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Michael Patrick 
(border photos: top left, counterclockwise, Mar.-Nov., 2005.)
Michael Patrick is a great little NINE year old boy.
He's in FOURTH grade. He works hard and he plays hard.
He can hold his own in just about any conversation, just ask him.
Memories of his medical journey through chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant are fading.
His diagnosis (in March of 2005) was Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
His status is remission, and he has fully recovered from the transplant.
His journey was not an easy one! That is downplayed here on this site, which was made to put loved ones at ease, and in touch with his care. The word "I" usually refers to Mom, unless specified, or in some early entries.
... God has a Plan... It's All Good!
Thank you for your prayers!
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Thank you for visiting our Caringbridge site, and for praying for the families who make this journey.
Journal
Friday, December 10, 2010 8:47 PM CST I didn't realize this site still said MichaelPatrick is a third grader. He's been in fourth grade since August. He and I sort of moved to Upper Elementary together, meaning I work with the older children now. It is a challenge, but I am catching on. I think having some of the same children has helped me tremendously. I realize this isn't about me. I'm just pointing out that he is Nine!, not eight, and in Fourth grade. Now the main page reflects that.
One of the most exciting things since CampCARE was being the parade with drumSTRONG! What better thing to give thanks for than life?! Right? So Thanksgiving day, we bundled up in tee-shirts and hit the streets of uptown Charlotte with the drumSTRONG float in the Belk Carolinas Carrousel Parade. Thomas and Michael Patrick rode on the float, and I carried a drum on foot beside them. There were several other drummers (who really PLAY drums seriously), a scooter, and seceral Belly Dancers. We chanted "We will, we will beat it!" We were even on TV and if you know which drumSTRONG hats they were wearing, you could see the boys up on the back of the float.
This is the second year we joined drumSTRONG in the parade. Last year GrandmaJo walked with us too. So when the drummers visited CampCARE this Summer, and mentioned the parade, Thomas knew the fun it was firsthand, and he returned from camp with immediate news that he planned to be a part of drumSTRONG when Thanksgiving arrived. Remember, this was July! When Thanksgiving finally rolled around, it was bitter cold and quite damp! Just the same, it was wonderful!
The boys have also been busy with Scouts,School, Catechesis, Altar Serving, and of course video games. :)
Last night, I had one of those moments moms spend using all their strength pushing asside negative thoughts and fears. Michael had a leg cramp that was pretty intense. It started as we were walking to the car and continued the whole way home. I've reasoned, and he has too, that he had been on his feet all day and evening in uncomfortable shoes. That could be the cause. We put a hot pad on it. He fell asleep pretty quickly after that. When he woke this morning he had no pain. Still, I'm going to take notice of any complaints at all in the next few days and weeks. I don't think I'll ever stop hoping and praying that remission continues! No matter how securely I do believe that he is healed, I'm always going to cringe at his aches, pains and fevers, and pray for good health! I'm counting on his upcoming complaints being about stuff like Thomas annoying him or me making him eat foods he hates.
That reminds me, he has not invented any peculiar sandwich cominations lately. He eats peanut butter sandwiches once in a while now, as he hasn't been near his buddy with allergies in a long time. He refused to eat it even at home when they were in the same class. He would remark, "What can I say? I'm a good friend!" He is loyal.
:)
Blessed Advent! Or as Michael Patrick and I like to say, "Happy New Year!"
Read Journal History
Links: http://www.drumstrong.org drumSTRONG
http://www.campcare.org Cancer Ain't Really the End!
http://www.rainbowofheroeswalk.org 5200 yard walk, May 7, 2011
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