Grant's Progress Report

David here.

Grant had a great birthday weekend. My sister and her family came in from Dallas and my parents came in from Waco.  The party was on Saturday at Kids N Action in Kingwood.  Grant had a blast playing with his friends and cousins.  He was also very happy to get so many nice presents.

After the party we went to the swimming pool where Grant spent the day playing with Claire, Melanie's dad and my nephews from Dallas. 

On Sunday we had the family-only birthday party at home.  We then went to the golf course yesterday evening and had a birthday dinner at Chachi's Mexican Restaurant in Kingwood.  The kids were thrilled to see Father T.J. eating at Chachi's.  The wait staff sang Happy Birthday to Grant and put a big sombrero on his head and whip cream on his nose.  Grant and Claire thought that was hilarious. 

Today, Grant goes in for counts.  His counts on Friday were good, though his ANC(immune system marker) had fallen.  That was not unexpected but it always makes us worry about him catching a virus or bacterial infection. 

To sum it up, it was a great weekend.  It's so hard to believe that Grant is already 5 years old and has celebrated 3 birthdays since being diagnosed in May 2009.  He spent his 3rd birthday in the hospital getting chemotherapy and his 4th and 5th at home. 

Grant's sister Claire deserves huge kudos for her behavior this weekend.  The past two years have been so difficult for her, yet she continues to amaze us with her cheerful disposition and her remarkable understanding that Grant needs special attention.  Of course, like any 6 year old,  Claire has her moments when she gets a little tired  of Grant getting so much attention.  But those moments are  few  and far between.  She really is an amazing little girl.   The job Melanie has done making Claire feel special under these difficult circumstances is just incredible. 

David