Being Normal. . .

Brendan: Today I played "Bounce Off" with Chris, watched "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," and went to church.  It's just good to be home.  I feel like I can breathe easier and relax now that I'm home.  Everyone's home and everything is familiar and fun.  It's great not to have doctors coming in, no IV fluids, no needles, no beeping machines.  I'm just so happy!  

Breakfast with the family.

Sarah made Dominican Spaghetti for lunch.

Maddy here. I figured I'd put my two cents in. Things have been so great with Charlie home for the weekend! It really brightens the house to have everyone together. Today was such a good day. Charlie wanted to go to church and made it through the entire three hours.  It was so fun for him to see all of his friends, who are very eager to see him as well. Although, I think this week they actually had a lesson in his Sunday school class. It has been so interesting to see him perk up when he's home. He's so full of energy, it's amazing. There is such a difference in his activity and his moods.  He's going to be starting Chemo this next week. For most of us here at home, we have a new trimester starting.

Awesome kendama skills!

Learning "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron"

Stairs are going to kill me one day. (says Brendan)  Mom says he's doing amazing when there's not a physical therapist around!

Fun with Legos and Bubba!

 Kerry:  I'm glad the kids filled in for me last night.  I was so tired and finally went to bed.  Sunday we saw huge leaps and bounds in Brendan's stamina and strength.  He didn't nap-- he just kept going and going, playing and playing, eating and eating.  So we didn't stop him.  He really was so happy to be home.

With the threat of snow coming Monday morning we debated heading back to Salt Lake Sunday night, but Brendan did not want to go!  He kept evading me when I would talk about getting packed.  (I realized if we were going to leave it would be up to me to pack his clothes and throw him into the car.)  With so much out of his control,  Brendan really wants to soak in every moment he can at home.  He's resigned himself to chemo this week, and daily radiation.  He's come to realize he has to do this -- even if he doesn't want to.  But home is his space -- he can be himself and not have to think about having cancer.   How can I take him away from that. . .even a few hours early?