Courage for Claire

The day after my last post Claire went back to the hospital with a fever. Fortunately she didn't have to stay, but it brought up a lot of emotions. Then I started taking her temperature a few times every day, and she started worrying every time her back ached. She went in for her regular clinic visit on Monday. Everything was fine. In fact, she will now only see her doctors monthly, but will continue to get blood draws every two weeks. The sad thing is that I was actually relieved that I had another commitment and David needed to take her to clinic because I was so afraid that things would not be fine. The fear is real, but it is no way to live. So yesterday Claire and I had a heart to heart. We decided that it was high time to stop acting like she is an invalid, because she is not. I committed to only take her temperature if she is actually feeling sick. She committed to getting dressed every morning and having an actual day. And you know what? I noticed a difference today. We had breakfast with friends, stopped at Trader Joe's, and Claire even played her Viola for a bit. I think we are making progress.

On another note, I learned that our sweet little neighbor across the hall during Claire's transplant is nearing the end of his battle. He, and all of the other children we've met whose lives have been far too short, will hold a space in my heart forever.

And, FYI, I am doing a benefit concert for Curesearch for Children's Cancer on Monday, May 23rd at the Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church, 3280 East 3900 South, SLC at 7pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.