Thank Goodness for Family and Friends

Yesterday a reporter came by to ask us a few questions about our experience last Sunday.  Here's the article:

http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/avon-child-with-cancer-gets-surprise-candlelight-vigil/article_3d224a5c-80b9-5686-835b-fc7e8c9861bd.html

Another extremely thoughtful gift was given to Brendan and our family again today.  Dennis Spackman (the kids bus driver) and Seth Clawson hatched a plan to get a tree for Brendan and plant it in our yard.  

 Seth and Dennis researched trees and picked a favorite -- a red maple.  It's beautiful.

 Today, in the rain, Dennis and several of the kids came to help plant the tree in the pouring rain.

 We joked with Dennis that the tree will block our view of the bus coming. . . (that will be our excuse when the kids are late for the bus from now on :)  Did you have any idea there were so many nice people in the world?

 Brendan enjoyed all the notes from his bus friends.

 Thanks, Dennis!

 Later, Brendan and Susan strung the latest addition of beads onto his "Colors of Courage" strand.  This time he had a few new ones -- relapse (hope bead), back to school (pencil bead), and Wish Trip (that's the airplane bead).  We measured the strand to see how tall it is now -- it's as tall as Loren, 6' 4".

 Brendan was pretty tired today.  Lots of naps and lying around.  But at moments he was up and had plenty of energy.

 At times, Brendan feels great.  Other times things are hurting or bothering him.  Every day seems to be made up of lots of ups and downs.  I guess roller coasters aren't just at Disney World.

I was so grateful tonight to see Sarah take some time to talk with Brendan about things that were worrying him.  It was nice that he had someone to share his concerns with and so nice that she could help him deal with all the new things he is facing each and every day.  Thank goodness for family and friends!