National Childhood (Cancer) Awareness Month By Paul Conrow — Sept 2 Yesterday (Labor day), we were at Eastview Mall so that the five kiddos could each make a build-a-bear. Each kid picked out an unstuffed animal and an outfit. Then, the kids helped run a machine that stuffed the teddy bear, bunny, or dog with stuffing. After putting the chosen outfit on the animal, each kid printed out a birth certificate for their new creation. It was so much fun watching all of the kids express their personalities in the process. It was a perfect capstone to the summer. This awesome day for the family came courtesy of CURE Bears for Hope and Love. This organization is run by Lynne and Randy Stiefler; in addition to sending CURE Bears to pediatric cancer patients, they constantly volunteer their time at events for pediatric cancer families. Part of CURE Bears funding comes from the bottles that Lynne and Randy pick up after Red Wings games. This is just one small illustration of their dedication. (By the way, if you are looking for an organization to give empty bottles & cans to, CURE Bears gets my recommendation). I remarked to Liz last night, how it warmed my heart and brought a silly half smile to my face when I watched Amanda drink her pop at lunch that day. Before making the bears, we grabbed lunch at the food court. While munching some french fries, Amanda grabbed her cup over the top with her five fingers spread out. She lifted the cup off the table, brought the top of the straw down to her mouth (well below the tables edge), and proceeded to take a few sips before resting it back on the table. Her coordination was so fluid and controlled. I found myself so emotionally free watching her carryout this simple task. I still wince when I watch her run along a paved surface or hard floor - praying that she stays upright - but yesterday, I caught myself totally caught up in watching Amanda being so normal. Throughout the summer, Ive had moments like the cup lifting where even if it is only a moment, I can pretend/believe this whole ordeal is behind Amanda. It is difficult to explain why or when this shift happened, but I more willingly embrace and bask in these times lately. It has been so hard since this started, and especially after the multiple tumors were discovered in April of 2013, to have a real feeling of freedom about Amanda. Even now, with an MRI 6 days away, there is constant trepidation... I would be lying if I wrote otherwise. But, I know it is best for Amanda when we treat her like any 5 year old whose first day of kindergarten is tomorrow. And, I know it is good for me to see her and think about her that way, too. Kindergarten orientation was last Thursday. What a great day! Amanda happily showed us her coat hook and cubby. Her two buddies, Eli and Ellie, were there. I was so pleased that she was so comfortable in the room. She is pumped! Her teacher, Mrs. Van Buren, explained that kids have a reading log to fill out and that with every five books read, a child gets a sticker and can press a Staples Easy button on the teachers desk. Well, the very next morning, Amanda excitedly read a book to herself and had Samantha read a couple of books to her. Before Liz or I were even out of bed, Amanda was preparing for kindergarten!... if only every high school kid had this enthusiasm to do extra summer reading! As the orientation finished, Amanda was ready to head home but Liz had to talk to a few teachers. So, I walked home with Amanda. I carried her for most of the time. Just walking while holding her hand for some of it to. We talked about school, why her eyes were blue like mine and Lizs, how to find the street numbers on a house. It was a totally nice stroll home. Again, I let myself get lost in enjoying the moment with her in a way that gave me a feeling of freedom - at least temporarily. And, you know what? In that moment, she is a perfect 5 year old little girl. She is my perfect 5 year old little girl. Tomorrow is the first day of kindergarten. We will have four kids at school #52. Samantha starts her last year in elementary school - 6th grade. Michael is in 5th. Jessica begins 2nd grade. It will be a sweet day, one that any parent would cherish. Certainly, Liz and I might cherish it with greater intensity than most. We are so thrilled. As recently as June, it was not clear to us that Amanda would be clearing this milestone so comfortably. Please keep the prayers and love coming. It sustains us and keeps us moving forward. September brings the start of school. It is also National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Without repeating the terrible lack of funding relative to the governments total National Institute of Health budget (see last years post), I hope you might take a moment to reflect on/act on childhood cancer but I also hope that you take time to cherish the moments you have with the children in your life. Your own, your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, whatever the case might be. We get so busy and organized with LIFE. Take a moment to watch a kid grab a cup of pop. Listen as they ask a sweet or goofy question. Take a walk and let the conversation and the path go as the kid wants. You shouldnt need a serious, threatening diagnosis like Amandas to put it all into perspective, and allow yourself to freely bask in the joy that you get from that kid or those kids in your life.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 09:42:54 +0000
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