Monday, December 29, 2014

Good News, Bad News

I don't even remember what the particular news items were, but the other day I said to Quinn, "Go ask Daddy if he wants to hear the good news or the bad news first." So now when Quinn has something to tell me, he'll say, "Do you want to hear the good news?" Followed by something like, "I built a treasure box for my rocket ship!"

With him, there's no bad news.

This is a post about some bad news, though. I've hesitated to write about this because it's not cancer-related and I know I'm inviting so many opinions by opening up about it. But, me being me, I wrote about our dog adoption in this space already, so I figured I owe you guys an update.

Also? The last few weeks have been pure Christmas chaos abundance, with a train ride to the North Pole (where we blamed there being no snow on global warming, and I'm not sure Quinn bought it because it was 29 degrees out and that might be the coldest he's ever been), a cookie exchange party we're still eating the remnants from, a couple of holiday open houses, a family limo ride courtesy of Chris's aunt to view Christmas lights, waffles with Santa at Quinn's preschool, and Quinn asking Santa for exactly two things: a menorah to light candles for eight days at our house and a remote control spider to scare his mommy. Guess which one Santa delivered? 

I hope you all have had equally abundant holiday seasons. I am so lucky to get to experience this time of year, this life I've got with Chris and Quinn, and this was the first Christmas since 2011 that I didn't wonder if it would be my last. Instead, I probably tried a little too hard to put in place holiday traditions that would make the season as magical as possible for my little man, abandoning ship here because there just was no time for blogging after I figured out what to do with the elf every night. 

I might skip the damn elf next year.

Back to the pup. A couple of weeks after we brought Luna home there was an incident that made it clear she shouldn't be in a house with a preschooler (or a cat, for that matter). She was extraordinarily sweet in so many regards and attached herself to me pretty quickly, but I couldn't be as vigilant as I would have needed to be to ensure everyone's safety. It broke my heart even after only two weeks, but the rescue organization took her back earlier this month.

Quinn says our house is boring without Luna, which is true. The good news (if I can spin it) is that our cat has come out of hiding after spending more than two weeks hidden in a closet in the back of the house. And the rest of us are once again in the market for a (child- and cat-friendly) dog. 

6 comments:

  1. dear Jen,

    I just love hearing all the adorable things that come out of your sweet Qunin's little boy head! and I am so happy for your family being able to have such a fun-filled, delightful Christmas, exhausting as it was - but I know it must have been a happy tired you felt, and that's good, too.

    I am sorry that Luna was not able to be a safe member of your family. you did the right thing and I am sure she will find another home that will work out very well for her. I once had the same situation of having to give up a puppy after only 3 weeks; it was heartbreaking, but also a relief. happily,she was adopted by another couple within just a few days. we gave ourselves a break for awhile then tried again and had great success. our tiny bundle of dog-joy, Judy, was a perfect fit and she live to be 20 years old! I am glad your cat is out of hiding in the closet, poor dear. I know you will find another dog that will be a healthy, good fit for all of you. and if people should criticize, just ignore them. it's you and your family you have to think of, and that's the bottom line. period. and yeah - it might be good to nix the elf on the shelf. I've heard that idea bandied about a lot this year - and always referred to the "damn" elf!

    much love,

    Karen ooxoo

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    1. "A happy tired" -- what a wonderfully accurate way to put it! And I love your story about your Judy. We will find ours someday soon, too.

      XOXO

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  2. Support your decision on Luna. I want to thank you for having this blog, my wife was diagnosed in October with Stage 4 right off the bat (spine met), triple positive. She is 37 and we have 10, 8, and 5 year old kids along with a 15 month old lab; sometimes the dog is the hardest part of the whole operation!
    What you have accomplished with your blog is very inspirational, informative and much appreciated. Just the fact your story goes back to 2011 and you are NED (I think) is of course a positive theme for the newly diagnosed. There is raising kids tired, cancer tired, and to combine them is a real challenge. Thanks from a "fan" in the DC area.

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    1. Hello and thank you for following along. I feel like I grew up in the DC area, having lived there for most of my twenties. I will be back in the area in the spring to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

      Anyway, I hope your wife is doing well and I'm glad I can provide some hope to you. Yes, I've been NED since November 2013 and was diagnosed initially in 2011. I was also triple positive.

      I wish all the very best to your wife. It sounds like she (and you) have so many reasons to remain hopeful.

      Please feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.

      Jen

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  3. Everything Karen said. And thank you for taking her back to the rescue org. So many don't do that, they try to find another home on their own, or take it to a different shelter where they don't know the history. The right dog will come along, don't give up!! Merry Christmas, and Happy New year!!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl. I have pretty serious puppy fever at this point, so I don't think there's any giving up on the horizon. I'll let you know when the right one comes along. Happy New Year's to you, too!

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