Gloria in Excelsis Deo: Thomas Turns Six Years Old!

Today Thomas turns six years old, a milestone he was statistically unlikely to see after cancer and massive surgical complications this past year. Our family is so grateful to the community of thousands who helped save Thomas: His medical team, including the Dr. Oesterheld and the oncology department, Dr. Bambini and the surgical department, so many other specialist doctors, the nursing staff, especially our beloved PICU nurses, the radiology department who did so many stat scans, the Child Life specialists (esp. Hailey, Leigh, and Annaliese) who worked so hard to keep him out of the depths of depression, the housekeeping staff who work diligently to keep patients from catching infections, and the therapy staff who helped Thomas gain back his strength. We thank the anonymous blood donors who provided the 93 units of blood products Thomas received. We thank our local community who pragmatically supported us so that I (Mama) especially could live at the hospital for 4.5 months and know my family was cared for: You made us nightly meals for 6+ months, you drove my kids to practical appointments as well as taking them to fun events and giving them gifts to distract and occupy them. We are grateful for how many financial donations we received this past year for all the expenses associated with Thomas's medical care. We appreciate our four nannies, Mary B., Abby R., Sarah C., and Rachel H., as well as innumerable emergency babysitters who stood in my place when I couldn't be there. We are grateful for Chris's employer (Hewlett Packard) and management chain for being so generous and flexible. We also thank our prayer warriors which probably number in the tens of thousands and all over the world, including priests, nuns, sisters, monks, and so many laity. We thank the saints for their intercession and God for His mercy.

Birthday breakfast at Metro Diner

Thomas's devoted surgeon Dr. Bambini graciously attended Thomas's party, which was an honor and a joy for our family. Given COVID restrictions this past year, our children have never been allowed to meet any of Thomas's medical team, until this party. (Thanks for permission to share this pic, Doctor!)