Read personal stories from our founder and Jennifer's mommy, Libby, along with other Warrior Moms and news from our Unravel team.

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swallow

January 12, 2014

Sometimes I find the changes we suddenly face so hard to swallow…

Tomorrow we leave for our daughters Make A Wish trip. She loves Disney…so going to Disney World will be amazingly fun for her. But I think thing she is most excited for is being with our whole family together for the vacation.

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IMG_3407Our kids…they fight…they are after all siblings. But they love each other so much too. Jonathan insists that he be the one to push her in her wheelchair. And Jennifer seems to really like it. Of course I do too!

Something got Jonathan sick on Friday night…and Tony a bit sick last night (but he is sure its food). Honestly though we have no way of knowing if the rest of us might get sick on the trip.

We are a “rush” trip. Meaning her drs felt that we needed to go January at the latest to make the trip the best possible. That also means we cant stay at the Give Kids The World Resort in Orlando…its supposed to be an amazing place just for Make A Wish families. I have been flustered and a bit bummed out that we can’t stay there…But the truth is it all comes down to the overwhelming horror in the realization that her oncologists feel she couldn’t wait til February when the resort re-opens for her MAW trip.

This morning over breakfast I was in another room with Jonathan while  JLK was getting a minor scolding from Tony. He was 100% right in what he was saying…but as I have said before its always hard..A bit later I looked at her and she looked like she was about to cry. I asked her what was wrong and she just stared at me. I scooped her up and took her onto our snuggle K-2014-01-04-211couch to talk.

I asked what was wrong…if she hurt? If she had hurt feelings? None of that. Poor Tony was feeling awful like it was him…

 

She finally said she sometimes had a hard time swallowing.

I asked for more information on what that meant. I was hoping that maybe it was something she just overheard. But as she explained in detail…how she will chew her food a lot and a lot…to make it really smooth but it doesn’t go down very well…I knew it was her newest truth…

It knocked me on my emotional ass to hear that. I just wasnt at all prepared. I know it can happen. I know it is often part of the tumor…

But its not time yet. She loves to eat.

please tumor don’t steal that pleasure from her so soon…

Some stomach bug got Jonathan sick on Friday night…and Tony a bit sick last night (but he is sure its food). Honestly though we have no way of knowing if the rest of us might get sick on the trip. And I have been pushing him to consider postponing…

Now though…I see what her drs where saying…so much can change so quickly.

I started this entry saying what we suddenly face is hard…now looking at her chewing one pretzel at a time…slowly…deliberately…while watching Winnie the Pooh preparing for our trip…

It struck me.

Its only sudden for me…

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Though I fight it ..the honesty….the gut wrenching truth is..much of this… she must face alone.

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  1. Nazy H. says:

    Oh Libby, I can’t even begin to imagine how devasting and terrifying this latest change must be. I’m wishing and praying as hard as I can that her symptoms slow down, that any bugs stay away from your family and that you can all enjoy this trip as a family. So many prayers.

  2. Linda Zell says:

    Peace be with you all and God speed to see Mickey

  3. Jill says:

    Sending my warmest thoughts and prayers… for all of you, for your trip, for JLK. Hugs and love.

  4. Karen Zoucha says:

    In my prayers for all of you to not get “sick” during your make a wish trip. Praying so hard for all of you… please Lord spare this little one and bless her with a miracle. Amen.

  5. Kimberly Redublado says:

    Tears and hugs for you. I hope your trip is magical.

  6. Bridget Dolfi says:

    I hope your trip is joyful and full of wonderful memories. It breaks my heart to think of each of these hardship you all face. Sending love and prayers.

  7. Kari says:

    Libby, sending so many prayers your way for peace and health. I hope your trip is a fabulous magical time for your entire family to be together. Much love!

  8. Blair says:

    So many prayers for you Libby.

  9. Kathleen McCullough says:

    ((Hugs)) Enjoy this beautiful trip. Face hard realities and new revelations when you get home. Much love to you.

  10. Corrie Reynolds says:

    Aw, so sorry for everything you all are going through! Wishing you strength and ability to be in the moment on the trip. Wishing you all the best health possible too. Hugs to all of you!

  11. Aimee says:

    Wishing you all a fabulous family vacation and hope that tummy bug is resolved. Hugs, love, and good thoughts to all of you.

  12. Ariel says:

    Thinking of you guys everyday. I hope your trip is amazing and you all make the most wonderful memories!

  13. Lori Baenziger says:

    Your pictures on the beach take my breath away. It’s almost as if the love you share as a family is visibly surrounding you and sheltering you all from the ugly realities of this world. I pray that love wraps the six of you in its cocoon, so you can leave the stress and fears behind and fully enjoy this special trip. We will continue to pray for, and believe in, the miracle we all want for JLK. Now go have a blast!

  14. Tiffany says:

    I pray your trip is absolutely wonderful and you find yourself blessed with beautiful memories and tons of pictures to remember it by! Hugs!

  15. Inna says:

    I want so, so badly to make it all better, my heart breaks for you. You are an amazing mother. God bless you.

  16. Val says:

    Prayers for a safe and enjoyable trip for your family. I cry reading every post and also keep praying for strength for your family in this fight. Jennifers strength and ability to endure amazes me. Angels are looking over her and bless her little heart.

  17. Patty Brown says:

    My heart hurts for you…

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