Our weekend included: Getting results from Ashtyn's aspirate showing a miraculous response to the study drug Venetoclax bringing the percentage of cancer cells in her bone marrow from 93% down to 8%. Her dad, step mom, two step sisters, sister, and brother flew to Seattle to visit. Ashtyn was admitted into the hospital for 29 hours to start three chemo drugs, in addition to Venetoclax, with confidence that she will have 0% leukemia cells by the end of April. After the hospital we went to the pier and ate delicious clam chowder in sour dough bread bowls. Easter Day we briefly visited different tourist sites including Gas Works Park, Fremont Troll, the Space Needle, Pier 59, and the Seattle Temple. Ashtyn is very grateful for the results of her bone marrow aspirate and for the chance she had to spend time with family. She also knows we won't be going home for awhile and that realization hurts. It's difficult for her to think about the long fight that's still ahead. As we drove around the beautiful city listening to uplifting music and enjoying our Easter afternoon, tears filled her eyes as her heart ached to go home. I reassured the validity of her feelings and how we all wonder in awe how she pushes through such an impossible situation. She asked, "You have to stay too. Why do you look ok?" I contemplate the answer for a moment. There's no question I would do anything for Ashtyn as I would for all my kids. I feel Seattle is where she needs to be so I need to be here too. The way I cope with this situation is how I cope with any difficult situation. My focus turns to God. I believe He is aware of us, blesses us, is not wasting our time, and has a specific plan and purpose. For every bad moment, I believe He will compensate by giving us 100 good moments. I also believe we are coming to know ourselves and Christ in a way we couldn't otherwise. That's my anchor and what I hold onto. Micah, one of Morgan's UXC cheer coaches, wrote these words to Ashtyn, "In life I think everyone needs to have an anchor, whether it's friends, family, or something deeper. As long as we have an anchor, we can get through anything. Dig deep and take time to find your anchor. And when things get tough, go back to that anchor and remember what you're fighting for."
A sweet family and dear new friend of mine in Seattle made this for us.
