Book idea?

I would like to compile a book of our stories. When Cameron was first sick, all I could find were books about the disease. Very technical. I had a hard time finding something to read about the children, the families and their experiences with chemo, radiation, transplant- good or bad. I wanted to read these first-hand experiences to help myself gain a better understanding. I can't do this alone. I have only one story.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please leave a comment, email me: ellebe123@hotmail.com or call me (I will send you my # if you don't already have it). If you are not comfortable doing the writing piece, maybe we can talk on the phone and I'll write it up for your approval. I'd also like to include pictures. I have no idea how long this will take. I would love to have at least 50 stories of our littlest warriors to include. This is open to the warriors, the parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, siblings.

You can believe that I am serious, I will follow through. I do have a publisher in mind, one used by a friend who published her journal after her son died in a tragic accident.

Also, if you think this is a terrible idea, let me know that too.

Thanks for your help,

Lori

Samantha's day with Grandpa

Samantha does not have school on Wednesdays. This week she got to spend the whole day with Grandpa Pete. I wonder if he spent his evening this same way?

Samantha's Ice Show

Tonight was Samantha's ice show. They performed "The Journey to Oz." It was a very nice (& a bit long) production. Sam was in a group of scarecrows. I could not get a good picture on the ice, through the glass. Here she is on the left. She & her partner were to spin in a circle. Their song was "If I only had a brain."





For this pic, she was a closer to where I was sitting. Her costume was very cute. She now says that she wants to wear it for Halloween.




I took this during the intermission. I slipped over to wear the skaters were sitting to snap a picture. The kids were well guarded and parents were frequently being asked to leave the area.





Samantha got some flowers for her efforts. She said "I know these are from bubby." She has them proudly displayed in her room. This picture shows her keepsake t-shirt. On the back, it lists the names of all the children who participated in the show.

Samantha was thrilled that Nurse Kim was able to come & spend the night. She so loves Kim and says she wants to be just like her when she grows up.

She is now crashed in my bed. It was a long day of playing followed by the show. I'm hoping we can sleep in a bit tomorrow.

Lori

Happy Easter

We spent last Easter at NCH. Despite the transplant restrictions, we were still able to have the Easter Bunny visit & leave some treats. Trying to hide eggs without using the floor was challenging, but we made do. I miss him.




We have a big family so we divided up hosting on the holidays. My mom always hosted Easter. She would bake a huge ham & everything, but what we all looked forward to was the Bunny Cake that she made every year that I can remember. This was her 2006 creation. I miss her too.





Sam & Cam - Easter 2006. Last one before relapse.

Easter 2005. Cameron loved his green bunny that he got for Easter 2004. He slept with him until the end, though he never took him to the hospital. I think he was embarrassed or thought that he was too big. Samantha sleeps with it now.

Sam & I went to church this morning. I wore the last Easter dress that my mom bought for me. After church we went to the cemetary to leave a treat for Cameron. Sam is very nurturing, whenever I am sad she tells me "I will keep care of you mommy." And she does.

Hobo announcement

Samantha has declared that she does not believe in hobos.

Santa Claus - yes.
Tooth Fairy - yes.
Easter Bunny - yes.
Hobos - no. There was no amount of discussion that could convince her. I have no idea where she gets this stuff.

On the ice skating front, she is doing well in her rehearsals. I gave her the option of moving down to the younger class which is actually more where her skill level lies, but she declined because she really likes her instructors. She had a lot of fun tonight and seems to be learning her routine. Her group is mostly 2nd graders so she is by far smaller than all of them. She looks very cute out there. The show is going to be "Wizard of Oz." It is scheduled for April 18 @ 7:30 pm at Bird Arena.


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April 6, 2005:




Cameron loved "slick pajamas." My mom always seemed to find satiny materials to make him some. She said they were hard to sew because the fabric slipped so much but she made sure he always had a pair that fit. He really loved these bright blue ones.

At least she was drinking from the faucet....

Day brightener

My friend Alana brought me a gorgeous bunch of flowers yesterday. She is so kind and thoughtful. I've been struggling lately and these really brightened my day/week. I wish my photos could do them justice.