moving on

I'm sneaking in a post at the library (between houses & between computers--how weird it is to be offline!), and Reuben is only briefly fascinated with the keyboard. I can't write much, but wanted to give a brief update.

First, we have been the beneficiaries of so much kindness that must be acknowledged. It may be months before I can unpack, but we had a mix of church and friend and Nathan's students help us move the big stuff on Thursday, then 4 of the teachers from the s' school and a couple of other friends help us pack up and move most of the rest on Friday. Today a pack of ladies from our church came to clean. Without the help, it would take us weeks in our current state of crazy (schedules & heads!), but the good feelings of love and support are still worth more to me.

Reuben and I leave this afternoon to stay at the Ronald McDonald house in Philadelphia for more tests early tomorrow morning (bone scan and CT scan) and our clinic visit with the good Dr. Aplenc (such a desperate crush I get on those doctors who really care and move little mountains for us!). I've seen the tumor grow in the last couple of days since I've taken off his dressing (I drew on him with a hyacinth pen so I could "watch" better), so we're aiming for a port placement and the start of chemotherapy on Wednesday. If all goes well, we'll be home sometime this weekend. Fingers crossed!

We remain doggedly optimistic, and Reuben remains smiley and sweet.

Thank you for your good wishes and deliveries and kindness. Life's messes also reveal its goodness; though I still refuse to believe in a God that shoves trouble in my path, I do believe in one who helps me through it, and also believe he usually uses you to do it.