Cancerversary

One year ago, Ari was playing in the sand at Cape Cod.

And the following day he was riding the little train around Belkin Farm.

And the next day, June 4, 2012, he went to toddler gym class in the morning.

And was diagnosed with cancer in the afternoon.

I am still in shock.

And I can't believe it has been a year.

It has been a year filled with fear and uncertainty, with spinal taps and blood draws and chemotherapy, with doctors and nurses and radiation specialists.  It has been a year filled with hospital stays and anesthesia.  A year marked by hair loss.  And steroids.  And a ton of puke.  And a year filled with tears. 

This past year has been scary.  And it has been awful. 

But this past year has also been marked by extreme highs.  It was a year filled with friends, with family, with community.  A year that showed us we have the most incredible support system that anyone could ever need.  It was a year of learning and laughing.  A year of so much love.  It was a year that gave us an incredible gift of new life.  And a year that saved our son's life. 

This past year has been wonderful.  And beautiful.  And incredible.

On this anniversary of Ari's diagnosis, I continue to feel so lucky for all of the good in our lives.  And though I will never forget the scariness and sadness of the past year, what is truly memorable are the love-filled days and nights we spent as a family over the past 365 days. 

So, on this anniversary day, we celebrate Ari, Alison, our entire family, and all our friends.  We made it to this momentous day with your support and encouragement and love. 

Now let's eat cake!