Day +511: A GIANT Step!

It's day +511 for Max and he took one GIANT step today! He went back to school as a third grader at Wilson Elementary! He did wonderfully - as well as we could have hoped so far. He woke up before 7 am this morning and was dressed and ready to go about 5 minutes later! He was very excited and maintained his excitement all the way onto the bus. To say the least, that really helped Matt and I, especially me!

I had been a bit of an emotional basket-case on Monday and Tuesday with the anticipation of Max's big day so, having him so excited to go to school today really, really helped me. I was able to get through his departure without any tears until the bus was pulling away, which was exactly what I had hoped for. I lost it for a minute or two after he left and my sweet Alex asked why I was crying. I told him that it was mostly because I was just so happy for Max. Of course, I was also crying over the fact that I would now be separated from my Max-Man for 7 1/2 hours a day, without being able to even call and check on him, but I didn't let Alex in on that part. :)

Max was definitely exhausted at the end of the day but, after a good snack and some rest time inside, he was quickly back outside on his bike, ramping away with his buddies in the neighborhood. He continues to amaze all of us. I'm sure as the consecutive days of school wear on, he will wear out more. But, I was happy to see him getting to enjoy the beautiful day here in Cincinnati too.

Another big day tomorrow...Alex starts Kindergarten! The house was already considerably quieter today with Max gone. I'm not sure how I will feel about the lack of noise tomorrow afternoon but, I know that somehow I will get used to it.

I'll leave you with one last memory. As I was tucking Max into bed on Tuesday night, with thoughts of him returning to school today running through my head, I suddenly had a flash back to all of the nights that I tucked him into his same bed here at home, watching over his IV medicines as they went into his bald, swollen, little body through his central line (the IV that was in his chest for 10 months). It made me realize how far this little guy has come in such a short amount of time. Wow! Max is living his second chance at life and we are so eternally grateful. He is a walking miracle...and he is my little third grader.

More soon...

Peace and love,

Kristi (and Matt, Max, Alex, Ellee and Spud)