Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day at school was a spot of a challenge for Willem today.  For a boy who is not allowed to ingest anything but liquids, today was absolute torture.  He knows that he is forbidden to eat anything that has to be chewed yet he ate a cracker and some chocolate.  Daddy got a little terse with him and simply laid life and things on the line by explaining the possible consequences of his actions.

We received word from the hospital today that they --tentatively -- wish to admit Willem on the 27th of February. The 20th of February will be a 24hr urine collection which will have to be kept in the refrigerator (far away from the apple juice).  Apart from the 24th, and 25th, nothing but appointments and "conditioning" thereafter.  BMT is scheduled for March the seventh.

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This blog has been evolving and what has begun as a means to expedite news about Willem has now morphed into a story about a father's love for his son and his family's struggles.  It is now an amalgamation of abrupt facts - plainly delivered - and sometimes passionate expression of Willem's and my feelings. Once this blog gained an audience that reached beyond a comfortable sphere I began to feel a concern for content and a fear of criticism.  It was at that time that I made a promise to myself that, lest I stop writing all together, I would continue to write with an adherence to fact and without regard for exposure; without fear of criticism.

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THANK YOUS

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Many thanks are owed to the staff at Meadow Brook Elementary.  Many a night has gone by without Erin or I having to cook a meal for ourselves and the children.  Thank you for the great amount of rest it affords us.

As mentioned before, I try to provide a certain amount of anonymity to Willem's donors because I guess that it's the correct thing to do -- I'm not even sure that people want to be mentioned yet I feel it necessary to publicly express our gratitude:

Thank you to the wireless company that sent a very generous donation via mail for Willem's recovery.  Thank you.

Thank you all from whom I received beautiful smiles today at my childrens' Valentine's celebration.  Your encouragement was visible and unmistakable.

Thank you Landmans

Thank you Gawrychs

Thank you Mrs. Klotz

Thank you Mrs. Kemperman

Thank you Mrs. Freyling.

I am missing a few people to be sure -- Please know that you have filled our hearts and my inability to remember is by no means a dismissal.