I should never write here about no vomiting, because as soon as I do ... shortly after my post last night, Shannon awoke and wasn't feeling well. You know what happened next, and the rest of the night and early this morning, Shannon was uncomfortable and struggling with it all.
But, our day got better as Shannon fired up to spend time with the Olsons. Another trip to the Waffle House, followed by some sight seeing in the minivan. While Shannon slept through some of it, we were all awake and eyes wide open when we reached the Lorraine Motel, the sight where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
We carried on our Memphis by car tour with a drive by Graceland and then allowed ourselves some down time this afternoon. Upon waking from a nap, Shannon announced that she wanted to go to a movie with the other girls. So, off to Alvin and the Chipmunks for Erin, Hallie, Anna and Shannon.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous leaving my child, in a wheelchair, in the care of someone else. Shannon was ok with it, though, because Anna was by her side. So, let go, Mom, let go ...We finished our night with pizza and ice cream, saying goodbye to the Olsons and thanking them for bringing a little bit of sunshine to these dark days.
Shannon is learning acceptance and so are we. Acceptance that her disease is progressing, acceptance that she is physically very limited, acceptance that she has limited energy. Acceptance that this great plan to be home for the entire holiday season needs to be adjusted. We will be returning to Memphis between Christmas and New Years and staying until the 4 week MRI scan takes place January 4th or 5th.
Shannon found a little joy tonight listening to the other girls tell jokes and make fun of their dads. Straining to form the words with her slurred speech, she managed to join in on the fun. Cracking a joke that made us all laugh, and calling her dad a dork. Just like the good ol' days.
Little moments of happiness amidst the sadness ...
