Today is Peter’s shot to talk and I know you’ll all show him lots of love. He doesn’t do it often, but when he does he brings the heart. Thanks, honey, for posting on this tremendously happy/crazy anxious day.
Today is just a day. It’s nothing special on the calendar. It’s just a day, really, in the grand scheme of things.
And for the Mayhew household (geographically split as it is), we’re treating it pretty much like any other day.
Today is the last day that Peyton has to take chemo, that we know of.
You’d think that would bring us great joy, and it does…somewhat…with an asterisk.
Today is probably the most fearful day in our hearts and minds as well. The chemo that has kept the cancer at bay for the past 841 days is going to be no more. In theory, her cancer won’t come back. Not this one anyway. There could be side effects from her treatment. They could manifest themselves tomorrow, next week, next year, in the next 10 years, or never.
We have no control over that. Basically we’re in “wait and see” mode, indefinitely.
That said, I’ve created a little montage to mark this day. One of the first nights after our initial diagnosis, I was at home with Nathaniel and Rachael. Anissa and Peyton were still up at the hospital. I was sitting on the couch staring blankly at the walls. The TV was on (SciFi channel probably…because that’s the ONLY channel), and the latest Enterprise episode popped on. I listened to the intro music from that, without looking at the screen. The song is called “Where my heart will take me” by Russell Watson, and they show pictures of travel throughout history as they play it. It’s pretty inspiring.
Then it dawned on me, that the song isn’t actually about space travel. It’s about the journey. I didn’t know then what the path ahead was going to hold for us. I just knew that it was a dark, painful, frightening path that I did not want to go down.
But I had no choice. My family and I were taking those first initial steps on that trail, without any control whatsoever.
So, on that day, probably 837 days ago, I pictured this “montage”. I remember saying to Anissa, “WHEN we get through this, I’m doing a video.” I think she rolled her eyes at me. It might sound simple, but a lot of you have not been where I’ve been, and I pray that you never have to be. It has been a guiding torch throughout the past 2+ years for me. Everything we’ve experienced, good, bad, and ugly, has helped to get us down that path. The light at the end of that tunnel has been screaming at us like an unstoppable locomotive, and today, it’s here.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be on pins and needles.
Over the next few months, we’ll get more comfortable, and slowly get back into the swing of things.
So, this little website, that started out because I couldn’t remember which family member had been told what, has sprouted wings, and has helped to become one of the tools that we’ve used to get us through our treatment. All of our faithful readers have helped to get us through this. THANK YOU so much for that. On days that you’re feeling down, think back to this post, and know you helped get my baby, and my family through cancer.
Below is the link to the slideshow I created to mark this *occasion*. I wound up having to use 2 songs. I don’t have all of the pictures that my wife does because they’re all on Anissa’s Mac..which was originally mine…but I’m not bitter. I know I left some of you out, but I was pushed for time…and didn’t have everything. It wasn’t by choice. Sorry for that.
So, here it is…in all its glory.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
You are all heroes in my mind.
XOXOX
Petey
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 am
I’m crying. For joy. For Peyton and all of you. What a beautiful video. Great choice of songs.
So much love in every picture – even the hard times. I’m so proud of her and her “Survivor” sash.
Thank you for sharing.
threeundertwos last blog post..Halloween Recap
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
Ok, to be fair, i was crying while the video was still loading…and it just got worse. But I knew I had to get through it, to get past the sad tears, to the ones of joy for you. I am so proud you all got through this, and so amazed at your strength. I am so happy this day is here for you!
Brittanys last blog post..Halloween, the morning after
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 9:33 am
I’m crying too! What a wonderful tribute to what your family has endured and triumphed over. Many blessings to all of you; congratulations on this wonderful milestone!
Go Peyton, Go Peyton, Go Peyton! 🙂
Melisas last blog post..Happy Birthday, Dawndi!
