Yup, that's right, Sawyer's hair has transformed from blond, straight and wispy to thick, dark and curly! And oh so soft. He now fits right in with the rest of his male cousins who all have similar hair! It's so strange to see curls coming out around his ears and along the back of his head. He's going to get it trimmed down but is willing to wait until after Thanksgiving so family members have a chance to see it all first. I'll see if I can get a photo of it to post online. We're not sure if it will stay this way or if it will continue to transform over time. He was born with black hair that later lightened to a light blond.
He's part of the wrestling team at school and has been coming home from his workouts pretty worn out, but mostly due to the actual workout -- you should see the muscles he's already been able to bring back! Needless to say, it's making him very happy. He won't be hitting the mats for competition initially -- still has to work out his concerns over the implanted port in his chest which is tender to touch, and rightfully worrisome since it's a direct line into his arteries. The doctors have given him permission to fully compete but it's up to him to decide what he's comfortable with. Overall, he's doing really well. We certainly know what to be thankful for during our Thanksgiving celebrations.
On Sunday, Mark and I will be going to Rochester as volunteer help for an fundraiser for the CURE organization. They're holding a brunch and live and silent auctions. It appears to be quite the affair and we're looking forward to being able to help out. Sawyer is hoping to also go but thinks he may need to stay home to work on a biology project. One really exciting thing associated with this brunch is that Mark will be bringing a $700 check to donate to the CURE; money raised from an event held at Alfred University that he was instrumental in organizing (a fun, 7-mile hike that encourages students to get out and explore the beauty around campus). I know I'll shed some tears of gratitude on Sunday knowing what the money goes to support, as well as a few tears of sadness as we see and/or hear about other families who haven't been as fortunate with their children's treatments.
Monday will be Sawyer's next treatment at the clinic. If all goes well, it should be fairly straightforward and quick.
We wish everyone a relaxing and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time spent with your friends and family; appreciate the love, the food, the laughter, the company and just life in general.
