A Night to Remember

I am sitting here in the quiet of the night reflecting on  all that has been going on, but mostly the benefit dinner our friends and family put together for us tonight.

I could write a million THANK YOUs to every single person, and it still wouldn't fully express the gratitude I am feeling. 

I was nervous about going to the benefit tonight for a handful of reasons. One, I was afraid I'd just cry the whole time. Two, I was worried Id be asked to talk... Into a microphone, nonetheless. Three, I hoped I'd be able to chat with and say hi to everyone. Four, I didn't have Mike there with me.  And Five, I didn't know what to wear! (I guess women will always worry about silly things like that!)

Well, it all turned out ok. It turned out better than ok though...I even managed to say a few words into the microphone and it was just as terrifying as I suspected. I definitely prefer written communication over verbal. Introverts unite! 

I didn't cry too much, and I didn't have time to change clothes after leaving the hospital, so that took the thinking out of it. As for being there without Mike, I have to say, I know he was there in every single person's heart. Laughing with his friends and hearing stories and memories made me realize that I can't wait for all of the new memories he gets to start making as soon as this is over. 

I can't begin to list everyone that deserves a thank you, but let me tell you, it is a mile long list. From the people that put this together, Joe Weber, you have the biggest heart in all the land, to the people that donated SO many items for the raffle and silent auction, to the people that helped to work and do all of the behind he scenes stuff... I am overwhelmed, and just so appreciative. And lastly, to all of those who came out eat dinner, have a drink (or two), lend us support, take the time to care....THANK YOU. It was a better turn out than I could have dreamed. In case anyone ever started to doubt it, I can tell you- there are still so many good people in this world. I saw it first hand, tonight.

I keep trying to wrap my head around this whole thing. I just can't believe that this is our life right now. I explained to a few friends that I'm finally getting past the point of shock, and going through the motions feels somewhat easy. It feels so far out of my control, though, that I feel like I'm just on the ride. 

So on a brighter note, Mike will be finishing his chemo around 5 or 6 in the morning (Sunday morning). I'm going to go down to the hospital and hope they discharge him as early as they promised they would. Dr. Sirridge came in for a visit and was pretty happy with how his labs look, as well as the absence of lymph nodes in his neck. He said he wants to get a CT scan this week to confirm that we are heading towards a victory against this disease. I was pretty excited about that, because I feel it in my heart that he is getting better and will be cured.

The kids are so excited to see Daddy tomorrow and he is even more excited to see them. I am pretty darn thrilled to have him come back home, too. Milo, though, was just getting used to his new spot in bed...guess he will have to try being extra sweet to Mike. An impossible task for him, I'm sure! 

We will forever be grateful for, and remember the kindness, love, and generosity shown to our family during this time. 

We feel the love. I hope you can feel our love, too.

XOXO

Robin