And then there were three ...

And then there were three ... earlier this evening many of the things that we have collected on this journey were packed up and after tearful goodbyes, Jon hit the open road. Ottawa bound. And we miss him already.

We are hoping to be only a few weeks behind him, but I have a feeling it will be a long, lonely, but also extremely busy and chaotic few weeks. Phoebe is very good, but also extremely high maintenance with all of her medications, appointments, and central line maintenance and her big sister is non-stop action. I think it will be fun. Good chaotic fun. And while we are here, I am sure that Jon will be equally as busy, only hopefully minus the chaos, at home.

It is hard to believe that after almost 6 months in Memphis, one member of this family is heading home. Life as we know it, or as we knew it, is becoming a reality.

The initial results of Phoebe's bone marrow look good. There is no sign of any leukemia cells in her spinal fluid or bone marrow when viewed under the microscope. Now they will look deeper, at the cytogenetics of the sample, to look for the multi-lineage leukemia gene (MLL), and to test the DNA of the cells to make sure they are all donor 2 cells - we don't want to see any of Phoebe's original cells because that is where the cancer originated. We are very hopeful and happy with these initial good results.

As we were walking back to the house after waving our good byes, until Jon was no longer in sight, Mae pointed out the stars and asked if we could make a wish. We did and she told me that she wished "for daddy to get to Ottawa really, really soon and for us to get there soon too. So we can be together". What a wonderful wish and I am hoping and praying that it comes true.