head... in other words, there wasn't much I could do. She called his doctor and they called in a prescription that he could take under his tongue, so it would stay down. He couldn't take pain medication during the fiasco because water even came back up. He was literally writhing in pain and couldn't lie down comfortably, so he was sitting, standing, rolling, curling up in a ball, etc. It was quite acrobatic. By this time it was eight and I was keeping Tyler awake in the event that I would have to take him to Target to get a prescription filled. A wired child is better than a crying one. Thankfully, Debbie (from my school) and I were texting and she offered to run and get the meds so Bill wouldn't be alone. I am ever so grateful! That was a huge relief and saved my mental stamina. Once he took the pill, the nauseousness was gone, but the pain was still there. At least he could take his pain pills which helped a little. The Ambien I gave him at least let him get some rest last night. As for me... well, that's a different story.

New News!

What an appointment! I am thrilled to report that the tumor has ever so slightly decreased in size, and the brain scan came back clear, too. Not clear as in empty space... the doctor verified that his brain IS there, and it does not have any evidence of disease. :) We are doing cartwheels! I will post more later, I just wanted the good news posted ASAP.

Emotions Running High

My head aches and my eyes hurt. It has been an emotional day. It started at church last night, and continued to tonight. Bill stopped leaking yesterday afternoon after I drained him, and he stayed dry through the night. This morning, however, once we left the house, he started leaking like a sieve. We met Joe and Ann for breakfast and Bill was soaked by the time we finished eating. We went home and he had to spend this beautiful day on the bed with a towel wrapped around him. Despite valiant efforts to get us draining supplies (thanks, Christina) we couldn't drain him because we did not have any more of the connector needed to start the draining. Around two this afternoon, I had a crazy idea... if you are a part of the medical world this will probably make you cringe, so please scroll down and skip this part. Before I explain, please note that I re-sterilized everything with alcohol. My (brilliant) idea was to dig the old bag (which you have to cut to empty) out of the trash and connect it to Bill in the backyard (in case it spilled), then we could bandage the area and he could make it until we get our shipment tomorrow. So, I sat him on the grass in a lawn chair in his underwear to drain the fluid. Luckily, we didn't have any spills and we used the same bag for three liters. It actually worked really well, but he felt an insane amount of pain afterward. I'm not sure if it was the drain itself, the act of draining, or the fact that he took his last Oxycontin last night and had to borrow Vicodin from Joe, since he just had surgery and didn't really take it. Not having the Oxycontin made for a painful evening. We will get the new prescription tomorrow, and I am going to request they write it for more so we have some leeway and the pills won't need to be rationed as strictly. Whew, it has been a day!

Seeping Fluid

Bill has sprung a leak! Although the new drain is going to be great, we are having some difficulty keeping him dry. I have to say, though, I have quickly learned how to drain and dress the wound... even though I can be a little squeamish, it really hasn't been too bad. He has had a few instances where it leaks slowly, and he doesn't notice right away, so he ends up soaked. I think we have figured it out now, and have it under control. There is a tiny hole in his stomach right below the actually tube coming out and that seems to be a geyser. We have drained two liters each day since he got the drain. I think we could have drained even more, but we are trying to ration the medical "equipment" used since we won't get another shipment of it until Monday. There are two packages needed each time - a draining one, and a dressing one. I will probably have to try to find a medical equipment store tomorrow to get us through until Monday. We only have one drain bag left.

Monday is the big appointment at the City of Hope. We will get results of the CT scans and the brain scan. I am trying to stay busy this weekend to keep my mind occupied.

We went to T-Ball on Friday and Tyler loved it! He did well participating and listening to the coaches... that is, until the very end. He really had fun at the beginning! Todd jumped on as first-base coach. It was comical to see the kids try to run the bases. The coaches did such a great job going step by step - they are really good with the kids.

This is how practice ended. The funny part was seeing a few other kids actually get down and join him. He became the anti-leader... the teacher in me was mortified... And, yes, he did manage to pick me a few flowers.

I made a deal with him at the end of practice that if he finished the last few minutes getting back with the team, then he could play on the playground at the park. Long story short... he chose not to, and there was a tantrum. A MAJOR one. My brother went with us and got to experience a (thankfully) rare occurrence. There was kicking, pushing, and screaming involved. (Although I was unable to take pictures of that part. To say I had my hands full is an understatement.)

Drainage System

Bill's procedure today was a huge success! It was about 3 hours and he woke up famished, so they ordered him a turkey sandwich. He must have had an exceptional anesthesiologist because he came out of it so smoothly. I got home and he was hanging out downstairs with quite a bit of energy. He even came to my Open House tonight! I was thrilled he could meet some of the people I constantly talk about. I think just being able to go was extremely motivating for him. We had a great night! I will have to post more later... sleep is calling my name.