Diagnosis Day Redux

Yes. It's been a long time since I've blogged. Doesn't mean my mind hasn't been churning.

It's *Diagnosis Day*. The picture below was taken by Roger as they were waiting at the hospital for CAT scan results on January 20, 2009.

I shared our story yesterday at a Synapse meeting, rather unexpectedly. A "teaser" from another member about the Thumbs Up Ball 2018 and the pending anniversary of this date were both combining factors that helped me decide to share the story. This day in 2009 is forever etched in my brain. There are few details that I have forgotten. I remember Roger picking me up from a full morning of teaching at Romp n' Roll after he'd already spent hours with Charlotte at the pediatrician and at St. Mary's for a CAT scan. I remember grabbing a quick lunch from the Drive-Thru of Chick-fil-A, but not really wanting to eat anything. (Not wanting to eat CFA? I know! Right?) I remember using my non-smart phone to call friends and family from the neurologist's office to tell them that we would be admitted that night to the PICU and that a major surgery was (probably) coming soon. I remember Loretta (CJ's godmother) dropping everything at a moment's notice and bringing lovies, crayons, and her wonderful, calming self to the hospital. I remember seeing that HUGE tumor inside her brain and being amazed that she was still even alive. I remember the panic and the pit in my stomach.

And that was only Day ONE of a year that was so incredibly intense, it is difficult to understand how we survived. It was Day ONE of a path that has turned into the legacy of CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation. It has turned into 200 people receiving meals in the hospital every week. It has turned into the payment of electric bills and rent and (unfortunately) sometimes funeral expenses for families who need comfort at their darkest hours.

Thanks for all the love and support you give to us every day. The pain never truly disappears and some days it is more intense than others. This is one of those days.

To everything there is a season

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I See What You Meme

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