Sunday, March 9, 2008

One Year Anniversary and Ode to Red Blankie

Today is a fitting day for a little story as March 9th marks the year anniversary of Izzy's diagnosis. I let the Disney post linger a bit before telling the sad tale of Izzy losing Red Blankie on our trip:

The blankie I made her as a newborn, the blankie that has been her friend through all the rough times was lost (and I mean lost regardless of my blood, sweat, and tears trying to find it) in Florida. The first night without it she sobbed 'til about 2 a.m. But then amazingly she has not shed a tear for it since. I think she sucks her thumb less and has more energy without it here to lull her. So as much as I miss it :) I think it has been a positive thing altogether.

Izzy has a way of turning things postive as I was reminded today at church. Laura Hall told a story of babysitting Izzy once a few months back in which Izzy started really wanting me. Instead of crying, she found a toy keyboard of theirs and started singing a made-up song "I want my Mommy back." I thought it was a good example of Izzy's amazing coping skills.

I explained to Izzy today that it has been a whole year since she got cancer. I asked her what she thought about the last year of her life. She mentioned being at the cancer center a lot. I asked if she remembered all those leg shots we had to give her..."oh yeah I remember that." Then I said, remember when you couldn't talk for a while... "that was kinda funny," she said. Then when I asked if she remembers her seizure and ambulance ride and the doctors cutting her shirt off, she had absolutely no recollection of it. Strangely we had a nice little chuckle about it all as a family. And now, as recommended by Grandpa Costley, I think we're going to "cork it all like a bottle of fine wine and put it on a shelf: far far away!" :)

Red blankie used to have stripes on one side...
Red blankie used to be shiny and soft...

Red blankie got played with a lot...


Red blankie gave a lot of comfort...and got a little scuzzy...


Red blankie gave a last hoorah to Izzy and possibly found a new friend to cheer up...thus marking the beginning of a new year of feeling better and apparently not needing Red Blankie anymore.


THE END.

12 comments:

tiffany said...

Oh what an example each of you is to us! We sure love you, and we are glad to hear that you seemed to have survived red blankies moving on!

Carolyn Hansen said...

Can't believe that it's been a year already! I have to tell you that you have such a remarkable way of brining out the positive in things. No wonder Izzy handles this fight with such grace. Your family is an inspiration to all who are blessed to know you. We love you!
Carolyn and Kate

Lisa said...

I remember that so well because it was the day Ben was born and when we called to spread the news one of our friends told us about Izzy's diagnosis. I remember I was already an emotional wreck but that put me over the edge.

I'm sorry about Izzy's blanket but it sounds like she's handling it well. It's amazing the things (like blankies) that we cling on to get us through the tough times. I love that you have so many pictures of "red blankie" though.

BTW, your trip to DW looks incredible, Keely was super jealous when she saw the Pocahontas picture! : )

Mindy said...

Izzy is an amazing little girl. Thank you for the post. I am sorry about Red Blankie. I hope it found a good home. We can't wait to see you guys!

Anonymous said...

That is so sad about the blanket, Annie has a blanket like that (tinker bell.) I am so happy that you are at the year mark. it is all down hill from now on! Good times ahead.

The Cherry Family said...

Sad to lose such a good friend! But I'm glad she's dealing with it. And I'm really glad she doesn't remember her seizure. I'm sure it will be forever emblazoned on your memory, but at least it's not for her.

Elizabeth said...

She is so amazing (as is your entire family!). Sad to hear about the blankie, but so happy to see sweet Izzy and her looking so awesome these days!! What a year to remember. If you haven't already heard of it, you can make a book of your blog at blurb.com, an easy way for you to have a book of the whole year!

*NaTaLiE SaNdaLL* said...

OH NO! Not the blanky! I can totally understand being the mother of a blanky child myself. I actually went out and bought a matching blanket so I would have a back up and let me tell you it has cam in handy on more than one occasion. What an eventful year you have had! We are all so happy to see things looking up!

LCM said...

Oh my gosh! We lost Fiona's "mee" at the hospital. It was white with pastel paint splashes and it just got scooped up with the linens. And then sent down to the state prison for washing and was never seen again...I cried about it more than she did, but it did take her a while to notice it was missing and then she cried.

Hubers said...

It amazing how far you guys have gone this past year!! You should make the book like Elizabeth said. It would be priceless to Izzy!

Katie said...

We lost a My Little Pony blankie at Nauvoo a few years ago, and that's about all Megan can remember from that trip. :) We searched and searched, call the hotel again after we got home, etc. and it was never found.

So glad to have this year of your life behind you, and now it's time to start focusing on your future with us!! :) Can't wait to see you again.

Southern Spud said...

Just wanted to send you our loves! We're glad she's still all smiles, despite losing her blanket on top of everything she's gone through. Singing about missing her mom? Mmm...I think I need to teach Hannah that! And happy two years to Ryan! ;) We're in the midst of potty training...again... Good luck when that comes along!