The World has certainly changed. The strange thing for us is it feels like we have been “in training” (so to speak) for this since May of 2016. We have been forced to isolate so regularly  due to Connors neutropenia that this just doesn’t feel that different from our perspective. Where we have felt the change is Connors Doctors have told us to isolate and to not even come to the hospital unless it’s an emergency. In fact they have been meeting with Connor virtually for his checkups, and have discontinued his regular blood work. The idea is the risk is to high, and if he relapses that we will be able to recognize the signs and start him back up again. It’s hard not getting that regular verification (thru the blood work) that Connor is ok, but we fall back to the two things that got us thru this whole ordeal, hope and faith! I remind myself that there are no guarantees for tomorrow for any of us, and that helps me to live in the present and appreciate today, instead of worrying about tomorrow. 

Connor still has the knee pain due to the bone necrosis. He doesn’t complain ever, but I can tell he’s in pain especially when he navigates up or down the stairs. He also has a new trick. We have discovered that Connor can tell when it’s going to rain. I’m guessing from all the chemo they injected into his spinal cord, so it would incorporate into his spinal fluid and protect his brain from the cancer that he has developed this extra sense. Unfortunately it is head pressure that alerts him, but it has shown to be 100 percent accurate. Even when the forecast didn’t call for rain, Connor was right. He said one day, “dad, I feel like it’s going to rain,” my response was that the forecast didn’t show any chance, to which he replied “that’s weird, because my head is pounding like when it’s going to rain.” Sure enough within a few hours it was pouring outside. 

My little man has turned 16 this summer, and I am still just so thankful that he is still here!!! Our journey wasn’t the easiest, and I hate that he had to grow up so fast and in so much pain, but he never ceases to amaze me with his positive spirit and his ability to put others before himself. Yes, you could say I’m a very proud dad!

stay safe everyone!

Connors (very proud) Dad