We have had Andrew home for about two weeks now and have been enjoying our time together. He has been in good spirits, regaining his energy and--most importantly--his appetite, and playing. Treatment is moving quite quickly for us—Andrew completed Round 2 of his chemotherapy on an outpatient basis on Friday with no significant setbacks other than a bit of vomit—and we spend most of our time trying to stay on top of all we have to do for him, while also trying to educate ourselves on his disease, treatment protocol, alternative treatments, etc. We will be minor experts in Neuroblastoma by the time we get through this.
Nevertheless, we are home and have a moment to breathe and it was important for us to personally post on Andrew’s blog and let each and every one of you know how truly grateful we are for your kind words, kind thoughts, kind deeds these past several weeks. It is all welcome and appreciated. Quite honestly, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love that we have seen from family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. From individuals to families to entire communities, we know that Andrew is receiving continual prayer and positive thought. Please don’t stop.
There is no way we will ever be able to thank you all individually for the contributions you have made to Andrew and to our family to help us through this time. From the blood donations, to the meals, the prayer lists, the toys and gifts, the cards and emails, the simple kind word or embrace—it has all been special, meaningful and appreciated. It does not feel like enough to send out a collective “Thank You,” but we hope you understand.
Again, please keep Andrew in your thoughts and prayers. With support like what we are experiencing, we will make it through this.
Sincerely,
Paul & Cynthia Filippone
By the way, we are also picking up our cancer terminology and lingo and Andrew is a “warrior” as he fights this disease. It is important to us that you have that image of him in mind as you think about and pray for him.
8 comments:
Paul and Cynthia,
Thanks so much for your posting. We are so glad you are home and resting at least reasonably comfortably. Congrats on getting through round 2!! I don't think Andrew is the only warrior in this battle. I think the two of you qualify for that mantle as well. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers, particularly with the warrior image.
Kathy
We might be 5000 miles away, but you are never more than an inch from our thoughts. Go Andrew!
Hey Cuz'z,
Houston sends its love.
Keep the faith!
Go Warrior!
Tom, T3, Charlie, Pauline, etc.
Paul and Cynthia,
Thanks so very much for your warm and wonderful words. It's great to know that you are all beginning to enjoy at least a modicum of normalcy in your lives. Thanks too, again, to Cassie for making this communication possible so that Andrew will continue to receive good thoughts, deeds and prayers. Our warmest love to you all.
Uncle Pete and Aunt Judy
Paul and Cynthia,
Louis and I love you guys so much and send our positive thoughts to Andrew "the warrior". You are doing such a great job juggling all of this...please let us know what we can do!!
xoxox
Gret n' Lou
The Villegas family sends our love and support to your family! We say a special prayer for Andrew every night at dinner and the kids have included him in their prayers at school. Crazy Jonathan (the energetic one from Sunday Pre-school) especially sends his love to Mr. Paul and Ms. Cynthia.
FOR CYNTHIA - YOU ARE ENVIED...
THE CHOSEN MOTHERS
By Erma Bombeck
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit.
Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with life threatening illnesses are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation.
As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia. Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint Gerard."
Finally, He passes a name to an angel and says, "Give her a child with cancer."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly" smiles God, "Could I give a child with cancer a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But, does she have patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair.
Once the shock and resentment wears off, she will handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has it's own world. She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she believes in you." No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."
The angel gasps -"Selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take anything her child does for granted. She will never consider a single step ordinary. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them." She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side."
"And what about her patron Saint?" asks the angel. His pen poised in mid-air. God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
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