Chemo began today. There were early morning concerns about bilirubin levels and a delicate liver, but by 3pm the best of the best had committed to a course of treatment that took in account all the factors Aiyana is facing. By 5 the drip began.
Kenny Loggins' CD played in the background, and her parents embraced and shared an intimate moment of prayer as we stood just outside, imagining health and laughter for her, and letting faith take hold.
It was a tense day but good, too. Stability reigned. I was gratefully thinking of all the hours her Granny and Grandpa love and spend time with the children, patiently teaching them to crochet, do art projects, sing and go shopping. Cousins and brothers played music for her, and another cousin is filling the walls with art. The matriarchs are comforting the family with food. Aunties and uncles, Darlena and Ron, Timmy Two Shoes and extended family, friends and teachers all come because they know a familiar face does wonders to lift the spirit. And they have learned that being there is better than not.
The nurses from the pediatric ward come in every day with tears and hugs and best regards. Aiyana is on everyone's lips, they say, she is THAT special. Her essence flows into our hearts and makes us stronger.
We don't know what Aiyana talked to God about in those 3 minutes on Thursday. But there has been an amazing shift inside us, as our own will falls away and we relinquish ourselves and are focused completely on Aiyana's strength, spirit, and battle. We pull together because we know it matters that we do.
Today was a critical day. Battle on, darling Aiyana: battle on.
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