Time has had a jarring presence in our house lately: speeding up then slowing down, each day blending into the next, not adhering to the laws of physics. I feel like I’m adrift with no land in sight. But there is one thing helping me keep my bearings amidst these rough waters: Jackson. I know everyone thinks their kid is incredible but this kid, Adelaide’s big brother, is really something else. He is my lighthouse in the storm.
Photo credit: Jennifer Loomis
Read MoreI have to start by thanking everyone for their incredible words of love and support. Reading stories about how Adelaide’s existence has positively impacted others lives, buoyed our spirits over the last week. Now, if you were like me, you might be asking yourself, “what is hospice anyway?”. I’m certainly no expert having only navigated this space for the last month, and I imagine it looks a little different for everyone, but the following has a been our experience.
Read MoreThis week’s blog post was difficult to write, harder to put out into the world and maybe even harder yet for some to read. Your love and support has lifted us up and will continue to in the days ahead. Thank you…
Read MoreThe Cervantes family has had quite a week with something for everyone to celebrate - and we absolutely have. But lurking in the shadows of every celebration is chronic illness just waiting to take back the spotlight - and it has. I don’t use the word “hate” lightly. In fact, there is only one thing Jackson is allowed to say that he hates: epilepsy. But for some reason, using this word has been considered taboo in the community for years. So, I tried to figure out why.
Read MoreI call this selfie, “Hiding from life”. I don’t know about all of you, but this Fall is doing a number on my sanity. Pretty sure I blinked and we were already halfway through September. Typically, I thrive on being busy but this season just has me wanting to crawl back under the covers, and with so much uncertainty in our life it’s not hard to see why. I took this week to check back in with me and remind myself that sometimes the best answers to the big questions are little. In typical Adelaide fashion she helped me along with some special moments of her own.
Read MoreAs parents we learn to live with very little privacy. I mean seriously, when was the last time you used the bathroom in peace? But what about when you have physical therapy, palliative care, an oxygen tank delivery, and your daughter’s usual home nursing care all in your home before noon. We are incredibly grateful that Adelaide is able to receive as many services in our home as she is but I can’t help but feel sometimes that we live in a much smaller, but still very public, Grand Central station.
Read MoreJust call her Dr. Bug. Thanks to her mast cells rejecting her IVIG infusions Miss A will now be sporting this adorable medical accessory whenever she leaves the safety of our home. Adelaide’s health has been declining in the last month and we are fumbling along as we figure out her new limits. Years ago, life gave me a crash course on living within my financial means, but now I’m learning how to live within our wellness means. Dr. Bug is an excellent teacher, though I must say, not very patient…
Read MoreFor this month’s guest blog post I was compelled to ask my brother-in-law, Marcos, after he and his family spent a week with us on vacation in Michigan. As Miguel’s big brother and a father himself, what was his experience with our family that week? Please enjoy Marcos’ vulnerable and loving ode to Adelaide.
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