What a Day!

(cemetary at Normandy, France)

What an emotion filled day! Yesterday Blaine and I were able to travel to Ascutney and visit the congregation we were a part of for 10 years. We were so very happy to see everyone and overwhelmed by the love we felt for them and from them. We miss them! We were then able to spend just a brief hour with most of my family. It was way too short. It was hard to leave both groups, but leaving was a must. We needed to get Blaine up to Dartmouth to get his counts checked. A plug for Dartmouth Hematology/Oncology staff - they made special arrangements to be sure Blaine could get what he needed on a weekend and still go to church and see family. We love them. We also got to see Carol who now works in the HISCU (sp?) unit. Such a treat. Blaine was not in need of platelets yesterday, though by no means were they great, but he did need two units of whole blood, and his whites had dropped again. He is neutrapenic once more. He wanted me to head home today to be with the kids. He'd be fine... he always says that. Just so you know, I am typing from Westford! The kids are doing fine with Aunt Shauna, Uncle Todd, Grandpa, cousins, and a ward that is taking special care of us there. We are so blessed. I will watch Blaine. Docs say that patients adjust to living with low blood counts and can't always tell when they're in trouble, even if they WERE the kind to admit it, which Blaine is usually not (serious understatement here). A second pair of eyes is needed to watch, and a second pair of hands to help. Who's he kidding? He knows he needs me. :)

We're so glad to see everyone we have and sad to have missed the ones who were sick or taking care of sickies. You know who you are! But we love you. Hope Mom and Brian are doing ok.

May we just say a very sincere thank you to those who gave the greatest measure of devotion to this nation. Our freedom isn't free. We also thank sincerely those who served and came home, those who are currently serving, including family, and those wounded warriors who need our care, as well as their families. God Bless America.