Monday, February 9, 2009

Could you hear the tires screeching?



That would have been Zoey and I as we left, or rather sped away from, the confines of Children's Hospital Los Angeles.In round breaking record time I might add.21 days.Rounds 1 and 2 were exactly 24 days.This time Zoey exceeded every one's expectations and I must say ... did some serious cancer butt kicking.Much to the continued amazement of the doctors and nurses.They seriously stand in awe of this child.Zoey does this "thing" thrust upon her, with such ease, that it sometimes scares me a bit.I have to remind myself to not get too overly confident and cocky and instead take the days and months and rounds for what they were, absolute blessings.I had a mini breakdown of sorts on the way home.I was listening to music,"Miracle of the Moment",to be exact and the tears just came.As I drove down the 101,I realized that I was truly living in the miracle of that very moment.Driving home with my miraculous daughter.Driving with my miraculous daughter,who,to outside eyes, bares not a single outward sign or symptom of the heinous disease or horrendous treatment she has had to endure.With each passing day I become more acutely aware that Zoey is nothing short of a miracle.I have had the opportunity over the last few days to retell Zoey's entire history and story and for the first time,in a very long time,I walked away,letting the gravity of all that I had just spoken,truly sink in.Zoey is my hero.Zoey,a few weeks short of her 2nd birthday,is my tiny but extremely mighty hero.I called Mark on the way home and we both said,through tears, how proud of Zoey we are.How proud we are to be the parents of this breathtaking,wondrous little soul.Tonight,our miracle sleeps once again in her own little bed.Uninterrupted for vitals or blood draws.She was a bit off when we arrived home.She really spent a great deal of time looking around and most likely,in her little mind,was trying to figure out how the heck she got from there to here.She had tons of smiles for her brothers and Taylor.She even showed off her new pulling to a sit position trick.A few times.The only thing missing to the moment was Jess and Caitlin.And Mark of course.I cannot wait until we can all be together again.Might be a while though.For now,tonight,in this moment,I am rejoicing and thanking God for seeing Zoey through this latest round.Thanking God for bestowing His grace upon us to walk our days with the confidence and faith that together we will pass through this difficult time.Thanking God,every single,solitary day for the miracle of Zoey.

33 comments:

JUST A MOM said...

I could literally hear the tires screeching...it must be so good to be home, again.

Great to hear from you tonight. You are missed; missed a lot!

Maybe we can go out for Hot Chocolate one evening this week.

Kele said...

Praise the Lord! 21 days?!?! That is wonderful. Enjoy your precious time at home dear friends!

Danni said...

You have a beautiful daughter! I too have a daughter with Down Syndrome, and I would love to follow your journey.

Danni in Australia

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS TO ZOEY AND THE NEEDHAM FAMILY! I keep coming back to your blog (a couple times a day) to see if this wonderful news has happened - and yep, hear it is - (and to see Zoey's little smiling face as her smiles are so infectous they just start my day off on a good note) - enjoy your time at home (again, don't worry about the housework!!!) - just enjoy - live, laugh and above all love. God Bless all. Continuing our prays from the east coast,

Robyn from Otisco

Cammie Heflin said...

So happy she has that beautiful smile and is home. She is truly a miracle!

Loren Stow said...

You don't know me, but I have been following (rather should I say 'lurking' around...) your blog for sometime.
I just wanted to say that I am so happy to hear that Zoey is home.
You know more than anyone else - but I completely agree - Zoey is an amazing little girl.
I can't wait to read more about your journey together as the days and weeks and months go by.
Best Wishes from South Africa,
Loren

Susie said...

I can feel your joy as you walked out of those hospital doors! So happy for you both that you are home. Glory to God.

~KC: said...

Zoey Grace, may you be HEALTHY and STRONG ~

I'm happy to hear the WONDERFUL news!!!. Zoey is definitely a TRUE HERO. :)

Dawson said...

I think Zoey is a hero to a lot of people. She is such an amazing child and we are glad you are back home. Rest well friends!!

Anonymous said...

I know that joy you felt leaving the hospital all too well. So thankful that Zoey is doing so good.

