Day +34

What an amazing weekend. Nick continues to do well.

Tomorrow morning he has to go back to the hospital for labs and a follow up. I have to believe that report will be great as well.

This morning, I received a message from a friend that I work with. He has recently transferred. He wrote about how he has been away from his family for over a month and he wasn't quite sure when he was going to get to spend the day with his wife and kids in the future.

This gentleman has been donating his time to the Leukemia Society for several years. So when Nick was diagnosed, he was able to provide me with a great resource for information. But today, he provided me with even better information. He wrote about how he sat alone in his temporary housing, not knowing when he would see his family next, he read Nick's blog and was reminded how lucky he was for the blessings in his life. He was reminded of all the challenges and sacrifices these kids have made. It put things in perspective for him.

After reading his message, my perspective has also changed. I realized that this was the first weekend that I have spent with my son without interruption. Not in a hospital room, but sitting in a family room watching ball games, tv shows, and doing the things that most Father's never find the time to do. Let's face it, we have to work, we have to mow the lawn, we have very important things going on....... (I'm being sarcastic of course)    I have forgotten what should be the most important to me.

So in closing, I am no longer viewing my visits to Cincinnati as a challenge. Instead, I am thankful for to opportunity to spend quality time with my son. I still look forward to the day when our family will be reunited under one roof, but this private time with Nick will never be forgotten.

I hope to get to spend some quality time with Nate and Alaina later this week. I'll talk to you all next weekend.