Two Thumbs Up

First, a heartfelt thanks to our friends who supported us in honoring the anniversary of Charlotte's death.  Our day of remembrance was full of friends and comfort.  We had about a dozen (or so) who stopped by to help us release some balloons (and attached messages) to the sky.  Noah's Children, an organization that continues to support us in so many ways, brought a chocolate cake.  Hot chocolate was enjoyed by all.   

And it snowed.

Some of you may remember that it snowed the night that Charlotte died as well.  The snow on Friday was reminiscent of the light dusting we had received the previous year on the same day.  It seemed a poetic ending to a bittersweet day. 

The events that followed in the next 24 hours in Tucson have continued to rock our world this week.  Our thoughts have been with the families of those who were injured or killed during the tragic shooting.  Most especially, we have thought a great deal about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her family.  I have found myself leaking quite a bit this week.  Maybe even more so than last week.   It just hits very close to home. 

It is hard to believe that almost two years ago, we faced our own encounter with neurosurgery.  The brain is a delicate, complex, and amazing organ.  I have thought many times this week about Charlotte's first surgery on 1/22/09.  The doctors explained all of the risks as we learned about the dangers of inflammation and infection that followed any type of brain surgery.  We were warned that while the neurosurgeon would do his very best to repair that which needed fixing while preserving that which needed to remain, it was a complicated process and there were a lot of unknowns.  After all, it is brain surgery.  We were warned to expect slow recovery, paralysis, permanent weaknes, blood loss, and, of course, the risk of death. 

When Charlotte emerged from her surgery, one of the first things she did was give Dr. Tye the thumbs-up.  After everything we had been told, we knew this was a good sign. This image became an enduring symbol of Charlotte's strength and courage.  It led us to the inspiration that became CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation. 

Needless to say, it warmed our hearts and gave us hope when we heard the promising news that came over the airwaves Monday that Rep. Giffords had also given her thumbs-up. We know that she has a long road ahead of her in terms of recovery.  We also know the incredible strength that comes from surviving something of this magnitude. 

Every day, there are families who fight these battles.  Whether they face chronic illness, terminal disease, or a tragic accident, we know that the road for some is a long journey and an incredible battle.  As Roger likes to say, go hug your babies a little tighter tonight. Never forget that Every Day is a Bonus. 

Update from the Hospital

Good morning again.
Here's something I thought I'd never say: I had a great night's sleep here at the hospital. The recliner chairs they have in these rooms are pretty bad for the back but I used a pillow for a little lumbar support and that seemed to help. Had a dream about being a politician chased by the mob.
Charlotte slept better than I did. She ate so much yesterday that now we need to see some movement from below. I came out of the shower this morning and the room smelled pretty ripe so I thought she had pooped but it must have been just gas. Hopefully it's a precurser.
Mommy came by last night and we had a semblance of family time. Lots of holding each other, staring at Charlotte, talking about Charlotte, catering to Charlotte's every whim. Well almost. She still had to take the medicine.
The hope is still that we will go home today. The Hem/Onc folks have to come by first (about 11) and check her out one more time.
And now for another completely unsolicited review:
Assante's Pizza near downtown Richmond
When the nurses could only find some French bread pizza, which CJ wanted no part of but was very yummy this morning, I was handed a 3-ring binder with lots of restaurant /take-out menus.
I had only one request of any pizza joint: There needs to be lots of crust on the end.
I called Assante's and the guy was pretty honest that they didn't necessarily have a ton of crust on most of their pizzas but the pan pizza was pretty thick. I made him assure me again there was a good amount of crust
and ordered a large cheese pizza delivered.
(note: normally, delivery places have to stop off at the Gateway area of MCV, next to McDonalds, and call up for you to come down and get it.)
Well, the pizza came quick, was still very hot and the service was very good. I took it upstairs and opened it to see what I had ordered. It's very much like a Pizza Hut pan pizza but thicker. Not as much crust around the edges as I'd hoped but it sure smelled and looked good. $11.99+ tax and they have take-out specials that are worth the trip.
After letting it cool down, I gave a small piece to CJ and she made me take off any little bit of sauce and cheese. But once she started nibbling, she was off! she snacked on the pizza all night! Cheese, sauce, and all. It's interesting how her associations work. As sson as she tastes it, she's fine.
So, verdict is...lots of CJ thumbs up.
Dr. Gouda (sp?) just came in and reiterated that we're most probably going home today. Need to start packing.