Last year was honestly the crappiest year of my life. Aaron nearly died last October - not fun. Going through a divorce - not fun. Giving up my job at Publix - not fun. Selling my beautiful home in Florida - not fun. Being homeless for months (staying at the Ronald McDonald House and the hospital) - not fun. Moving to a place that snows - DEFINITELY NOT FUN.
I have finally gotten to a place in life that feels more stable. Although Aaron has been in and out of the hospital more times than I can count, all have resolved quickly and without much complication. We have also settled into our new apartment. I miss my beautiful 2700 sq ft home, but I have embraced the 800 sq ft two bedroom apartment. Aaron and I have everything we need and I definitely have a lot less cleaning to do.
Aarons birthday was October 15th. We celebrated the following Saturday at EnterTrainment Junction. This place has the largest indoor model train display in the country and fun activities and train rides for the kids. We invited Aaron's friends which included nurses, babysitters, and Joshua (another transplant child) and his mother. We played a game where everyone had to grab a balloon. The balloon has a card on it that said PRIZE or COAL. Aaron enjoyed handing out the coal and prizes. He got every train toy he asked for. He made sure to tell everyone that was invited that they could only come if they bring him a train. Aaron fully embraced the fact that his birthday was all about him and all about presents. I am hoping his birthday is the beginning of some more "normal" activities for both of us.
Aaron's immune system is still not good and possibly nonexistent. They haven't done immune studies for months. The last one he had was not much better than before transplant. Still hoping and praying each day that my little fighter will get his immune system soon.