Tonight we celebrated an early Thanksgiving with the Atkinson family. It was our first family dinner outing! While Grandma is an excellent cook, and Lydia loves food, it was an overwhelming experience for Lydia, and she was ready to come home to bed as soon as we finished eating! She was tired, but she was happy to see her cousins, and go to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner. We hope that she will sleep very well tonight, and not be worn out for her return to Holland Bloorview tomorrow.
Grandma A began radiation treatments this week, for breast cancer. A routine mamogram in the spring revealed a tiny lump that was removed in August, and radiation therapy will continue for the next four weeks. In light of this, and Lydia's journey, we were indeeed thankful to hold hands around the table, and give thanks together. Gratitude changes our hearts. It ushers in joy. It gives perspective to the journey.
Lydia did not want her wheel chair this weekend. I don't think she used it at all today or yesterday. She wants to walk! She requires assistance, to steady her, although she'd like to do it by herself. She talks of wanting to run! Today, she "danced" a fast dance - moving her feet quickly! We were appreciative of her spunk!
For the last two weekends, Lydia has been saying that she does not want to go to Holland Bloorview. When we are there, she is fine. She asks about home, and she wants to go home, but she manages her therapy and classes well. When she is at home, she does not want to return. She says so often. Tomorrow will be a fun return to HB, as her cousins and brothers are returning for the day with her. We will have lots of laughs, a pizza party at supper, and family swimming in the evening. We will also work on the world map together! Thanks to a tech savvy friend who converted the email subject lines into an xl spreadsheet, we will be able to put red dots on the places in the world where people are praying for Lydia.
Thank you for your prayers. We thank God for how He is answering them.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures, here below.
Praise Him above the heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ABQeIkyAT7s
