One year ago...

One year ago, we were sitting in a hotel room in Rochester, knowing that Sawyer had something serious, one of two very scary diseases. Knowing that we had so many caring friends and family that were concerned and would want updates, I decided to start this blog. Countless trips to Rochester, watching Sawyer bravely face a plethora of procedures, hard days, and uncomfortable procedures and too many nights in the hospital. 365 days.

Three weeks after his diagnosis, an amazing fundraiser "Stacks for Sawyer" happened (with lots of hard work by dedicated and caring friends). Over 1000 people attended and were overwhelmed by the donated goods for auction, the delicious brunch food, the enormity of community giving. Wonderful bracelets were created, t-shirts designed, songs sung. All creating a fund that has paid for gas, meals, hotels, hospital bills, medication co-pays, etc. A fund that meant we didn't have to stress or worry about financial issues; we could just focus all our energy on Sawyer and his needs.

And he made it through, we all made it through: me, Mark, Sawyer, and all of you. Together. Supporting, helping, hoping, praying, staying positive. Our community of family and friends made this hard journey so much easier and for that we are forever grateful. Even though the long road continues, we know that we can do it! Life itself is a journey, with unexpected joys and unwelcome surprises. Continue to love, enjoy the beauty and remember how precious every day really is.

Pretty quiet

It's been a wonderfully quiet last few weeks. No problems or issues except for a little lack of energy on Mondays when he takes his heavy dose of methotrexate. On Friday, Sawyer will start his first "real" job - working at the dining hall at Alfred University. We're really proud of him for wanting to work and for doing all the contacts/paperwork needed to get it lined up.

He's in in his junior year which means we need to be getting him registered for the SAT tests, starting to look at colleges, etc. All very exciting!

Work on his Eagle Scout project is mostly done; still a little painting and repair work left. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough some time this weekend that the painting at least can be done.

We just got his school pictures, and are sooooooo happy to see a healthy, smiling young man! He said his best friend was standing in his line of sight doing crazy faces, making him laugh.