Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Sweet Ella Grace ... and some Other Big News!




Many months back,during Zoey's chemo days,I received an email from a mom.She had been on the internet researching,which often isn't the best of idea's,especially when it pertains to medical stuff but nonetheless there she was and she happened to stumble upon Zoey's site and began reading up on our complicated journey with her,which at the time,found Zoey fighting the mighty fight on CHLA's 4th floor.She too had a little girl with Down syndrome who had also been born with the rare blood disorder that Zoey had been born with,Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder.I know perhaps it was difficult for her to delve deeper into Zoey's latest hurdle of Leukemia because in many ways,Zoey represented the worst case scenerio of children born with the blood disorder:a relatively benign disorder flipping to your biggest fear,cancer.Anyone who has had a child born with TMD knows the numbers.Numbers and statistics which tell us that there is a very real possibility that our children will be battling Leukemia,specifically AML,before the age of three.We hope and pray they won't but approximately 30% do.The email I received that day began what today, I consider a most treasured friendship.Denise is the sweetest person and Miss Ella,well, see for yourself.She is gorgeous and funny and oh so smart.Denise and Ella even came and spent time with us during one of Zoey's rounds.Couldn't have been easy for Denise but there she was anyway and that day with her and these subsequent months have reinforced,all the more,the beauty we have found in blogging.So what is going on with little Ella?Well,tomorrow she will be having yet ANOTHER bone marrow biopsy.The little stinker has been playing games with her numbers over the last several months and she is just trying to see how far she can push us before we have a heart attack!Each biopsy has come out clear and tomorrow we expect the same ... hear that Ella?So please,if you would,say a prayer for Ella and her family as they head into tomorrow.And to Denise and Ella and the rest of the crew there in Temecula, we are here for you so call upon us for what ever you find you need.Day or night,don't hesitate.We love you and are sending you prayers for another clean biopsy and strength and peace for your anxious hearts.We love you.

Now to some really exciting news .... Caitlin is officially published!!Gifts 2 has arrived,or at least Caitlin has her copy!She sent me this picture and it brought me to tears.I am so proud of both my girls.Their bond is magical and as a mother,what greater gift can one have, then to witness the beauty of unconditional love between two of your children.I cannot wait to get my copy.Congratulations Caitlin,you are a gift to us as well.

13 comments:

Kele said...

I LOVE ME SOME ELLA, that girl is a little ham, and a CUTE ham at that!!!
Can't wait to get my copy of Gifts II, love the picture and I, too, am so proud of BOTH your girls!
Love ya and hope you got my message right after your call last week, never heard back from you... hope all is well.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful post for Denise and Ella. Got them in my prayers.

Congrats to Caitlin. What a great crew you have, Heather.

Stephanie said...

BTW, forgot to add.. Love the picture of Caitlin and Zoey.

Bea Braun said...

Saying prayers for Ella. What a beautiful photo of Caitlin and Zoey. Any chance you can post her story? Would so love to read it:) Congrats Caitlin.

Lacey said...

Sweet Ella, I was glad we got to see her, just wish we could have seen her again when we went out. Praying for her tomorrow. Is Gifts 2 in stores yet? I want my copy. Miss you guys, its been a while since we talked.

Jeana said...

I'll for sure be praying for Ella, she is such a cutie and Denise is just awesome. I too can't wait to get my copy of the book! What amazing girls you have :)

The VW's said...

I can't wait to read that book! And, I'm so excited that I will 'know' someone that wrote one of the stories! The 1st book was wonderful and I'm sure the 2nd will be just as great!

I'm glad to hear that Zoey is doing so well! What a little honey! Great job on the blanket project! HUGS!!!

Denise said...

Awww..thanks Heather for such a beautiful post. We consider you guys some of our dearest friends as well. Amazing when we have actually only met once!!! I actually feel honored to be considered your friend.

What a great picture of Caitlin and zoey and I can't wait to get read her story!!

Thanks again. Love you guys MUCHO!!!

Tish said...

Ella Grace is added to our prayers! Thank you, Heather, for sharing.

The photo of Caitlin and Zoey Grace is breathtaking!! I can't wait to read Caitlin's words!! Let us know when Gifts II is on the shelves.

I'll be calling you next week; we're all under the weather this week, or at least 3 of us are. I'm ready for some Zoey lovin'. :)

blogzilly said...

Is that a real live book that I can actually go buy and read? That's awesome!

I'm not familiar with Ella, yet, but thanks for pointing out her story. She'll be in my thoughts today.

Scrappy quilter said...

Congrats to Caitlin. That is awesome news. Prays for Ella.

Scrappy quilter said...

Oooh I forgot, I love your new heading picture and words. Just stunning!!

Googsmom said...

{{{HUGS Ella, Zoey and Caitlin}}}