Practicing sign language in his Cub Scout handbook.

Today

I found hope when we were told to discontinue the use of two more meds.

I found joy when Hunter excitedly used his own gift cards to buy his sister a pink poodle and was even more excited to present her with it.

I was grateful to be able to spend a relatively normal day out with my son, doing regular people things like grocery shopping.

Today

I found hope in Hunter's ability to self-monitor, take a time out, and return to the family with a better attitude.

I found joy when I glanced out the window while I was making dinner and I saw one tiny boy holding hands with a big boy walking across the back yard.

I felt grateful that Hunter was willing to selflessly sacrifice his dip in the hot tub because his sister wanted to get in but could not.

Today

I found hope when Hunter said that he might like to start taking gymnastics classes like his sister.

I was joyful when I heard him say, "I'm starving" before dinner.

I was grateful that he was able to attend his first Cub Scouts meeting like a regular 7 year old.

Today

I found hope when Hunter's appetite continued to improve and his team decided that they don't even need to see him in the clinic tomorrow.

I found joy in dropping Hunter and his dad off at the community center for some game room play time and some swimming. He went down the big slide four times.

I was grateful when I looked into the living room and saw Hunter and his sister playing on the bean bag together... no one was crying or name calling or causing physical pain.

Hunter (on the right) walking to class with his friends Bailey and Jake.

Today

I found hope when I watched Hunter happily walk to Bible Class with his friends.

I found joy because Hunter had a great time in his class and said that he wants to get back to all of the things he was doing before he got sick (like learning his Bible verses) and is showing an interest in volunteering in the nursery with the babies again.

I felt grateful (and very tearful) that we were able to go back to church again, as a whole family.

Can you tell that we are thrilled to be back with our family at
North Boulevard Church of Christ?

Today

I found hope when we began giving Hunter his new medicine that will hopefully help his appetite, energy level, and tummy issues.

I found joy by curling up on the sofa under our favorite blanket and watching this week's extended episode of "The Office" with my sweeties.

I felt grateful that Hunter was able to get out of the house and try geocaching, even if he did end up exhausted as a result. At least he was able to try.

Today

I found hope when Hunter happily ate his toaster waffle for dinner and then asked for a second one.
I found joy when Hunter invited me to play Star Wars Guess Who? and Snap Circuit Jr with him.
I was grateful that on this stormy day, we were all at home together and not separated because of school or illness.

Today

I found hope when Hunter came home in a good mood.

I found joy in being able to give him two new (to him) books that I found at the thrift store: Star Wars Clone Wars and a Lego book).

I felt grateful when his pediatrician showed me his growth chart from before leukemia and he was in the 90th percentile for height when he was 6. At least he had a major head start if the radiation has damaged his thyroid.

Today

I found hope when Hunter told me that one day he wants to work at 5 Guys (a local burger joint) as this was the first time he's ever mentioned what kind of job he might like to have.

I found joy when I sat down and read to Hunter from his Tiger Scouts handbook and he asked, "Can we start now?"

I was grateful that we were able to go, as a family, to watch Hunter's dad play baseball. The weather was perfect, we saw friends, and his team won!

Today

I found hope when Hunter reacted calmly and rationally when his brother climbed into his bed and started going through all of his stuff.

I found joy when Hunter laughed because he found his Easter basket in the dryer.

I was grateful that we got to spend Easter at home, together, as a family and to host a dear friend for dinner.

Today

I found hope when Hunter asked that we go to a park we've been to twice since his transplant and this time he actually played and was able to walk for a little while before he got tired.

I found joy in reading "Frog and Toad" with Hunter (we took turns reading the words) and there was no frustration, discontent, or anger.

I was grateful that he has continued to eat and has no had tummy issues for three days in a row.