Support is amazing.

After Lila had a two night sleep-over at Grandma's, so we could have a date night and get some rest one evening, and speak to the Neurologist the next evening, she brought her home on Saturday morning. Boy did we miss her! I even used her pillow on Friday night so I could smell her while I was sleeping. But Lona, my Mother-in-law, just knew we needed some time and she was right. She said that Lila had asked her to have a sleep-over, which was nice as well. They were both there on their own accord.

Little did I know how much we needed it, especially Friday night. There's no way I would have wanted to have to do the evening routine of play, dinner, bath and tuck-in after that quite upsetting conversation. Again, thank goodness for Lona, and the rest of our family, being there for support.

Last weekend, Lila had an amazing time with Lorrie, my Sister-in-law, who seems to become a 3 year old herself when she's around her. Wonderful to watch. This weekend my sister, Tami, and her husband, Doug, drove down to help out for the 3rd time this year. In the midst of full-time work and full-time college, as well as having three kids of her own (two who are 23 and one who is 18), Tami is still able to make time to be here for us.

For the next three weekends, we've got different members of my family coming down as well. Another sister next weekend, my parents the next and yet another sister (I'm a lucky girl with three sisters and three brothers) and a cousin the next. Amazing!

After she arrived home from Grandma's yesterday morning, we took Lila to a birthday party of a neighborhood friend. Mike walked her over while I pumped and I met them there for the end of the party and to pick them up. It was hard to go but so wonderful to see my friends, and see Lila play at the party. I had only seen one of these girls since going into the hospital (she came to visit a couple of times), although all of the others had dropped off meals to my family or sent things to the hospital. It was wonderful to see them all. The support they have given to me and my family is quite amazing. And to feel their love & support through hugs and conversation was quite therapeutic for me. Their husbands even gave hugs, so sweet.

Tami & Doug were waiting for us to come home. We put Lila down for a nap shortly after and headed up to the hospital. When we arrived home, another friend, who used to be a neighbor but now lives in Brentwood, had dropped by to bring a little gift to Lila and just to see if we needed anything. This is not the first time she has come by. Last week she filled our freezer with quick yummy frozen food.

I know it's difficult to be in the friend and family position of a family like us. Everyone is so supportive and just wants to know how they can help. Unfortunately, we are unable to articulate what help we need. And really the main thing we need is a way to help our little boy heal, be healthy and be able to come home and live a normal life. This is not something anyone can do. But emotionally, the support everyone has given though emails, positive thoughts, healing energy and prayers is the closest thing to this and it's wonderful. Other than that just hanging out with Lila while we go to the hospital, and a meal here and there so we don't have to cook when we get home, there's nothing we can really ask for.

We are hanging in there. Trying to stay optimistic and healthy so we can be there for our kids. Taking things day by day. Thanks to everyone for helping us get through this. We wouldn't be sane without you all.