Tomorrow, January 23, 2012 is the third anniversary of Ashlyn's bone marrow transplant. Sometimes it seems like a life time ago and sometimes it seems like moments ago. Just recently, I printed off all the emails I had sent and received during the cancer treatment. I still haven't done much with the photos or notes on Facebook. It all still overwhelms me more than I can say.
Tomorrow is the anniversary. The anniversary of such a simple procedure that began back in September of '08. A car ride with Hayley. I don't even know where we were going. It was the weekend after Ashlyn was diagnosed. We hadn't even met with Ashlyn's team of doctors. I hadn't looked anything up on the Internet. I only knew that a bone marrow transplant might be a thing we could do. Hayley had asked me about treatment for Ashlyn. And I mentioned the possibility of a transplant. Without skipping a beat, Hayley said "and that's where I come in." She doesn't remember the conversation at all. I can still clearly hear her voice, the cockiness in there. Like it was a given. And it was.
Hayley had to live carefully for those next four months. No crazy physical antics. Had to stay healthy. Try that in the middle of a normal Iowa winter while working and going to school. Add onto that, some serious friend troubles, maintaining school work and knowing that her marrow was Ashlyn's best chance. I will forever be in awe of this young lady.
Then there was Jacob. Science found him to be the opposite of the match. But that's ok. The Good Lord had other things in mind for him. Jacob was the calm. He was the hug when I needed it. He was the easy going, pizza roll eating kid that just wanted everything to be alright. He was this way when Danny was in Iraq as well. Somehow, somewhere inside this son of mine was the presence of mind to just be present. He, both times, could have taken advantage of the situation and been a little beast. I don't think it ever occurred to him. He knew where he was needed. He knew his momma needed him. I will forever be thankful for this son of mine.
And Danny. I cannot imagine having a better partner in my life. It does not matter what is handed to me because my other hand is firmly in his and I know that. So when we were given another moment of adversity, I knew that we would get through this one, as well, together. Danny missed a lot while the kids were growing. The military can do that to a guy. So here was a gift for him. He, because of the excellent benefits at his place of employment and the tremendous generosity of his coworkers, was able to take six months off with pay. Danny became the primary clinic parent. He spent most of the nights in the hospital. He was the shot giver and the port hook it upper. And though the circumstances were awful, Danny got to spend some amazing quality time with all his children. I will forever be in love with this man that picked me for forever.
Of course, this blog cannot be without Ashlyn. There was such tremendous strength and courage in this girl. I can say, without a doubt, that all I ever learned about Faith was from my mother and my daughter. Inside, she may have waivered, but to me and to those around her, Ashlyn showed a humor and poise that was humbling to watch. I cannot imagine any of what she faced. I cannot imagine facing it with the grace in which she did. Even after three years, I am at a loss for words and overcome with emotion. I will forever be amazed by this tremendous young woman.
So it took four months from diagnosis to transplant and then another five months to finally wrap up everything and have the final surgery to remove the port. We were the more fortunate ones. We had a support system that was world wide. Danny and I had employers that knew where we needed to be and made it easy for us to be with our family. We lived near top notch medical facilities and had excellent insurance that allowed us to have Ashlyn treated aggressively and without concern of bills. I will forever be grateful.
Tomorrow, we will not all be together. Ashlyn is in London, studying and stuff. The rest of us will celebrate. January 23rd is like Christmas and birthdays and every other great day all rolled into one.
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