6.17.2010

2 Years


Two years ago today, Mollie was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was the lowest, scariest day Matt and I had ever experienced. When we got the diagnosis, we were shocked. In tears. Afraid that we were going to lose our baby. We agreed that we would allow ourselves to grieve that one day, but the next day we were going forward, doing our best to adjust to the new normal.

I can hardly remember what life was like before leukemia entered the picture. Lucy was an infant, almost exactly the same age Liam is now. Mollie was a toddler, learning to adjust to being a big sister. Matt and I were learning how to parent two children simultaneously and contemplating future plans/career paths.


June 17, 2008 was kind of a re-birth for our whole family. Everything changed. Walking Mollie down the kicking-ass-on-cancer path became our focus. At times, it has been scary, stressful, frustrating, physically demanding, and emotionally draining. It has taxed all of our resources. But it has also brought us closer together. We've seen how fragile and tenuous life is. And what a blessing!

In the 2 years since her re-birthday, Mollie has blossomed into such a wonderful big kid ! She is so caring and concerned for others. She's bubbling with energy and thrilled that she can now express herself in writing and can read EVERYTHING around her. Like me, she doesn't remember life before leukemia.

I don't often use the term 'survivor' when referring to Mollie, but for this day I will. I don't generally think about our lives being that different from 'regular' families without pediatric cancer because if I go there, I start feeling sorry for myself. But today I will think about our struggles and our strengths. It has been 2 years of some really tough stuff, but I still feel lucky. And hopeful for the future.

11 comments:

  1. So very, very well said, Sarah.
    My 'quote for today' seems most fitting:
    "the highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it but what they become by it.". John Ruskin
    The strength, compassion, and values you and Matt have acquired during the past 2 years are your rewards and a testament to you courage.

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  2. Dear Mollie, so big and strong, congratulations on your 2nd re-birthday! You have a wonderful, strong and loving family around you, keep kicking ass for us and show 'em how it's done! Enjoy Camp Rainbow, i'm sure you'll have a blast! Rhianxx

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  3. Matt and Sarah - You are an amazing team. The fact that this anniversary comes on the heels of your own is auspicious. It is from your commitment to each other that you draw strength to face the challenges of Mollie's disease. Happy Anniversary to you and to Mollie too.
    Love you from the bottom of my heart!

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  4. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing thoughts about the path your family is currently taking.

    Your family is strong, amazing and courageous!

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  5. Mollie you are a strong, brave, caring girl with strong, loving, caring parents. I love your picture for today.

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  6. Miss Mollie, I am so proud of you. What a wonderful person you've become over the last 2 years! Keep it up :)

    Love,

    Auntie K

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  7. She is a survivor and a fighter. And so are you and Matt. Keep kickin' ass, Mollie.
    Nicola

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  8. Congratulations Mollie - and to you and your whole family on being so strong. Love your picture today! Mrs.Swenson

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  9. Oh Sarah, you and your family are truly amazing! If we all could have your strength and courage...

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  10. Great attitude, mama! She wouldn't be this far if it weren't for you, and nor would several others. I often think of you guys when I get frustrated and what a small deal it is I'm all worked up by, and I admire you from a distance. Keep up the good work, and as always, I'm happy to help whenever/however :)
    Lots o' District love!

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  11. What an awesome photo of Mollie!

    Mollie, Keep kicking Butt! You have an amazing family doing it with you.

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