Tonight is the winter Solstice.  Each new day will only bring  more light.

The year of 2020 will be the year we all remember because of Covid-19 and the global pandemic.  Who would have ever imagined 2020 would have unfolded the way it has?  So many surprises, ups and downs.  Instead of sharing the disappointments, I feel so blessed because we've had many silver linings this year.  So many times we all have felt numb because at the same time of our joy,  we all know so many around us have not been so fortunate.  Let's face it, it's been a very hard year.

Which takes me to the reason for this sharing this post.  On June 10th, 2020 - Klaus for the first time in over a decade heard the news "N.E.D." .  

On the CT report it states "NORMAL CT CHEST: No Evidence of Pulmonary Metastatic Disease". 

WOW,,,   The picture on the right was when Klaus was 3 1/2 years old and his first surgery.  Now Klaus is 17 years old and Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumors cannot be found.  He used to have over 21 small nodules on his lungs.  They looked like popcorn in all 4 lung quadrants.  But now they are gone.  It's just amazing and I share this update in closing since many new families are just starting this journey in care for their loved ones and I know it can be so scary. May our sons silver lining share light with you to help navigate the care you need for your child.   In this year of the pandemic, it has been so busy and crazy,  that I had not taken a moment to share this important post.   But being the solstice, I feel inspired to share the light and close out this chapter. 

Klaus and our entire family has lived with a weighted burden on our shoulders for so many years.  I can't even imagine what it's felt like for Klaus?   So even in with midst of a global pandemic, how amazing is it that there is light to be found?  Since hearing the news in June, Klaus leads to show us how to adjust - working to shake off the past.  He's so inspiring.  It feels pretty incredible! WOW?  So unexpected - it's gone?!  We are grateful.

This year Klaus is a senior at Boulder High School and with this too,  he continues to adjust and find his way.  With only experiencing on-line learning for his senior year and the end of his junior year, this entire school year has been challenging to say the least.  The list of what has been "cancelled" in his senior year is long.  Blah.  Grandpa Ted also contacted Covid but thankfully only had a mild case.   There really has been so many bummers on so many fronts.. but none of this really matters in the big scheme of things because being NED tops all the cancelled parts and all the heart aches over the years.   Grandpa being well too tops so many parts!  It's all really good and we are grateful.  Klaus is moving on, figuring this crazy year out and taking small steps forward, step by step.  He applied to 4 colleges,   let's enjoy what comes next right?

So with that, it's time to close this out.  Caring bridge and my journaling has been a lifeline to process, to connect, to share strength and to find strength.  To share information for others to learn from in support of their loved ones.   Life is good, what are the most important things in life?  Your health, your community and your family.  If you have that, you have everything!  Our entire family is grateful.  Thank you all for being our soulful community in this journey.  Grateful to be on the other side.

  xooxxo  Tracy Heiman and Family

My social media post on June 12th, 2020:

"Introducing Mr. “N.E.D.” No evidence of disease! What began in 2007 is now officially in the past. So so so grateful. This is only the second time in over a decade +, that Klaus has heard this incredible news. A new chapter begins today! Thank you to all those who have supported Klaus and our family over all these years. What an incredible gift to receive today? We do not take any part of this for granted. #letthegoodtimesroll #sounexpected #blessings #childhoodcancerawareness #plexiformfibriohistiocyctictumors #pediatricsarcomaawareness #dragonstrong #community #gratefulheart #thisis17 #stbaldricksfoundation #therewithcare #shiningstarsfoundations #rockymountainpediatrichematologyoncology #lessthan4 #curesforkids #mskccpediatrics #rememberingallourdearangels #hope #rememberingthoseinthefight #foreverchanged #makeawishcolorado #bagsoffun #curesearch #Campwapiyapi #campskyhighhope #nighthawkranch #bravehoods #corporateangelnetwork #rockymountainhospitalforchildren