Saturday, November 22, 2008

Walking Papers .....



We are home and when I say we, I mean ..... Zoey is home!!! We were given the go ahead to get the heck out of there.I said quick, before they change their minds, lets go.Seriously,I felt as if I was bringing home a newborn.Such joy with an added twist of trepidation.Elated and fearful at the same time.Uncertain but oh so ready to be sprung.If only for a bit.We were given a week.Actually 8 days.We need to begin round 2 on December the 1st.But 8 whole days .... what a gift.And this week ......Thanksgiving.There is truly much to be thankful for.We intend to make the most of these 8 days.The boys and Taylor are out of school.Jess will be home.Caitlin will be home.All of us under the same roof.I smell a Christmas card picture in the making,don't you ?Being home brings a sense of nothing has changed and yet at the same time,everything has changed.We look at Zoey and it is so very difficult to see Leukemia as being part of the child that sits before you.And I mean sits.She literally sat for over 20 minutes.For her to master such a milestone, while under going chemotherapy, is nothing short of miraculous.Zoey, is nothing short of miraculous.The road ahead is long and filled with so many unknowns but we feel so blessed that Round 1 has been kind to our little love.Blessed that Round 1 was no match for a mighty fighter like Zoey.We take Round 1 for what it was.Knowing that the next rounds might not be as kind.I do not intend to envision too far ahead of myself this week.I do not intend to project what may come our way or more importantly, come Zoey's way.I do however intend to cherish our moments these next 8 days and give thanks to God for seeing us through the past 24 days.I have often said at different times in my life, that I do not know how people see themselves through times of great adversity without faith.I have been tested on that theory many times over the last 21 months.And once again my conclusion is the same.You cannot.Or at least, I could not.I cannot fathom walking this road without the unwavering strength of God.His steady hand,His faithful promise to not abandon me, has sustained me in my moments of doubt.And although my deep prayerful times have been limited,dictated by sheer exhaustion,I still have felt the power, in the knowledge that I am not alone.Tonight I sleep with my courageous child beside me.She being a constant reminder of all that is good and forgiving.I am filled with immense gratitude, even with the hand that has been dealt and the journey that still lies ahead.I will rest well tonight.We all will rest well tonight.Especially the princess.Keep praying ..... see what we can accomplish when we do ..... a child sound asleep,at home,in her own bed,right where she belongs.

38 comments:

Evalena's Mom said...

Congratulations Zoey!! Keep fighting - we're praying for your continued health. Heather, what a blessing to have your entire family at home for Thanksgiving. Her big smile is so great to see. Enjoy your time at home!
Kathleen and Evalena

Cammie Heflin said...

I am so glad that she is home! What a Thanksgiving Blessing!

Anonymous said...

What a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving this will be for the Needhams! My "Power Prayer" in church today was going to for just that - and it has already happened....by the Grace of God - fantastic. She looks great sitting there all smiles. Now, your whole family needs to take some time to just relax and enjoy each other. (And Heather, there's always TOMORROW, or next week or next month for housework - meaning "Let it go" and just enjoy the family being together) Sending prayers and love from the east coast

R from Otisco

My name is Sarah said...

Oh Zoey me and my mom are both crying we are so happy you get to be home for Thanksgiving. What a blessing for your family. You look so comfy sleeping in your own pretty bed.

Maureen said...

All right Zoey! What an *incredible* child. So glad you're home.
Mo

Kari said...

I'm so happy your beautiful girl is home safe and snuggled in her own bed! :)

Kelly said...

WOOO HOOOO!!!! Welcome Home Little Warrior(s)!!
Look at her sitting up like that! Enjoy your 8 days.

Anonymous said...

All our prayers have been answered - Zoey is home and EVERYONE will be together for Thanksgiving. What a blessing from above. Thank you ,thank you.

Love and hugs to everyone

Bluebelle

And look at her sitting up so strong! - what a sight to see

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

So glad you're home! Zoey's hair is hanging in there beautifully! Kennedy's was almost gone by the end of round 1. Has any of hers started falling out yet? And WTG on the sitting up!!! Kenn started walking during chemo... it's amazing what our kids can do!!

orange1986 said...

I am SO glad that Zoey will be home for Thanksgiving!!It is truly a blessing.Keep fighting sweet Zoey, I'm praying for you.
Kelly

Anonymous said...

Heather - what a great Thanksgiving this will be for the Needham's. May you eat, drink and be merry all week long! Zoey is truly gifted!

Anonymous said...

Forgot to add:
Kathleen

Dawson said...

welcome home princess!!! You are truly an angel Sending tons of love from your friends in Alabama

Jeanette said...

