Luck ‘o the Irish

Caleb loves St. Patty’s Day!  Can you tell?  

Decked out, head to toe, in green.

Caleb had a fun time dressing up for St. Patrick's Day a little early (yesterday) at his grandparent’s home in Granbury.  Sure didn’t think he’d feel up to it today, in fact – we thought he’d be under anesthesia most of the day, but he got a reprieve, so-to-speak.  Turns out, Caleb’s blood levels are way too low to start his next and harshest chemo regimen, so we’ll try again next Monday.  He’s incredibly vulnerable right now, so we’ll be more vigilant than ever to keep him free from germs.  He was happy to get home at a decent hour from the hospital today! To be honest, we all breathed a sigh of relief, knowing we now have another week to prepare for the worst to come.

Caleb had a simple Spring Break last week, which he says turned out to be “his favoritist ever”… we’re still working on adjectives.  :)  We slept a lot (he takes 3-4 hour naps), played tons of board games & card games, and laughed a lot.  NO electronics the first 7-days, that was a real joy! 

Cal had fun playing with his lil' cousin, Westin.  No work needed for this vehicle.

We're still surprised it was one of his favorite Spring Breaks, considering he was too weak to do much - what a great attitude.  It's an important reminder to us that quality time is what's most important in life.   

A few funny steroids stories to share.  He simply will not eat anything cold – everything has to be warm.  He can’t stand his ole favorite standby - potato chips - because now they taste like “electrical cords” (what in the world do THEY taste like?)  Everything has to have seafood in it… shrimp, crab legs, and lobster.  He wants 100 shrimp a day and a couple of pounds of crab legs (no exaggeration). 

This was just an appetizer (seriously)

It’s crazy, because David and I never even dreamed of eating seafood like that until MUCH later in life!  It has been a lot of fun witnessing this, but we’re quite sure he’s going to swim away any moment and turn into a little lobster.  Ha ha.   His eating habits really are entertaining.  We adore kissing his sweet new chipmunk cheeks.  We know he’s going to need the reserves, as his next round of chemo will wipe out his appetite for an entire month.

A few VERY special things happened over Spring Break, worthy of sharing!  It started with a Gold Medal that Caleb won for his "3D Crazy Cows" he painted at Texas Children's Hospital. 

Cal points it out!

They honored him by inviting him to ride in the Grand Entry parade at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. 

Some fun, crazy cows.

 

Cal-boy's Oncologist gave him “the all clear” to go!  His big brother rode with him, and they both thought that was really cool.

Our little cowboys before their fun ride.

Cal's levels were too low to go to the actual rodeo or visit the livestock area, but he still had a nice time.  We could feel his disappointment that he had to walk away from a fun time like that, but he never said a word.  He just kept his little head held high.  It's really remarkable.  We know it's your prayers that keep him so strong. 

Then, Caleb’s “Nana” surprised him with family members he’s never gotten to meet before.  His second cousin is someone very special from Woodson, Texas who has been sending him letters from the 6^th grade class she teaches.  Everyone in her entire school made a prayer chain for Caleb, & he just couldn’t believe it! 

We’re trying to find the perfect place to hang this in our home.

  Her students have also been making bracelets since his diagnosis and selling them for $5. 

Thanks Rhonda for this special moment and for sharing your students with our fam.

They’ve worked so hard, and the students have even donated money and are going to donate it to Texas Children’s Hospital at the end of school.  It touches us that others will benefit from Cal's situation, and that definitely makes it easier to take.  

What a special keepsake with more than a hundred personal messages.

Two of my colleagues also shaved their heads this past weekend in Caleb’s name for St. Baldrick’s and raised $5,000 for childhood cancer research!

Raymond Ramirez & David Canada showing off their fresh new looks.

So PROUD of them for their sacrifice!  Some of our dearest friends surprised us by driving all the way across town to witness "The Big Shave", in our absence, and let us watch it LIVE via Skype. 

I was actually talking to Christine (far left) on the phone, when they snapped this photo.

Sure felt good, knowing they were there.  Caleb wasn’t feeling well and slept through it, but he sure had fun looking at pictures later. 

Also, my colleague & two of the precious students, who shaved their heads from Caleb’s school, joined their fearless leader, Corey Waters, on our morning show today on FOX 26, to talk about their experience being “bald” the past week & how doing something for others has enriched their lives.  They say it was their offering from God.  It doesn't get any more special than that. 

They all agree with Caleb – their heads are COLD!  Glad it’s finally starting to warm up in Houston!   They are some of the bravest boys I’ve ever known.

We are overwhelmed with the kindness of others.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, for helping lift Caleb up.  Our lives almost feel “normal” because of all of your prayers and support!  A lot of people are getting pinched for not wearing green today.  We feel like we need to pinch ourselves because it often feels like we’re dreaming – we can’t believe how blessed we are because of you all.  We hope to bless your lives some day, as you have blessed ours.