Today Des was discharged and our family is together under the same roof again.

The doctors are “very pleased” with his progress. His blast count is still zero. His platelets and hemoglobin are holding steady.

Since coming home this afternoon he’s already moving around more and definitely more comfortable.

It’s great to be home but scary, too. Just like bringing a new baby home. You go from having around-the-clock medical support to managing this thing in your own home. With other children and real life, too.

We’re blending new circumstances with familiar routines. Making room for changes while clinging to the things that have always made us a family.

We’re adjusting to the new routines. Medicine three times a day. Nightly antibiotic baths.

We’re getting used to the higher standards of ‘clean’. Shoes go there. Clean the bathtub before using. Washing hands like it’s a competitive sport.

But still…it’s good to be home. Together.

And making this transition could not have happened without the generous kindness shown by everyone in our lives (you). Seriously, the love has been overwhelming (and much needed).

The meals, snacks, and treats have helped us eat well and allowed us the mental space to focus on each other.

Grandparents have cared for Luke and Solomon these past two weeks, comforting them all the way (and probably under-reporting to us the daily ice cream intake…)

The guys at work surprised us with a welcome message that the whole neighborhood was thrilled to see.

Family and friends scrubbed and sanitized our home to make it safe for a little one with a weak immune system.

The calls, texts, cards, and video messages remind us that we are not in this alone.

Our church has collected a stockpile of cleaning supplies with enough firepower to kill every germ in a 1-mile radius of our house.

All of this warms our hearts and makes the homecoming better.

The blending is hard. We own this now. We’re not separated from cancer by a drive to the hospital. This is our life.

We thank God for the healing, the homecoming, and the incredible love and grace we’re receiving.

Our family is ready for the challenge because our we know that our family is really big. It’s all of you.

Categories: Uncategorized

Matt