Wednesday 24 December 2008

Christmas Wishes....

It's a special time of the year when many of us have the opportunity to sit back and appreciate our families and friends and we often take time to reflect on the past year.

My first impression of 2008 is that I will be glad to leave it behind! Then I think of the generosity, kindness and warmth that we have seen while Eric fights this beast called Hodgkins. First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to a kind stranger who has willingly donated bone marrow to Eric twice. This person is truly special. S/he has given this gift of life willingly and has no expectations of anything in return. Likewise, there are hundreds of strangers who have donated blood and platelets - each of you who has donated blood has given Eric or someone like him a chance to keep fighting. These are gifts like no other and they make the presents wrapped and waiting under the tree pale in comparison. Thank you.

I had only one wish for this Christmas. I want Eric to be healthy - I want this transplant to work. Today his white blood count rose! A WBC of 0.2 is like a miracle. While still a dangerously low white count.... this is twice what he has had for the last couple of months. Finally - a sign of engraftment beginning.

May all of you have a wonderfully peaceful holiday season and a HEALTHY and happy 2009.

Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night.

5 comments:

B. said...

Dearest Kathy,

The news of Eric's counts rising, is such, beautiful, wonderful news. And, I'm so happy for you both.

With such a rough road behind, and somewhat ahead, I marvel at your grace, and patience during this time.

Please know, you and Eric are in my thoughts, as well as my family's. We are sending very, very positive thoughts up north to you. In hopes, that this engraftment will be the beginning to putting all of this behind.

Sending love,
warm wishes,
and all the best for 2009.

Love,
Bekah

Veronica said...

Oh yes......goodbye 2008 and hello Hodge-free 2009!!

SO happy to hear that Eric's counts are beginning to rise. You all need uplifting news and hopefully this is the start of a run of good news........sending love and hugs your way........Vx

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays to you guys and here's to a much better 2009! We are glad to hear that Eric's counts are rising - a good step in the right direction! Here's to hope and love and much better days ahead!
Erin & Zach in Arkansas

Veronica said...

ps - forgot to say that I LOVE the picture :0)...........Vx

Adrienne said...

I'm sure Eric is more than ready to come home, and you're ready go have him. I hope your holiday was fun and memorable, and the new family member isn't keeping you too, too busy. Hugs, Alison (Adrienne's mom)