Peyton's got the blues!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope each and every person who reads this today is just wrapped up in love and joy today. I actually wish that for every day, but I don’t want to sound too much like a Hallmark card, so I’ll just ooze gushy lovey stuff today. These are my valentines.

The family resemblance between Pete and Peyton has always been strong.

No words are needed.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

This was taken by my friend Lisa Greenaker, simple but I love it.

“101 ways to wrap Dad around your fingers” written by Rachael Mayhew

My valentine asked me this evening…”Did you get me anything?” I replied “I’m not telling, because I don’t want you to get me something just because I may or may not have gotten you something.” He says “I’m just not buying into the idea that I have to buy cards and stuff to show you I love you” (not verbatim, but to that effect). Do you hear that? It’s the sound of a man trying to get out of that last minute trip to Walgreens for a card!! I love Pete for making me laugh every day.

After a day like Monday it’s rather nice to have a day where Peyton and I can just be together with no big drama. First and foremost is the update that her spots have started to go away, no new ones have formed, she never got a fever and the clinic feels she’s in the clear from that.

We spent the day preparing for Valentine’s Day, buying cards for the family, party favors for the school parties that are happening tomorrow and then a stop at one of our favorite places, the used bookstore. She was so funny and precocious at the bookstore that she just charmed the pants off the other shoppers. One asked her if she’d read any Shakespeare yet and she answered “Not yet”. She picked out a sweet book that I read to her no less than four times before her nap.

I’m watching her appearance change day to day. I’m almost curious enough to take a photo of her every day and then make a little movie and see what the changes look like sped up. Her head is still shiny bald in places and fuzzing up in others. She’s losing the weight she gained on the steroids, we’re lucky if we get a meal in her each day. Her bruises are horrendous, she’s got that abused child look about her. Although she pinked up after her red blood infusion, today she was very pale with the starts of some mighty big circles under her eyes. Her smile is still glorious to see, her laughter contagious. She’s so animated when she chatters on about something and her big achievement today was learning to play the harmonica, which she carried all day. I don’t know why I never thought of it before, it’s better than a cowbell. When that thing is in her hand I know exactly where she is at all times! Wonderful invention, that harmonica.

We had a funny conversation in the car about her new musical ability.

“I play the harmonica like Dora!”
“Yes, but can you play like that guy from Blues Traveler?”
“Huh?”
“If you’re going to play the harmonica you’re going to have to learn about the blues.”
“I’m not blue.”
“No it’s a kind of music, you can play it with the harmonica.”
“Oooooh, maybe I do got blue.”
“Now you have the blues?”
“Yes, I have three blues.”

Wouldn’t it be fun if she ended up being some amazing harmonica prodigy? Of course, I’d be satisfied if she stopped trying to shove the thing in my mouth after she’s blown all the spit her body is capable of producing into it. Good times!!

Rachael went back to dance class at her school, she was just bouncing with glee when I picked her up. Her teacher is lovely and she is a fantastic person who sees the special needs Rachael has right now. The extra attention she craves and the ability to shine when she has to have her needs put on hold with all that’s going on. I am so thankful for the people in our lives who’ve helped us keep our kids involved, feeling loved and special every day, even when we don’t have the time or energy to give them all that we want and need to.

Tomorrow Peyton and I are having breakfast with our friend Stacey Chubb. We’ve asked for prayers for her son Kyle who was in remission from leukemia but having some serious problems. The news came to me today that he’s no longer in remission, that he’s had a relapse and I’m hoping that tomorrow I can be some support and comfort to Stacey. She is an amazing mom and becoming such a fantastic friend. I’ve said it before, but these families that I’ve met, we become so closely knit through our common bond. I’m devastated for the Chubb family, this setback is going to be incredibly difficult physically on Kyle, but I can’t imagine how hard it’s going to be emotionally. The risks are so much higher when they relapse, the treatment harsher and the fight for control over this disease is critical. Please pray, pray for the family, for the oncology team that guides them through this, for the Lord to show His love and power every day to this family.

f.r.o.G…fully relying on God
—-Anissa