MISSING IN ACTION

Last night Eli's treatments went "missing in action". They weren't brought up with his other meds and they weren't in the pharmacy. After some investigating, it was determined that the order had never printed in the pharmacy and so the treatments were never made or delivered. He was supposed to start everything about 8pm, so this delayed the treatments by about two hours, which was ok, but made for a little longer night. We finished watching the baseball playoffs while the Yankees beat the Mets to go on to the World Series. 

Do you know who isn't missing in action? Our tribe of supporters, including food delivery folks, family & friends who are checking up on us constantly, our loved ones offering to run errands and tackle whatever need we might have and everyone near and far who is praying, lighting candles, sending messages with positive healing vibes and good energy. We feel all of the love and support and it helps in so many ways.

Richard brought Bella for a visit and she brought Eli some of her homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

Richard relieved me of my hospital duties and I ran home for a little refresh and a quick errand to get a few drinks for the mini-fridge in our room. While I was gone, Coach T (one of Eli's coaches and his first Timberline coach when he was in 8th grade) stopped by to visit with Eli. Coach T has the best energy and spirit and just exudes fun and positivity. His Dugout Dances are my favorite to watch from the stands and he knows how to connect with the boys in all the best ways AND he is always ready with a mean PB & J if you ever need a late night snack in Walla Walla. We are grateful that Twisted T isn't missing in action, especially when rapping "3 chicken wings wit da fried rice".

Riley & Cheryl also came for a hangout and Riley brought another LEGO car.

They hung out and caught up and chatted about college and future careers. Eli eventually fell asleep holding Riley's hand. I am so glad that they have each other and that Riley and Watermelon Gatorade aren't missing in action.

Our family moved to Boise just over five years ago. It was the summer of 2019 and Bella was about to start 7th grade with Eli finishing up his last year of elementary school. I vividly recall attending a back to school parent meeting in the gym of the junior high, observing all of the moms and dads greeting each other and chatting about where they went on summer vacation. I felt like a fish out of water and so alone, not knowing a single soul while everyone else seemed to know each other. It feels surreal looking back, feeling like a total stranger amongst familiarity, in stark juxtaposition with how we feel now. 

Looking back, it feels so long ago, but like yesterday at the same time. I've always said that baseball is special. You spend countless hours in the stands, on the sidelines and waiting around between tournament games. Your baseball friends become the family that you didn't know you needed. You coordinate rides, volunteer in the snack bar together and groan over the same bad calls behind the plate. Pretty soon your kids are best friends and so are their parents. I know that all of our family wish that they could be here too, and so do we. 

Treatment finished sometime in the early morning hours with several round the clock vitals and check-ins. I've been sleeping pretty well. Eli had a hint of nausea mid-evening, so we got ahead of that and so far, so good. He didn't have much of an appetite for dinner. Once the doctor makes rounds in a bit, we should be able to blow this popsicle stand and get back home. He will not have any treatments Week 2 or 3, just some appointments to check his counts and some follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon. Now we just settle in and prepare for Week 4.

My mama promise to Eli is that I will never be missing in action. I will be by your side every step of the way, whatever you need, I will do it. Forever.

And, I CANNOT wait for the day that this osteosarcoma is MISSING IN ACTION.