Moving right along and a big step...

We had asked the Dr. about maybe, just maybe going away for a few days. Were we medically sound enough in any way to attempt this? Just something close, but enough to get us out the visual and mental 'routine' we have been envelope in. Wow, some 'routine' we have been in, no real travels for the past two years..Countless blood transfusions, a hospital stay totaling approx. 150 days, traveling to City Of Hope in Duarte, CA.. racking up more miles than the Space Shuttle..Ok, not so routine, how about a new word? 'Alter-tine'..A routine that is life altering. Ok, silly, but I'll go with it.
To the point. The Dr. said he thought it would OK for small getaway. We were concerned about hotels etc...But he still said OK. We first wanted to make sure Becky felt physically sufficient for travel after the heavy-duty IV she had on Friday..which, she did! We never know sometimes with these meds of complexity and potency. So, by gosh, by golly, the three of us packed up and went for a little two nighter in tourist town Solvang, CA... but we love it there. Still close enough to LA..if we have to make a sudden trip back for any medical attention, but far enough away from the 'bubble world' we have been experiencing. And Oh, how we enjoyed the change of scenery..I think that's what did it most of all. Just a different room other than the hospital Becky spent months in..and different from our home, which we love and are so appreciative of, but we just needed the 4 wall change. Becky did just fine. We did her 'normal' IV in the hotel room..She ate the tasty hotel breakfast food.. I pushed her around town in the wheelchair. This got a little tough at times..pushing her on some of those 'not ready for prime-wheelchair-time' streets and the small stores were navigationally challenged..But we managed, and let me tell ya, mentally is was as if we had all been in the best group therapy session possible. Just so positive for the mental aspect. You could see it in Becky's eyes..she had some 'pop' and a childlike exuberance was noticable. We will keep our travels local and close to sea level for now..We have to ask about altitude and it's effect on Becky's immune system, if we do any mountain treks. WE praise GOD for this life affirming milestone. It contributes to the road of normalcy. We still have a so-called continent to travel, but we will stay postive and prayerful and press on... In Becky's world, this small trip was as good as a week in New York..or a long-weekend getaway to Paris..well, you get the point...

Thank you all your love and support..We go back to the hospital in a few days..We just pray her levels are good. She has been showing some good strength...

May your strength be abundant and longlasting..Be at peace...Be on bended knee..

Much Love,

Bill, Becky and Abbey