Bittersweet

Today was Teague's last radiation treatment. Wow. It feels good to be finished, but we are also sad in a bizarre way to leave our friends at LDS Hospital. They made us so at home. They fussed over Teague from day one. They made all the hassle of getting up so early and dragging in there, better. Today they had presents and cards, hugs, and well wishes for us. And a few tears.



We forgot the camera today, and I wish we hadn't because we could have gotten a picture of Teague ringing the celebration bell in the radiation therapy office. It felt cathartic, but not completely. We'll always have to keep watch on this little angel boy.

Dr. Watson was explaining to us that because Teague has had radiation, his lifelong risk of developing cancer in general is greater. So much for getting it over with when you're two. I don't remember him mentioning that risk factor before we started, but it honestly would not have made a difference. We had to radiate because Teague's risk of this same cancer growing back was ominous.

What an example my little child is to me. He has frankly accepted everything that has come to him. He just moved on after his surgery. Didn't let the pain get him down. He found joy in daily trips to radiation. He has no concept of "no fair." It gives me a tiny glimpse of what the Savior meant when he said to become as little children. What a beautiful, happy way to live.

We are looking forward to getting back to normal. Being normal neighbors. Living a normal life. First step is my declaration today of mandatory naps. Braiden and Tatum came to the last few treatments with us, and they are tired, cranky, and fighting. I have been exhausted for weeks. So when little guy snoozes, we all snooze. I can't wait.