So Many Thoughts

There are many families weighing heavy on my heart these days. In many ways, it is a reminder to me of how precious our children are and our time with our children should be well spent. And it reminds me that at least for today, my problems are petty and small in comparison to the struggles of many others. For that, I am thankful.

Gage's family continues to struggle through this Leukemia (AML) diagnosis. They found out that neither mom nor dad are matches for him. There are several possible matches in the Bone Marrow registry, but they will need to complete further testing to know if any are a match. Meanwhile, they are setting up a Bone Marrow Drive for Gage in Lake Oswego, OR and one in the Boston, MA area. There is more detailed information on Gage's page. At the same time, they are also concerned that the Leukemia is advancing and they will need to start chemo before the Bone Marrow Transplant. Needless to say, Gage and his family need lots of prayers.

Please consider donating Bone Marrow to Gage and becoming a member of the Bone Marrow Donor Program registry. You never know whether you might be the one to save someone's life. Check out Gage's page to find out more about being tested for him specifically and check out www.marrow.org about becoming a member of the Bone Marrow Donor Program registry. You never know who might be the next person you know to need a Bone Marrow Transplant. Rebekah has been through the same treatment as Gage and has the same kind of risk of AML (Leukemia) as Gage. The more people on the registry, the more likely that anyone who needs a transplant will find a match. For anyone who is on the registry, thank you for being on the list and now might be a good time to make sure that the information they have on you is correct.

Maggie's family has been on my mind and heart quite a bit lately. One year ago, today, Maggie passed away from her cancer. I'm sure this is an emotional time for them. Check out Maggie's page to see what they are doing to continue the fight against cancer. And, think about commenting in their guestbook. I'm sure they could use some encouragement.

There is a little girl named Kaeli who is two and a half years old and was diagnosed with Leukemia about a month ago. She has two older brothers and her family is going through a lot right now. They went to the ER Wednesday night because Kaeli was in so much pain that she couldn't sit and wouldn't stand. They don't know what is going on. The steroids she is on will cause her pain, but it got suddenly worse. She's scheduled for an MRI today and hopefully they can find an answer. Kaeli is a little older than Sarah and her brothers are about Rebekah's age. I've never met this family, but I feel for them and what they are going through. In many ways, we have been there.

Oliver just celebrated his second birthday as a "normal" two year old. What an exciting time for them!

I choose to be happy today and thankful for the things that I have, despite the "not so pleasant" behaviour of my girls and I choose to not get frustrated over every little thing, although they are testing me. After all, they are toddlers. How do you choose to live today?