I’ve wanted to write to you for a while, but was always hesitant to intrude on the magical circle of support that seems to float around you. I am just a friend of a friend. A few days before your transplant a close friend of mine asked me to keep you in my prayers. He gave me your Hebrew name, (your very long Hebrew name), and told me the story of your life. On that day I joined the ranks of Haley’s Virtual Cheerleaders and have been cheering you on and on, ever since. I have learned a thousand lessons from reading about your life and the lives of the people that you have touched. I’ve learned what it really means to be a hero. It means getting up and facing the day with a twinkle in your eye, or humor in your blog, no matter what you are about to face. It means being honest about your fears, looking them in the eye, and going to battle with them. It means learning to change bandages, or dressing up like Cinderella, or heading to work, or giggling, when hiding away is so much easier. I’ve learned that a little bit of dancing goes a long long way. I’ve learned that communities can be built in hospitals, on the internet, even standing waiting for a stranger to buy you a cup of coffee, and I’ve learned that little girls with big smiles and even bigger hearts are extra good at building them. Most importantly, I’ve learned that it is possible for your soul to be touched by someone you may never meet. I know your life will be filled with dripping ice cream cones and skinned knees and knotty hair and sloppy kisses and high flying swings and Anna dancing and all the happiness and sunshine that you deserve.

So glad you are back. I’m nursing a sore throat and a cold right now so I am staying completely out of the District of Columbia until I am fully healed. At that point, I hope to be able to be a DC “auntie.”

Your present doctor sounds just perfect. Funny about the nurses. You know, I’ve always found NYC to be friendlier than DC in interesting ways. Sounds like the nurses might be one of those ways.

You know, Tansy, when you get back to writing (and hopefully kids’ books will be part of that) you are going to have an even deeper insight into human nature and life than you did before. Of course, all of us would rather have insights come to us in less stressful and scary ways, but I think I’ve come to accept that those challenges and how we handle them turn out to be a big part of what life is all about. Go figure!

Many hugs to all. I am thrilled that the blog continues. xxoo Cristina

Wishing you many happy returns of the day, Miriam & Steve

Sounds like this doctor is wonderful about sharing information. It’s so important to understand exactly what is happening. Makes you feel more empowered. Hope all clinic days go smoothly.

May the days ahead be filled with ice cream cakes and balloons for oodles of celebrations.