Just a little over a month ago, I officially logged off. My status as a mother on reserve had change to full-time, active duty. This was no Title 10 or 32 order, but a definitive look at what my priorities were - and unfortunately, writing was not, and could not, be one of them for a while.
A had been sick for the better part of a month-and-a-half and we had been warned that her symptoms were consistent with Leukemia. So, until we received a diagnosis, and until I could breathe, and until she was generally better, my life, the one I call my very own (not the one I call mother or wife or colleague or Sergeant) ceased.
Now, we know that she does not have Leukemia. Nor does she have the legion of options we were given. We don't know what it is/was, but we know what it wasn't. And we know that she's progressing well. The almost daily calls to pick her up from daycare have tapered off and life has resumed a semblance of normalcy.
I still find that I'm holding my breath sometimes, especially when the phone at work rings. I know now that we still have many more visits to various practitioners, but Boston Children's Hospital is the best there is, so I also have faith that she's in wonderful hands.
Our new normal, however, has also meant that I'm seeking leave of military duties for now and placing myself into the inactive ready reserve (IRR) program. With one car and a high ops tempo between the unit and my job (which is the same thing I do at the unit, just for the active duty), I don't feel comfortable or right being far from home for long.
I've found that not only am I OK with that idea, I'm relieved about it. It's a weight off of my shoulders. It's one less thing I'll have to wrap my head around for now. And when we're comfortable with either a) her final diagnosis or b) where she is in terms of her overall health, then I'll be able to return with fresh eyes and a refreshed spirit.
So, I suppose you could say that this is the official return of Mom on Reserve, the Blog. Hopefully I wasn't gone so long that everyone wandered off.
How have you been, Dear Reader?
18 August 2010
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4 comments:
So happy A is going better. Kiddo sure knows how to worry people! :)
Still here! Glad to have you back, and relieved to hear about A...
Wow, I'm so glad it isn't Leukemia! My baby sister was suspected of Leukemia for a while, and it was quite the roller-coaster - but she also was cleared of it in the end. And after having every illness known to vaccinated man by age 5, she was extremely healthy during her school years. We still don't really know what made her so "sickly," but she ended up doing just fine. (If anything, it gave her super stamina.) I hope that is how it works out for Amelie, too.
Glad to hear that you have made a life decision that gives you relief during this trying time. - SKL
Glad it isn't Leukemia as well. You are brave for sharing this. Thank You
Sandy Avila, Director of Operations at Prepped & Polished
www.preppedandpolished.com/blog
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