Fierce (and Brave)

As I was preparing Ava's room for her return, this poster caught my eye.  Ava's walls at home are covered with inspirational quotes, motivational quips, song lyrics, and excerpts from Bible verses.  All were created by her except this one - I made this for her birthday several years ago, in a massive rush the night before.  Holly and I decorate the house with streamers and small posters on our kids' specials days and she has kept this one on her wall.  This quote (from good 'ol Willy S.) reminds me of Ava because she is small, but in physicality only.  Her spirit is fierce, and this poster/quote ultimately inspired all the campaigns describing Ava's fight against cancer: Ava Fierce and Brave.  She has definitely lived up to this description.

We are so ready for our family to be back together again.  We feel so fortunate that it is a possibility and are incredibly grateful that her treatment has been successful so far.  We do not take for granted that many families are kept apart who are engaging in similar battles with disease.

We also know - and want to make sure that you know, as well - that Holly and Ava at home may not be a permanent thing.  When she goes back to St. Jude for surgery the week after Labor Day, we are unclear how long she will be inpatient and if she'll come home again for her subsequent courses of chemo.  In this marathon, the one thing that is certain is that nothing is certain.

However, for now we are practicing our gratitude because we'll be together for a lot of days in a row and we will choose to be present in these upcoming days.  I know that separation has made me so grateful for the shape of my family and I won't take our time together for granted anytime soon.

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On a different note, just a few little FYIs.  If you see Ava around, she'll probably have a mask on.  She's not very self-conscious about her bald head or her safety requirements currently, but please be sure to be positive around her.  (For example, please don't say, "your hair will grow back soon and be so pretty again!" or statements with similar sentiments.)  She thinks her shiny head is super cool and we do too.   I'm sure there will be an adjustment period since she is used to being around a bunch of other bald kids, but with your help, I'm sure she will adapt.

Additionally, it's ok if you hug Ava (with her permission, of course) because currently, her immune system is high enough to interact with others.  This may change after this upcoming round of chemo and I will be sure to post updates regarding her status.

Last thing: please give us a heads up if you're planning to stop by or visit at the hospital and know that we may need to tell you it's not a good time, for various reasons that may occur during treatment and recovery.  Holly and I trust that you will believe us when we say it's fine and that you won't take it personally if we rain check.

That's it for now - I'll try to post another update in a couple days.  Thank you to each person who cares enough about Ava and our family to check in on us via this blog.  We are amazed at how many of you are out there and so overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity.  Thank you.