All and all today was a good day, it did not go as I planned it but it was still good. This morning I spoke with one of the Neurosurgery residents and asked him if he thought I could get a short pass for Joel, maybe 2-3 hours. He saw no problem with that, but told me that Joel had been released from neuro to oncology. Oncology would have to sign for Joel leaving. I asked our nurse to put in a call to oncology for a pass for Joel.

As Joel and I waited to hear if we could leave the hospital for a bit, we had a quiet morning just hanging out together. Just before our lunch arrived Gramma and Biba and Dave and the kids arrived. We took our lunch down to the cafeteria. On the weekends the cafeteria is closed, so it was a quiet spot with lots of room. My dad and I left for a short time so I could go look at sandals. When we got back my parents headed home. The kids had a great time hanging out with Joel. I noticed that Joel speaks louder when the kids are here.

Finally, mid afternoon, I was told that Oncology was saying Joel was still with Neuro, so he is a bit misplaced. I believe in the end they decided that neuro will keep him until Monday. I had hoped to get out to get a haircut for Joel but as a pass was sounding iffy I asked Dave to bring the clippers. After the kids and Dave went home, I cut Joel’s hair; I tried to go really short as it will be falling out eventually. I think one of the highlights of my day was meeting a Mom of a 4 year old who also had a Medulloblastoma removed and is in his 3rd week of radiation. It was nice talking to her, asking a few questions and realizing that some of Joel’s behavior is very similar to her son. I found comfort in that.

I still am amazed at the peace I am walking in here; all I can say is that all of your prayers are at work. I have another verse to share with you all. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 The importance of community in our lives is huge; in a place like this it is like breathing: you need it to survive. Funny I used to say to Dave you can be an encouragement to people at work but I am always home, who do I get to encourage? (Of course, I know at home, I have the kids but Dave has the kids and people at work) In these past 2 weeks I have listened, prayed for and hugged so many people it surprises me. We all need to know people care. That we aren’t alone, or are not the only ones on this path.

Also in Ecclesiastes we read (1:9-10) What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

There are people on this path, there are those who have walked it already and sadly there are those who will walk it. For me community has been so important; all of you who read this blog you are part of my community and I thank you so much for caring and loving us.

I would love to share pictures of Joel but he still is not himself; not sure how long before he is more like himself. Joel has been sleeping so peacefully tonight, so I thought I would take a quick picture of him. He is sporting his new haircut.