Today is the 8th anniversary of Ryan's Bone Marrow Transplant. 8 years is a long time. I've forgotten so much about that experience, but have a great opportunity to reflect on this amazing day each year. Ryan lives an extremely normal life that we often forget or take that amazing event for granted. Deni and I had heard about others that had Transplants and how they celebrated their Transplant birthday. We thought it was a great idea and decided we would always celebrate Ryan's Bone Marrow Birthday. Some might say he is a lucky kid to celebrate two birthday's. They'd be right, however on the other hand they probably have no idea what kind of pains he went through at 6 months old. 2 weeks of chemo, morphine drip at times to control the pain he seemed to have. The worst part was knowing he wasn't feeling good and him not being able to even hint at how we could take it away from him. He was stuck in a hospital room for 3 months, not having an opportunity to leave with his parents each night. When he did leave the hospital, he was quarantined for almost 2 years not being able to play with kids his age or have a normal life. Taking 4+ medicines each day. Those days are long past however I'm certainly grateful to have him happy and healthy.
Deni had a great
tribute to Bone Marrow today.
I don't normally think too deeply about the giving of gifts on birthdays, it just a tradition. Normal birthdays are celebrating the fact that someone was born. Ryan's Bone Marrow birthday isn't much different, as without his Bone Marrow Transplant, he wouldn't be living today.
A birthday wouldn't be complete without a birthday gift. Ryan received a new "large" stitch. Stitch is a much loved figure in our family.
Sydney and I got haircuts tonight. (I wish I could afford a haircut every 2 weeks) I love keeping my hair short. After the haircuts, we decided that it would be fun to go out to eat for Ryan's Bone Marrow birthday. We ended up at the Pizza Factory in town for some pasta. I have no idea how Ryan can each so much pasta, but he out ate his mother and sister.
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to your Bone Marrow, Happy Birthday to you. (sing it) Happy 8th Birthday to Ryan's Bone Marrow. May he celebrate 80 more.
