Larissa came over earlier in the day and entertained/watched the kids so Jake and I could get some last minute house things in order before his parents come tomorrow. House is clean, laundry is almost caught up, schedules for the next two weeks are ready to go.
After mini-golf we went out for dinner and came home and played Telestrations. Jake read to the boys and I laid in the girls’ room and talked with them before saying goodnight.
I am really going to miss our kids. Deep breath. I hope I can sleep tonight.
“So, how are you doing?” Even though this question has been asked multiple times, I still don’t know what to say.
Our first meeting to discuss Veronica’s diagnosis was with Dr. Adams at the University of Minnesota. While Dr. Adams talked about what they found in the MRI with us, the resident who was with Dr. Adams pulled up the MRI images on a screen behind her. In that moment I recognized this is something real and monumental. I felt very small and unprepared, but I knew I would do anything to help Veronica.
At first when people asked me the question of “How are you doing?” my thoughts went right to the little guy that on the Axiom in the movie Wall-E. The whole situation seemed epic and on its own trajectory, while I just needed to be around to help remove “foreign contaminants.”
I soon realized that this was completely wrong. This isn’t just about Veronica, it is about all of us supporting her. When we started to tell people about the diagnosis we were met with an outpouring of compassion and offers to help from almost everyone that we shared with. Even people I consider casual acquaintances have offered time and resources. I need to allow everyone around us to do their part. This makes me feel like Veronica, the kids and I can get through to the other side of this not unscathed, but well cared for. So how am I? I feel well. I feel at peace knowing that so many people are prepared to help in any way they can.
Spent the afternoon and evening with this great bunch!
The Shecklets went on a scavenger hunt for their Christmas presents this year. Numbers 1, 2, & 3 found kayaks and #4 found a scooter! Summer is going to be a lot of fun this year!
After eating French toast for breakfast, we gathered in the living room to open presents. The kids opened their “need” and “read” gifts first and then their “shared” gift. Last came their “want” gift. I think they we’re all pleasantly surprised by what they unwrapped.
The day was spent with just the 6 of us this year. It was really nice to not have to load everyone up, go out in the cold, and venture back home after bedtime. Movies, tasty dinner & relaxing at home. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer day 😊
After mass this evening, Shecklet #3 asked if she and her siblings could have their picture taken in front of the manger scene at church. Then we had Shecklet #2 take a photo of Jake and me. Love these people so much ❤️
I had a tearful realization this afternoon that carried over to mass this evening. I’m one month from my surgery date. The flood of emotions was overwhelming and unfortunately, I didn’t bring enough tissues with me to church. The girls were so sweet and tried to comfort me.
The boys have been anxiously awaiting the release of the latest Star Wars movie. Jake and a friend went to see it last night, so he asked if I wanted to take the boys this afternoon. We got tickets for the 1:15 show and the boys loved it!
Jake’s grandparents invited us to come for dinner tonight. While we were there, Shecklet #3 got to show Grandma Lois the game he made using SCRATCH.
He has really enjoyed learning how to code and has a friend at school (as well as his teacher) who he shares his games with and gets feedback for improving them.
While reading to the girls tonight, Shecklet #3 started asking me questions about my upcoming surgery. While I’m not about to go into the specific details of what the surgeons will have to do (I’m actually keeping some of those specifics from myself as well,) Jake and I have promised the kids to answer their questions honestly. After we talked about stitches, the reasons why it is good I’ll be “asleep” during surgery, balance, and the unknowns surrounding my recovery, Shecklet #3 asked if she could pretend to be the surgeon who takes out my tumor. She brushed my hair aside (which she said was her pretending to shave the spot where they’ll have to make the incision behind my ear,) gathered her surgical “tools” and ever so gently removed my tumor.
I have amazing kids. They continue to handle this entire scary situation with such poise and honesty. And I’ve been able to draw strength from that. I have told Shecklet #3 numerous times over the last month that if I have even a fraction of the courage that she has shown throughout her fingertip injury, I know I can get through what I’m facing in January.
