School Days

Mireya has had exceptional progress over the last week with counts.  Her counts last month were the best we've seen in two years.  Last week her counts were even better than those charted last month.  The Head of Hemoc (Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) had to take a pause when those numbers popped up on the screen.  Simply amazing!  She was released to start school last week with some restrictions, but we are so happy she can finally go to school.  She has been looking forward to it since the beginning of the year.

I worked with her teacher(s) and the school Administration to ensure we have everything in place.  We scheduled a tour and visit with her classmates to help prepare Mireya for the big day.  Meeting her classmates for the first time was a precious occasion.  There was one little girl, who has sent Mireya pictures almost weekly of the two of them playing together.  She was overcome with emotion when she finally got to see Mireya for the first time.  She sweetly grabbed Mireya's hand and took her around the classroom to show her all the different stations and neat things.  It was so beautiful to witness.  The kids were super excited to see her...she was a total ROCKSTAR!  Mireya is a bit more reserved and observant and it was a little overwhelming at first having so many people approach and demand your attention, but by the time it was over, she was on top of the world.  The kids reminded her to take her Monkey home, because it would no longer occupy her seat.

 In the words of Mireya, her first day was 'fabulous'!  It was a bittersweet experiencing my "First Day of Kindergarten' as a Mom six months later, but my tears were those of joy. By the end of the week transportation had been arranged for her and she is enjoying riding a much less crowded bus to school. Because Mireya is only allowed at this time to return to school half days, she will continue Homebound a few days a week to complete her Math and Geography tracks.

Continue to keep us in your prayers, we're thankful and grateful to reach this milestone and so happy for the continued progress for Mireya medically.

Scholastic Endeavors

Yesterday was Orientation for Jalen and Mireya. We've been on the fence about how to approach and proceed with plans for Mireya and school.  She is definitely ready, but we want to do what is best for her considering treatment, isolation and the possibility of her not being able to join her class until early next year.  We consulted several key people (doctors, specialists, educators and trusted friends/family) about thoughts and options to make this a doable, but also pleasantly memorable time for Mireya.  I have to admit, we received great feedback, but also divided stances.  Homebound, Homeschool, Hold Off?  I chuckled to myself about Homeschooling.  Not because I don't believe I can do it, I totally could...but I was immediately surrounded in Homeschooling 'good vibes' because of the many conversations I've had with Homeschooling friends.  A few of those chats seriously had me on the brink of considering the option (shout out to my Homeschooling Mommy Friends).  I just don't know that I'd want to add the responsibility of homeschooling to the responsibility of managing Reya's medical care and schedule. 

As I left for the Kindergarten Orientation, Mireya was fast asleep in her hospital bed.  I wish she could have been there to meet her classmates and experience the buzz and excitement.  I visited with her teacher and took pictures and videos of her classroom.  Mireya's teacher also made a video greeting for her, which Reya thought was really special.  I met with the Educational team earlier this week to discuss plans for Mireya, ways to keep her connected to the class and the process of transitioning her into the physical school setting. This is something we'll monitor and take a day at a time.  Nothing is set in stone and it all can be changed as needed.  It's not your traditional start to school, but we're thankful for the resources available for Mireya's journey and success this year. 

Jalen's orientation was in the afternoon.  He enjoyed meeting his teacher, seeing old friends and new classmates.  In just a few days, three of the four will be classified as 'in school'.  In the midst of all that has been going on, we were able to coordinate getting our college girl back to school.  She had to go back a little earlier for training as an RA. We are very excited and proud of her.  Makinley will participate in a preschool program to keep her thriving and socializing (she's just that kind of girl). Keep us in your prayers as we embark upon a new school year with the expectation of maintaining health, sanity and the excitement for learning.