Back in the ATL

Joe pushing Holly
The only picture we could take of Joseph as a pirate

In my traditional pirate apparel
Who was this party for
Cold pizza

It's been a busy few days back here in Atlanta. I'll try to get you up to date. Joe and Gill flew back on Wednesday and Gillian said that he was asleep before the plane even moved away from the terminal. She had to wake him up after everyone else left the plane and he didn't really wake up until they were off the plane. He was really confused and started crying that he wanted to get on the plane to go back to atlanta. Then he said that his plane didn't go very fast and that it was slow. I guess that would be confusing. Then he and Gill were picked up by some friends who met some more friends at our house where they had some pizza and a little welcome home party for him. He now has a huge banner (I haven't really measured, but maybe 2ft x 4ft) of lightening McQueen and Mater with "Welcome home Joseph" written on it.

The next day he started asking about his pirate party and so we had to hastily throw something together for him. We had a party yesterday for him at his favorite playground at the Clairmont airport and lots of his friends showed up dressed to be pirates. Thanks for everyone who could come with a one day notice. He had a great time climbing all around and chasing everyone with his oversized sword. My favorite moment was when I was supposed to be watching Joseph and Holly but started talking and lost track of Joe. I couldn't see him and so I ran around the playground and saw him at the top of this arching monkey bar structure. He was just climbing and having fun. It was great to see him acting like the past few months never occurred. I'm sure the party would have been better if we had more time and it wasn't freezing and windy outside, but I don't think he would have enjoyed it any more than he already did.

He and Holly are very happy to be back home. Other than not wanting to take his daily chemo and waking up at like 2-3 in the morning he is doing great and ready to get back to the daily routine.

I do have some specific prayer requests for the next few days.

1. that Joseph would not freak out when we get back on the plane and go back to St. Judes on Thursday. He has asked several times about going back and today I told him for the first time that we have to go back every once in a while. He is very anxious about anyone touching his port and that's all he thinks about when St. Judes or Memphis is mentioned. Also, one of Gillian's sister's friends used skymiles so that I can fly with them this time and not drive or not go. Many many thanks.

2. That we would learn not to be anxious about the future. I know that this will be a long struggle with MRIs every three months, but we can't function if we are paralyzed by fear or dread of what the next scan will show. We of course hope and pray that each one will show a miraculous lack of tumor. They told us that the first one most likely will not show much if any change since the effects of radiation usually don't show up for a few months. It could in fact be bigger due to inflammation. But anyways, pray that we will trust in God's plan and not spend our time together in fear.

3. That joseph would take his medicine without a fight and that he would sleep through the night again. While we were in Memphis he slept with one of us in the bed pretty much the whole time, but he is back in his own room in his own bed. One of us has to stay with him until he falls asleep which can take a few minutes, but it's a lot better than sleeping all night with someone who kicks you in the face.

Thanks again for continuing to pray for us, and thanks for all our friends in Atlanta providing meals, babysitting, and friendship.