We have learned since having Abby to make the most of every day. When she is doing well, we play hard. Last summer was pretty low-key because she was so sick and unable to leave the house. But this year...THIS year, we made up for that! Here are some highlights of our summer, in no particular order.
* Flying across the country to Alaska, going on a cruise for the first time, gazing at gorgeous mountains, petting sled dog puppies, going whale watching, visiting and touching a glacier, dipping our toes in a (freezing!) glacial lake, seeing an orca from our balcony, and spotting a bear
* Lots of cousin play time and sleepovers at each others' houses
* Celebrating Matt's 40th birthday in NYC with dear friends, seeing Sponge Bob and Phantom of the Opera, visiting the 9/11 Memorial, taking Uber for the first time, eating some delicious food, and getting to experience "real" NYC in all of its glory
* Working with a great group of teachers to create 148 SIOP lessons to be implemented in the first quarter curriculum
* Abby becoming independent by being able to change her clothes by herself, doing her own breathing treatments, and bathing herself
* Celebrating Chloe's 8th birthday and her improved health
* Swimming at our generous friend's house and playing with all of her awesome toys
* Participating in Music and Arts Camp at our church and performing in the Friday Night Show, doing bucket band, hand puppets, singing, and dancing
* Having a sleepover with our sweet friend Amy, taking her to National Night Out, Amy asking to be handcuffed and put in the police car, tie-dying shirts, playing games for prizes, and winning Beanie Babies
* Playing outside a lot on bikes, scooters, and the swing set
* Caleb going to Six Flags for his first official youth group event
* Playing WiiU: especially Legends of Zelda and Minecraft
* Watching Ravens training camp and going to a Ravens preseason game with RMH
* Touring the new, beautiful Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore, set to open in February 2019!
* Abby discovering a love for reading Captain Underpants books
* Playing Yahtzee with the same set I played with my grandmother when I was a kid
* Volunteering at our Baltimore home and meeting some amazing families
* Battles with various weapons of mass destruction
* Going to a swim party with Therapeutic Recreation
* Cuddling with Chloe every morning
* Participating in an Inclusion Camp with TR and playing fun games and making lots and lots of crafts
* Picking out special mementos from my grandmother's house as we clean it out
* Learning how to play chess
* Painting mugs at The Pottery Patch
* Celebrating friends' birthdays
* Cheering on the red and yellow knight at Medieval Times
Of course, there were a few sad moments as well. My grandmother's health has declined significantly since her mini-stroke in March, and she was hospitalized again this summer for similar symptoms caused by a UTI. She now lives with my parents and is unable to be left alone. We have begun the tedious process of cleaning out the home that she has lived in for over 60 years (and by herself for the last 18), in preparation for selling it because she can no longer live on her own. I have many, many memories there from my childhood and cleaning out drawers and cabinets has been bittersweet.
Matt's grandmother was very ill in the hospital for several days, but is doing better now. Matt was able to visit her in the hospital and at home.
Our beloved Dr. Campbell passed away suddenly and Matt and I drove to Philadephia for the viewing. While it was a terrible reason for a reunion, it was therapeutic to be with so many VEPTR families and hospital staff. We will be beginning a new journey with a surgeon Dr. Campbell mentored and molded, so we are optimistic that things will go well.
We are thankful for the wonderful memories we made this summer and have no regrets as we say goodbye to Summer 2018!
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