July 31, 2022 – Friday I was able to spend the day at a lake with a good friend.  I have made time to be with her on her birthday for several years.  According to Facebook, twelve years at least.  It was then and there that she took my picture; one of myself that I actually like.  On that sunny July day, I was contemplating taking a very big step, one that would change my life forever.  This year, the skies were cloudy and the winds were brisk so we stayed inside and just enjoyed each other’s company.  Much like that day twelve years ago, I am again preparing to embark on another life changing journey; or at least a serious ride along.  This whole situation is so eye-opening in how Scott is the one that is sick but it affects so many people and relationships.  In a small way, it’s happening to all of us.    

I’m currently reading a book, and the characters in the book are young orphans that have escaped a cruel and evil place and are setting out on what they call an odyssey.  According to Webster, an odyssey is a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune.  I guess that pretty much makes life itself an odyssey.  I think rather than focusing on the fear of what could happen or what could go wrong, I think Scott and I are taking the approach that we are continuing our odyssey together.  It sounds mysterious and interesting rather than scary or uncertain. 

Saturday we were able to spend time with some great friends; our last get together before we leave for Ann Arbor.  There was a certain amount of nervous tension in the air as we all wanted to enjoy the time together but realized that it was the last time we would be all together for a few months.  The evening ended with lots of tears and hugs.

It’s our understanding that I will likely be the only visitor allowed while Scott is in the hospital for the estimated 4-6 weeks.  His stay will begin with four days of intense chemotherapy, followed by a day of rest, then transplant day which is also called Day zero.  It sounds like they expect him to be out of bed and walking the halls regularly each day while hospitalized.  Once it’s safe for him to be released from the hospital, we will need to stay near Ann Arbor for approximately another 100 days. 

We know there will be difficult days, but we have had a lot of practice with that over the past few months.  It’s hard to imagine it being any worse than all the days and nights of excruciating pain that he’s already endured; coupled with the panic and anxiety of not knowing what was causing it.  There is just a certain amount of peace knowing what the plan is and that there is a solution.  I’m sure we will meet some amazing people throughout this journey, maybe people that will be in our lives for many years to come.  We know that there are so many people out there sending us well wishes and prayers.  Maybe that is what has given us the peace that we feel today.  I’m sure that every day until transplant day or Day Zero will be a roller coaster of emotions, but I think we are ready to step up and be at the front of the line when the park opens.