Sunday, December 13, 2009

We couldn't have asked for anything more.....

Sunday, 8:30 p.m.

Wow, can't believe that it has been four days since we have updated the blog. What's that saying?-Time flies when you're having fun-it really has been a wonderful four days. On Thursday, Alison, Jen and mom did a little Christmas shopping together-although Alison did use a wheelchair, it was just the best to be able to shop with my girls. Alison slept in her own bed for the first time in a very long time-she said that she actually had a pretty good night's sleep-thank heaven for "small" favors. Friday morning, Alison and mom headed back up to Yale for bloodwork. We later found that her prograf level is good but her potassium was up a bit-not alarmingly high but requiring close watch. We had the best evening as John came over for pizza-Pepe's Pizza that is-many thanks to our dear friends for the "special delivery" -John had talked about never having had Pepe's Pizza-we were so excited to be able to share this with him. Jen was able to join us, Stephen was still away at school but Joe, Jen, Alison and I really enjoyed getting to know John a little bit more. Each opportunity we get to spend more time with him just confirms what we already know-he is just a terrific young man-genuine in every way. We hope he had as good a time as we did. Saturday included Christmas baking with my girls-we certainly had fun and made some traditional cookies. Joe and I went out for the very first time-leaving Alison on her own-as we Christmas shopped, we couldn't help but think about Alison every second, we knew in our hearts that she was fine but "old" habits are hard to break. There were so many nights in the past, when our cell phone would ring and we would hear that "voice of sickness"-hopefully, that sound is now something of the past. Sunday came and we had plans to decorate our Christmas tree toether-Stephen is now home as we picked him up at the train station last night. As we lit a fire, listened to Christmas music, snacked on cookies and had all three of our children together, smiling and reminiscing-Joe and I knew that life just doesn't get better than this-our Christmas wishes were coming true right before our eyes. Alison is now at her roommate's having dinner-this is a first for her to go anywhere outside of the hospital and home. She will be home soon-I'm sure she is having a great time. We pray that Alison will continue to recover, she still gets tired quickly and needs to wear a mask in public-her immune system is still very fragile-we can't let our guard down yet, but---we can certainly start enjoying the new gift of life that John has given to her, and to us. We couldn't ask for anything more-what a glorious weekend.

With much love,
Karen

7 comments:

  1. So happy to hear about your great weekend. I guess we have all learned a great lesson from all this and that is what is really important. Good luck tomorrow and give Alison a kiss for me.

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  2. YAHOO!!! Still sending lots of prayers and lots of hugs -
    Love
    Barb

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  3. It brought tears of happiness to my eyes to hear that Alison is doing so well. That's the best Christmas gift possible. Katie is anxious to see her. Maybe we can come by after Christmas before school starts up.
    Karen, Ed, Katie and Eddie

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  4. Wonderful news! A very happy holiday in deed!

    Love you guys, Marla

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  5. What a great update..mom, Karen!! Alison you must be beyond elated! Talk about perfect timing! It seems like Santa has granted you all your wishes and we're so happy for you all! Take one day at a time and continue to go easy! It makes me so happy that you'll all be enjoying a wonderful holiday together. They say God answers your prayers just according to his schedule. You were patient, fought hard and didn't quit and God came through for you! I'm so happy for you all!

    For the record, I checked the blog and saw no updates and only had good thoughts as to why there weren't any updates!

    Merry Christmas!

    Cindy & Alyssa

    PS Karen, Katie, Alyssa and myself want to make you all dinner one night. Since things were so busy and crazy for you all for quite a bit, I think we'll wait until after the holidays. Plus the girls had gotten their H1N1 shot/mist and we knew we couldn't see Alison for that 30 day period. We'll be in touch with you in the New Year and figure out when we can drop off our dinner to you and say hello to Alison!

    Be well and God Bless you all!

    Merry Merry Christmas!

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  6. What great news! So glad Alison is doing better and starting to do things she enjoys. It looks like your Christmas will be a happy one.
    Love, Reggie

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  7. wow! so glad to hear that the past 4 days have been great! Its so good to hear alison is getting back to eating and doing what she loves best. Can't wait to see you all when the semester is over! All my love

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