Strength to carry on

"Be strong, trust yourself, love yourself, conquer your fears, just go after what you want. And act fast, because life just isn't that long."
            - Pam Beesley Halpert on the final episode of The Office


I love that quote, and I have been hanging onto it for a while. Perhaps because I am having massive Office withdrawals (though they are not nearly as severe as my 24 withdrawals). But more likely because I did not want to reference anything that implied that life can be short. Seriously... It is crazy how often I think about what might be. Liz and I would be naive if we did not at least talk about the elephant in the room. But with the great news from the last few weeks of her treatments, we are at least encouraged and optimistic that we will make it. That she will make it. So these last few weeks have been all about enjoying every day, thanking God (and those who selflessly do His good work), and trying to help get things back to "normal."

Cohen started school last Thursday. He jumped out of the van and ran right inside, not so much as a look back to his mom. When she picked him up, he ran to her yelling "Best day ever! Best day ever!" He loves the lunches she packs. And did you know he has recess? EVERY DAY? And P.E. twice a week? And his teacher is "great!" So, yeah, he's fine.

Jensen started preschool today. No screams or crying, which was quite an accomplishment. It was nearly impossible to get the first-day-of-school pictures, since he lives life on turbo speed. He must have learned that from his brother. When Liz took him to the inaugural bathroom visit at school this morning, he decided to hug lean into use the urinal. Not particularly successful -- he still is trying to master potty training, and we lost a few months of practice. Is it appropriate to give tips to his teacher? Or maybe just apologetic glances. Followed by high fives since Jensen is so awesome.

Eli is still awesome too.

Liz has now been to church two weeks in a row, and she has taken care of all three boys (including Cohen's school pickups) twice in the last week. She is exhausted. And she hurts. Maybe some physical therapy or other strength training will help, so we'll look into that. Recovery is not easy, especially with the continual concerns and thoughts creeping in. But we will just enjoy every day, grateful for her increasing strength and fighting spirit to carry on.

With family, work, and school lately, I have slacked on my bloggy duties. In the last few weeks we received some amazing Team Liz Logo submissions. These mean a lot, to both of us. Thanks to all here, and all who have sent them in so far. I will caption each photo and upload them on the Worldwide Logo page tonight. Go Team Liz!