Hard to believe that it’s been that long since we went to the ER and had our lives turned upside down. It’s hard to believe that Boston is in the condition that he is despite all the news that we would get over that first 3 days just 1 year ago.

This last year has put so many things into perspective for me, and I’m sure I can speak for Alaina as well, after going through that as a parent. We can tell there are times Boston still gets nervous for follow-up appointments too. And no one would blame him. 

Boston continues to do well after surgery, radiation, and his memantine trial. MRI updates continue to show no regrowth to any degree. Evaluations with all of his providers continue to show no signs of return. For that, we are forever grateful and blessed. 

There are days I wonder about side effects from everything and then days I wonder if anything ever happened. I suppose some of it may be the dichotomy of him being 14 years old and going through “normal” adolescent stuff. Whatever it is, we can deal with it. It’s nothing like the picture of where we thought we would be one year ago.

I still remember that ambulance ride in the middle of the night, walking through a dark hospital in parts that most people don’t walk on a journey most people will have the pleasure of never knowing. The uncertainty and questions racing through my head. I could only imagine what Boston was thinking on that same ride and being wheeled up from the ambulance through those same hallways. 

It’s all a blur, but still so vivid at the same time. To think that it’s been a year already just doesn’t seem possible. To be where Boston is now also didn’t really seem too possible either, especially once we got that first result at BVH. 

To all of his providers along the way (doctors, nurses, surgeons, aides, secretaries, ancillary staff, and anyone else that may not fit in those categories), thank you for taking care of that boy like he was your own. 

To all of you, thank YOU for all of your support. Prayers, positive words of encouragement, food, gifts, cards, balloons, a visit from his class via school bus to the house, banners, signs and everything else that you could imagine, all helped get Boston through to today. For that, we are forever grateful. 

Some aren’t so lucky. That doesn’t go forgotten around here. To those that continue to fight their own battles, keep going. Embrace the fight and take each day one at a time. We will continue to pray for you and continued strength to press on.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all so much for caring about our boy. 

You never know what a year may bring. Be grateful for each day! The next one is never guaranteed.