Turkey, Tree, and Treatment

So, it's been awhile since we've written on here.  There are probably many reasons for the delay in posts, but there is just one that probably speaks to it the most.  We were busy being home.  That's right.  We have enjoyed being at home.  I returned to work.  Oh, I have a job, if you didn't know.  I've been working 32 hours a week.  It's definitely been a transition for us as a family.  I think we've realized that we've been blessed to be able to walk this journey mostly as one unit.  There have been hours and sometimes days where we've had to be apart, but, for the most part, we've been able to journey together.  Now, we wake in the morning, eat breakfast, pack lunch, I venture to work, and Ari and Jenny hold down the fort at home.  It feels odd.  It feels oddly normal.  Everything about the last 8 1/2 months has been abnormal.  It's been stressful.  It's been hard.  The past couple weeks, however, have been nice.  The family time in the evenings and dinner together has been refreshing.  We're grateful for it.

Earlier this week, we decided that we wanted to put up a Christmas tree even though we will more than likely not be here to enjoy it for the season.  So, tonight we put up our robust 5-foot Target special.  Just think Charley Brown Christmas tree on steroids...but not too many steroids.  It's perfect.  We laughed while putting it up.  We took pictures.  We smiled at Ari who has become quite mobile and found himself rolling into gift bags close to the tree.  The whole process was enjoyable.  There wasn't stress.  There was just the moment.  The moment that we all had.  Not the Hallmark moment that gets plastered all over commercials in December.  It was just simply the moment that was guaranteed.  It was a good moment.

Ari thought the roll of wrapping paper was pretty awesome too!

Tomorrow brings Thanksgiving in the Halderman household.  That's right.  Thanksgiving!  We decided to mix it up this year.  We'll be fixing a feast for 12 with only 2 eating.  We're looking forward to some good eats.  We mapped out the menu today and ventured out to gather all the ingredients.  It was a chance for Ari to get out of the house but not out of the car.  Flu season is in full force here in Eugene, so we are playing it safe and not taking Ari into stores.  We traded back and forth at each stop of who went in to get the goods.  It was a good trip.  

Next week is a busy week.  We will head to Portland on Monday night and stay at the Ronald McDonald House.  Ari is scheduled for sedation early Tuesday morning for an MRI, lumbar puncture to check his CSF, and a more in-depth hearing test.  The process should last about 4-5 hours.  After that is done we will try to enjoy some time in the afternoon.  We will return to Doernbecher on Wednesday for another full lineup of appointments which will include learning the results of the MRI.  This would be another reason I have not blogged for awhile.  I'm not really sure how to accurately articulate how I am feeling leading up to the next few days.  We have been told that as long as everything is clear on the MRI, then we will proceed with the next step - high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, a process lasting about 4-6 weeks.  Ari would be hospitalized for the duration of the treatment.  If the MRI is not clear, we are left with clinical trials.  It's odd to pray for high dose chemotherapy, but that is what we have been doing.  

We know many of you have been very consistent in following Ari's journey and praying for our strength and his healing during this season.  We thank you.  We also thank the many of you that have sent packages, cards, or notes to us through email or snail mail.  We continue to cling to God's promises during this time.  We know that this is the story and journey we have been entrusted with for our family.  We are grateful we have not had to walk it alone, and we continue to be humbled by who God is and has been for us.