It's Here!!!

We received a call last night from the doctor telling us that we need to be prepared to begin tomorrow with Natalie. Today the final decision was made after a very thorough meeting was held with doctors from Bone Marrow and Infectious Disease. Natalie will arrive at the hospital at 5:00 am tomorrow and will receive her first dose of chemo by 6:00 AM. Since the call yesterday, I have been so emotional. I couldn't hold back the tears after speaking with the doctor. We have planned and prepared for this moment…even being a week delayed, I still fell apart. I guess it just finally hit me…it’s here. I have been drying my eyes all day. I wasn’t expecting it to be easy… I just don’t think a mother can prepare for such an event, no matter the efforts. I had to remind myself that fear and faith cannot be together.

I will make this post brief; I still need to pack her bags, etc. Speaking of packing, Natalie has some very wonderful things to take with her, thanks to many of you. Her entire body, including her head will be well loved with lots of softness. She has her favorite music set aside to be packed, including her most favorite song ever…”Song of Silence” in Peruvian style, as it is an ancient Inca tune, one Grandma and Grandpa Schellenberg brought back from their mission in Peru. She picked up a new friend today whom is also making the packing list. His name is Cheddar and he is a beautiful nutcracker her Grandmother Fish gave her. However, most importantly Jerome will be washed and ready for another hospital stay. Jerome is a cuddly stuffed elephant that was given to her by her Great Aunt Patsy during one of her earlier more critical hospital stays, since then she has had countless stays and Jerome has been there for all of them.

Thank you to all who have helped us in so many ways, even those whom we have never met. We pray for each of you that you will be blessed and that you will truly feel the love and appreciation we have for you.

Love,

Lisy