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
You’re all so brave and selfless to share what you’ve been through. Beautiful and moving photos and slideshow. Well done Dad.
Hugs to all of you. You all will remain in our family’s thoughts and prayers.
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
Crying. A lot. Anissa knows that I can’t get through a video without crying, but this one…THIS ONE…yeegads!
How you love a family you’ve never physically met, never hugged, never shared a meal with, I don’t know. But I do know it’s possible because I love you guys! You are inspiring. And Peyton? SHE’S the hero!!!
We love you Peyton!
Jennifers last blog post..100% WEIRD…
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Pete, that is wonderful! What a tear-jerker! I have been with you all every single day of this journey, and my prayers have been with you…I am so happy that this is over! Love you, your cousin Jayne
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
oh jeeze…tears. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Even though your joy is a tentative one (for now), it will grow. Your family is beautiful and strong. And you are all fighters.
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Kids should never have to go thru something like this, but I can’t imagine a better set of parents to lead them thru it.
And, gosh, the video…tears, tears, tears…absolutely moving.
thank you for your bravery.
PAPAs last blog post..Love battlefield
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Love the video… you guys are a beautiful family! And, Peter, you’re my favorite “guest poster”.
Sammanthias last blog post..Spin Cycle: Election
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Love the video, and can’t wait to meet ya’all a few weeks from now. What an amazing family!
Love,
Shash
Shashs last blog post..And now, without further ado…
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Lovely video. Wishing your family nothing but happiness and good blessings from this moment forward.
Jen Ws last blog post..The most stressful Halloween ever
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
The was great, Peter. May you guys have many more cancer-free days ahead.
SciFi Dads last blog post..Halloween In Pictures
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Dear Anissa, Peter, Peyton, Rachael and Nathaniel,
I am glad that this day has finally come and that Princess Peyton no longer needs chemo.
I will continue to pray for good health for Peyton and for all of you.
Peter… that is a great video. Good job.
Sending hugs to the family.
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Loving you guys with everything we have. It’s a great day!
Now have to go find tissues and possibly a new laptop cause mine now has water damage from the tears.
Love,
Natalie
Natalies last blog post..Stuff
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
what a beautiful family and a beautiful story. You faith and your love shine through every time you blog, but this was especially beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story and your family with us all
Gayles last blog post..Dia de los Muertos
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I’m absolutely speechless, soggy and speechless. I too had tears before the video finished loading. It was perfect! Loving people you’ve never personally met sounds kinda strange. But I feel it none the less. Hugs to all of you and many wishes for happy, healthy tomorrows.
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Dear sister and brother, nephew and neices,
Praise God this cancer treating chapter is over. The video was so wonderful, I too cried, and cried. You all are so amazing. You have opened up your fears, good and bad days, and hopes for the future to so many. You have touched our lives in ways you will never know. Thank you for the web site and your faithful entries. We Grimbles love you from the bottom of our hearts.
Love,
Angela and family
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I just cried the biggest, ugliest crocodile tears ~ actually I started crying before the thing even loaded. Thank you for allowing me into your life – you are such sweet special people! Love you all!
Nat
on Nov 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Oh my goodness. There are no words- only tears and thankfulness. Joy.
Love,
Steph
Adventures In Babywearings last blog post..Now That Is Scary
on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 1:16 am
Awesome! Bawled like a baby all the way through it! Always a good sign in my opinion. Thanks for putting it all together and sharing it with us.
on Nov 4th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Thank you for letting all of us share your journey but most of all thank you to your family for showing me what the true meaning of hope is.
I cried and laughed along with your slideshow-you are all amazing and God has used your story to touch so many-even me. Many blessing for a future full of possibilities with more laughs than tears.
Tracy
Tracy Ps last blog post..TRICK OR TREAT???
on Nov 4th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Beautiful video! Your family inspires me. I am so happy for Peyton finishing up treatment. I will pray that your anxieties are low and you enjoy life to it’s fullest extent.