So Thankful

All year long I try to focus on all I have to be thankful for, but at Thanksgiving it is even more apparent.

I am Thankful for so many blessings in my life...

My two precious babies. They are my everything. I never imagined my life as a Mom would look like it does, but everyday I am grateful I get to be Mom to two amazing kids who demonstrate more courage, perseverance and determination then i ever thought possible. I witness joy despite incredibly hard circumstances and love overflowing.

Even though Alex can't eat, he loves to help me cook.

I am grateful for doctors and nurses and a hospital who believe in family centered care. A team who work tirelessly to make sure they see my children as children, our family as a family and make choices and choose treatments that are in our best interest with all aspects of care considered. A hospital that counts me and Alex and Maddy and our experiences and opinions every bit as important as the medical professionals. A hospital who gives us opportunities to share our story, to help others, to make a difference. A hospital that gives us an opportunity to attend events and make memories. There are so many examples over the years, but this week Maddy got to serve as Grand Marshall of the Parade of Lights. (Alex was supposed to also, but he was sick).

Maddy with one of the VP's of Cook Children's. 

Maddy and Ralphie

Maddy and one of our favorite nurses from "our" floor

I am thankful for a church and school that have shown us love in so many ways. They continually meet us exactly where we are. For Alex, it is a place where he hangs out with his very best friends, gets to participate in activities, express his faith, be an actor, volunteer and so much more. For Maddy, it is a school and a church full of loving teachers, friends and learning. It is experiences and fun. It is her favorite place to be. For me, it is a group of women who have shown me love, who have taught me it is okay to just be me, to laugh, to cry, to steal their babies. It is a sisterhood who lift each other up and support each other through all the ups and downs of life.

I am thankful for our huge village. Our family and friends who continue to surround us with love and support as we continue on this crazy path of our life.

Ali

PS- A medical update on Alex...We went to the hospital last Sunday with a fever. He was discharged as labs didn't look bad and their was lots of flu and rsv. Monday morning Alex woke up with A LOT of pain and his labs showed his pancreas was flaring (Not full blown pancreatitis, but his labs had increased 6X from the morning before). Our palliative care doctor helped us get some pain management in place and he started feeling better on Thursday. he is feeling better each day. He also got an iron infusion to try and help his anemia/make him feel better.

As for Zoey... She will leave us in a week to begin her rigorous training. We are excited, but sad to see her go away. We currently have enough in our fundraiser for almost 2 months. She may need up to six months of training. We are SO GRATEFUL to everyone who has donated, shared our link and prayed. Please continue to pray that we can raise the funds necessary for her to receive all the training she needs to help Alex. Alex's Fundraiser