Summer Break Week Three

Erin was five years old when her daddy was injured at work. We waited until he was more lucid and able to talk before allowing the girls to see him. Erin spent those days researching what had happened to her daddy with a body book that used transparencies of the different systems that make up the human body. When we entered his room that day, Erin sat on the edge of his bed, holding his cup and straw for him and discussing all the bones he broke and how surgies were fixing him. By contrast, Lauren, age three and a half wouldn't fully enter the room. She instead leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face demanding know why he fell off that ladder. Watching Erin though, I had an vision of her pursuing the medical field.

She hasn't wasted her ability to research as she is finishing another degree before entering dental school in 2021. But where her research gets her is when she is concerned about her health or the health of others she loves. Walking into an appointment with her is not for the faint of heart as she will take any physician to task with her questions and arguments. She advocates fiercely and sometimes misses the mark on grace but has a great relationship with her doctor, none the less.

Today I had to drop her off at the surgical center for a larger biopsy. Erin pushed for a hysterectomy and I am grateful her doctor firmly refused. There is still a chance we may end up with the hysterectomy eventually but for now, there is time to wait out these stubborn cells that relentlessly attack her body. It's been a long year full of uncertainty and pain.

We otherwise navigated the doctor's appointments that landed Erin in surgery today and Kate getting braces. Thanks to Makenna, Kate was also able to get a bracket replaced today while I waited with Ty outside the surgical center. Initially the kids were waiting together at home but a wire sticking into the side of Kate's mouth warranted a last minute plan B. It's always something. But Kate looks so stinking cute in braces and is as usual rolling with punches managing her pain. Sister is tough.

Ty has been pretty bored this week and rather irate with reinstated daily reading requirements for the summer. Makenna captured an outburst for twitter......

No drama here.

Erin's cat spent the week with us because she refused to leave when Erin was ready to return home Sunday night. We knew she would be back this week for doctor's appointments so it was easier to keep her than fight her. She's spoiled. She has decided she likes the energy of our house compared to the quiet of her own.

We've gotten used to her shenanigans and are happy to have her and her momma staying with us this weekend.

In other news, Lauren has also navigated wisdom teeth extraction beautifully. Her in-laws are able to relax with the couple and enjoy Austin more than expected. I'm so grateful they were able to go down to help. Honestly, it's pretty amazing. They hired a nanny to stay with their children so they could take care of mine. I'm beyond touched by their generosity and the support we've had from so many this week.