I must say, I have seen so many cancer stricken children over the course of 4 1/2 years. I am blown away by Zoey. She looks GREAT! I think I've only seen one picture that she didn't quite look herself since your ordeal began. Otherwise, she doesnt look much like a "cancer child". I still can't get over the fact that she still has a full head of hair!

Keep up the good work Zoey. Keep kickin cancers butt!

Joany and Carly

Lacey said...

I could so here the tires screeching. I'm so glad your home. Cancer has no chance against Zoey.

Anonymous said...

I thought something looked different in that first picture, it's zoeys own bed!!! We are rejoicing with you!!!Welcome home sweetheart.You are the most amazing family.Bedtime is the best when you can tuck all your children in under one roof. Sweet dreams. Stephanie

Maureen said...

Loving Zoey's Boulevard!

So glad to hear that you're home - Zoey is truly an inspiration and a miracle. Now, go relax.

Junior said...

So happy to hear that you are home.
Zoey is truly a hero and inspiration to everyone.
God bless, Heidi & Junior

Googsmom said...

You are a Blessed family. I'm glad your home :) {{{{HUGS}}}}} and continued Prayers!!! All the best!!

Anonymous said...

Smiles all around! I'm thrilled that you're all home. Christy P

Kristy said...

I thought I heard something last night along with a hint of burning rubber!! What great news to hear that you are in the comforts of your home and family!! Zoey's smile in the carseat shows she was ready to burn rubber too!! Ahhh Heather, almost there. Prayers keep coming!! That playdate is in sight...I can see it!!

Love and hugs xoxox

Kelly said...

YAYYYY!!! Welcome Home everyone!! Glad she is doing so well!!

Jac Tubre said...

Congrats on making it home! Yeah Zoey!

Jac

Lacey said...

Theres an award for you on my blog

Anonymous said...

I think I heard those tires screeching all the way from the Ronald McDonald House!!! Congratulations on conquering yet another round at CHLA!! :)

Sending hugs and kisses to your beautiful little miracle, from Los Angeles to Camarillo.

Continued prayers,
Tish & Thomas

The VW's said...

YAY! Home sweet home! I'm so happy for you! I pray that Zoey continues to do well and that she continues to amaze everyone! What a blessing!

Hugs from MI,
Alicia and Gavin

Anonymous said...

Jumping up and down woohoos! (Well, maybe just woohoos with the feeling of jumping up and down happiness.

Barbara
(Hope your rec'd the cd.)

Reagan Leigh said...

I'm so happy for you (and your sanity)! Some time home will be good for the whole family! LOVE the pic in the carseat!! Zoey is such a little poser!! Take care and stay in touch!
Tera

Colbert Family said...

That made me cry. So beautiful is little Zoey and her sweet mommy. Thanking God with you that you are home and she is doing so well! Continue fighting the fight you brave warriors :)
With Love,
The Colbert Family

just jean said...

So so very very happy to know that Zoey is home once again! Keep living in those sweet moments! Sleep well, Needhams!

Karen Owens said...

Welcome Home! She is one amazing little gal! Praying for you today! Rest my friend!

Cheri said...

I believe I did hear them! :)

Zoey looks so happy to be heading home...and so peaceful in her own bed. I am beyond thrilled for you that you were able to leave earlier than expected...forward march!

Zoey, hugs to you!

Cheri and your lil pal Reid

Unknown said...

Welcome home my dear friend and sweet angel Zoey! Our prayers are heard! Stay strong, enjoy each moment, you're gettin there...we send our love...always! Such good news! sweet dreams sweet Zoey!

Anonymous said...

Think I might have heard those tires here in Syracuse, NY!

Awesome - you go Zoey girl! Smiles for everyone. Hope the biggest girls, Caitlin and Jess get home soon. The Needhams all together! Again.....

Love and hugs to everyone

Bluebelle

Sophie's Story by Elaine said...

Way to go Zoey!!! I can't even imagine how it feels to be able to walk into your house with Zoey in your arms. What a relief. Here I am contemplating a 24 hr VEEG and PETscan for Sophie...nothing compared to what you all have been through. I am so happy for you and your family.

Mary said...

Way to go Zoey! You are amazing!

Molli Salzman said...

Zoey IS such a little warrior. I am so happy she is safe and sound at home where she belongs.

Take care,
Molli