Mother’s Day 2018

One year ago today we found out that our Tate had Leukemia. It stunned us, broke our hearts, and pulled us closer together. I will never forget my dad’s voice, thick with emotion, when I called him from the hospital, my sister’s whisper-roar “No!” when I told her, or how my mother-in-law’s shocked voice trailed off as she pulled the phone away to tell her husband Mark. My friends either burst into tears or started swearing; there was no mild reaction from any of them.

It was a day that changed all of us.

Family and friends rushed to our side, and they never left. We have been blessed with so much support from near and far, and we couldn’t have made it through the year without it. People have cleaned our house, cooked our meals, and helped with our pool, our yard, and our pets.

When we left the hospital nine days later, no one had any idea Tate’s body would react so badly to treatment. Soon he was too weak to walk without falling, his fingers curled up and his hands became useless. He struggled even to swallow water. But treatment had to continue in spite of the terrible side effects or he wouldn’t survive. Tate has endured all of it.

Tate’s strength through these trials has taught us so much.

Tate came home from his hospital stay to so much love. His friends plastered the front of our house with hearts and hung a huge sign in the entry.

Our hearts are full. We have learned so much about life, love, and community. I admit I am embarrassed that I couldn’t see some of these things until my son’s health was threatened. They seem so obvious now.

Thank you for joining us on this journey as we do our best to care for our son. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.