So wonderful!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I imagine smoke puffs behind you as you were making a haste exit from the hospital, along with some cartoon speeding sounds. Have a wonderful holiday! God is great!

Anonymous said...

Heather, how can any of us not have the hugest smile on our faces??? Zoey and the Needhams put the Thanks in Thanksgiving this year. What a true blessing. Love all the comments above, especially about you speeding away from the hospital.... Take heart, catch up on much needed closeness, and rest. I'm picturing you all together as it should be! Love and continued prayers, Christi Harman

Cheri said...

....big sigh, how nice this must feel!!! Snuggle in one and all and enjoy the week off with the boys (they have to be ecstatic!!!). One of our family members came by today and asked how Zoey was doing? I had read this post this morning and was so excited to be able to tell her she got her walking papers...YAHOO!!! :)

Shannon said...

Wonderful!! And perfect Thankgiving timing. What a blessing to have these few days at home.

Shari said...

I am so excited for you that you all will be there for Thanksgiving. Zoey is such a fighter and a warrior! I will continue praying for little Zo Bug and your family. You truly are a blessing to many.

datri said...

How wonderful to be home for Thanksgiving! Happy Tears here!!

Tammy and Parker said...

Home. There's no better word....or place.

So glad you are home.

Kele said...

OMG, I didn't get that message!!! SOOOOO pleased to hear that baby girl is home. I know you are so happy H~
I probably shouldn't invade your family time with a phone call, but what the hell, I am calling you right now anyway!!

Aunt Kim said...

I hope you and all of your family have a wonderful, beautiful week (plus 1 day) together. What a great Thanksgiving you are going to have!

Kim (Presley's aunt)

heidi marie said...

your post made me cry...you have no idea how little zoey touches so many lives. i am so happy she is home. have a wonderful and blessed thanksgiving!!!

JUST A MOM said...

YAHOOOOO! So glad that Zoey is home! Do you even remember what normal used to feel like? Enjoy these precious moments together!


Alison and gang

Anonymous said...

AWESOME!!! I am so glad everyone will be home together. Enjoy! Don't worry about cooking and cleaning! Zoey looks fabulous and proud of sitting! You are in our thoughts continuously.

Lisa

Mara said...

HEather- how wonderful ! We are so happy for you to be all together for the holidays ! Did you get our package ????

~KC: said...

YES!!!, ZOEY GRACE, I’m so happy for you :), I know you are bigger and stronger than this challenge. Hang in there BEAUTIFUL Zoey, I have tremendous faith in your brave spirit. I’m sending prayers of strength and loving and healing energy your way every day :).
Many Blessing to you ~

Christy said...

I am so happy that Zoey is home!!!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your
entire family. Zoey looks just beautiful....she is just so adorable!

Karen Owens said...

Welcome home pretty little girl!

Michelle said...

So delighted to hear the news. What a wonderful Thanksgiving blessing. Enjoy every minute of these days. I can't wait to see how the christmas card photo turns out....Zoey and her beautiful family. Happy Thanksgiving!

just jean said...

We are SO happy to see Zoey at home! Have an absolutely wonderful, warm, peaceful, happy, contented, grateful, appreciative, restful,living in the moment, nourishing, grace-filled,and worry-free (as much as possible) week and Thanksgiving. We'll be thinking of you!
Jean and Mike

Unknown said...

I am so glad she is home with you...what a blessing, what a gift, what a beautiful angel. I can look at her for hours! She has such a strong, amazing spirit! Keep fighting...you have hundreds standing on each side of you to help you through the fight!

Claudia said...

Wow, that is good news after being away for 4 days...good to see you at home. Sigh. Hope you have a really really good time!

Jackson's Blog said...

So glad to see your sweet girl home! She is incredible! It is a blessing to have your family home together on Thanksgiving!!!!

kristynewb said...

I'm so glad to hear that you are home with Zoey! That's so wonderful!! What an answered prayer!! It's so nice to see her stretched out in her own pretty little bed. :)

And I am so happy to hear how well she handled round 1 and that she is sitting! Awesome! :)

Btw, you write so beautifully.

Still here praying for the princess!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Kristy

Victoria Strong said...

Hooray, Hooray! Thanksgiving has arrived.

Unknown said...

She looks so perfect lying there in her crib! I am so happy for you guys! Don't be surprised if she keeps blowing your socks off with milestones! Now that she feels better she'll probably be doing all kinds of new stuff! Can't wait to see it.

How many days total for round 1? Will they readmit her on the 1st if her counts are high enough? We had to be 1,000 ...

Anonymous said...

love that coming home bit - a return to 'a normality', one family, one roof.

well done again Zoey for looking after your mom.