... for Celia and Quinn, who have grown so much both because and in spite of the impossible challenges they have been forced to confront this year. ... for their relentless pursuit of becoming more fully who they are. ... for their laughter, insane brainpower, and companionship.
... for Greg, whose steady presence makes so much possible. ... for his hand to hold and shoulder to cry on. ... for his love when it's the only thing to hang on to.
... for our families - parents and siblings and in-laws and the cousins - whose Facetime calls and hospital visits and frequent check-ins remind us of our most important connections in this world, the ones that will always be there to pick us up. ... and especially for my parents who dropped everything and practically moved into a hotel in downtown Baltimore to be here - to sit in clinic or our hospital room, to spend time throwing a football with Quinn or chatting with Celia about her day, and just to bear witness to all that has happened.
... for our neighbors and friends who fed us for months (too many to name, but must mention Kate and Dom!), drove our kids to and from school, call and text to let us know you are thinking of us (esp. Lisa!), listen to all the gory details with interest and compassion (esp. Dorothy!). ... for Jennifer and her family whose friendship and support for Celia and our family continues to buoy us. ... for old and dear friends who are far away but whose love still holds us up (and esp. Heather and Alyssa).
... for Pia, Rachel, Stacy, Linda, Erin, and all the therapists who have kept Hope moving forward, who always see her potential and believe in her, and who have given us company and normalcy in our months of solitude.
... for the nurses - the brilliant, kind, amazing nurses - who do their jobs with professionalism, accuracy, and skill, truly care for Hope and for our family, teach us how to manage the nuts and bolts of this ordeal, give us lessons in advocacy, and have become part of our lives in countless ways.
... for the doctors, who always give us their full attention, make their concern and care for Hope a priority, and answer our countless questions with respect and kindness.
... for the families who have walked this walk before us, who put their faith in the research protocols for the best interests not only of their child but of all the children who will face leukemia in the future. ... for the parents who have shown us by their example how to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when it seems impossible, who face far steeper climbs than we do and still manage to say hello at the coffee machine or smile at Hope in the hallway.
... for the strangers who reach out with kind words and loving gifts, especially the Erwins whom we have never met but who have sent Hope many thoughtful care packages just because. (May we return that generosity of spirit into the world some day!)
... for the nurses - the brilliant, kind, amazing nurses - who do their jobs with professionalism, accuracy, and skill, truly care for Hope and for our family, teach us how to manage the nuts and bolts of this ordeal, give us lessons in advocacy, and have become part of our lives in countless ways.
... for the doctors, who always give us their full attention, make their concern and care for Hope a priority, and answer our countless questions with respect and kindness.
... for the families who have walked this walk before us, who put their faith in the research protocols for the best interests not only of their child but of all the children who will face leukemia in the future. ... for the parents who have shown us by their example how to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when it seems impossible, who face far steeper climbs than we do and still manage to say hello at the coffee machine or smile at Hope in the hallway.
... for the strangers who reach out with kind words and loving gifts, especially the Erwins whom we have never met but who have sent Hope many thoughtful care packages just because. (May we return that generosity of spirit into the world some day!)
