Getting into the Groove ...

Summer has arrived and life seems,dare I say,normal. Or at the very least, a really great new normal. When Zoey was first diagnosed and the treatment plan was laid out, it seemed like the end was intangible. So far out of our grasp. So instead of dwelling on what appeared to be the unreachable, we adopted the "one now at a time" mindset, forget about even one moment at a time, one now at a time was about all we could handle. Here we are though and it feels, in some very weird, inexplicable way, as if the last 8 months never happened. I know they did. I see it in my aging eyes and I feel it in my weary body. I know it happened because I have scars that cannot be seen and I harbor feelings deep within me of resentment, bitterness and intolerance that weren't as prominent and on the surface, as before. So trust me, I know it happened. But there is a beauty that comes hand in hand with some difficult journeys. Not all journeys but I believe some. A blessing intertwined during some of life's most gut wrenching, "how will I ever get through this" moments and it is this: those moments that seemed insurmountable, those moments that took you out at the knees and left you unable to breathe, those moments, will begin to fade and if you allow it, you will begin to heal. I call this the gift of God's grace. That grace covers me and protects me during my weakest moments and I believe, prevents me from losing it completely. Which, to forewarn you ... could still happen. For today, this here and now, it's all good. The boys are in swimming lessons everyday. Zoey and I go and hang out in the shade. She is loving the freedom of going and doing. I am quite liking it myself. Taylor is doing her thing. Working here and there. Spending time with Brandon. Jess and Matt are busily setting forth their plan of action for the future. Jess began her Certified Nursing Assistant Program today and is gathering info on different choices for nursing schools. Having her BA already and the majority of the course requirements already done, will inevitability make the road smoother. As for boyfriend Matt, he has decided to do a 180 in career choices. He graduated with a degree in marketing and is now pursuing a career as a firefighter. EMT classes start in July and from there he will be applying to the academy and then possibly on to Paramedic school. And finally there is Caitlin... almost 3 weeks to her due date. She is feeling better and the doctors are not as worried about her as they were a few days ago. She is ready. Danny is ready and we are all ready to meet this new little life. Oh and yes, then there is Mark. He continues to work like a dog and maintains that rosy outlook on life, wearing that trademark smile of his. He is the best and I know for certain, I don't tell him that nearly enough. So, that is the news of the day. The Needham's are grooving and loving each and every moment of it.

*Changed Zoey's Button... again,at the urging of a few of the masses, they wanted to see a more smiley little Miss Z.So,Rebecca once again obliged and whipped up a new one and replaced the header picture. Thanks Rebecca and thank you to those of you who repost it... again.

*Zoey had a blast with this water bottle yesterday. I continue to be amazed by her ability to manipulate items, especially large ones like this, with one arm. She really has learned to compensate extremely well so far with the lack of purposeful movement of her left side, mostly her left arm and hand. She is something else my little one.

*These are the bracelets we will be selling in our fundraising for the marathon that will benefit The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Haven't figured out the logistics yet but we'll let you know soon, for those of you interested.

* And one final note ... if you have a minute please read the new little section to the right on my sidebar titled "Our Zoey Grace."Caitlin, our very talented, second born, churned that little diddy out in about 5 minutes flat. She has a gift with her writing. She in-fact will be published in 'Gift's Volume 11" coming out in 2010. Very proud of that girl. She's a keeper.