We have arrived.  We’ve unpacked, and settled in to our new temporary home.  Shaye needed to be at work until today, so with the help of my “Lady in Waiting” (Julie), my Grandma (yes, my grandma!), and the children, we moved just a few of the very basics out of our home in Edmonton down the road to Calgary.  It was not without its funny moments, as always.  I think the best was after 1 trip up to the 14th floor to drop off items and unlock the suite, I returned to the car park level to find everything we had packed resting on a flatbed driven by a stranger with Julie, Grandma, Caylie & Ayden trailing behind.  How did they manage to find “help”?

Well, Julie stole the flatbed.  In her defense, I think she honestly believed it had been left there for just this type of scenario.  It didn’t take long for the worker to whom the flatbed belonged to clued in, and by then it was already loaded up, and he had 2 choices I guess…help them, or tell Julie & my Grandmother to unload and fend for themselves.  He made a great choice.

The apartment is comfortable.  It is joined to the hospital by a car park, so it is quite convenient.  The view is spectacular! 

 I am still getting used the the calming whisper (lol) of the STARS Air ambulance pad in front of the bedroom window, but I am sure once I am used to it. I will be moved to the unit.  I hope Shaye brings his earplugs.

Tomorrow is day -8.  It’s the official “admission day” and treatment begins.  I may not necessarily have a room on the unit to call my own yet, but will have within a day or 2.  I am told I can stay with my family as long as I wish (or can) which will likely be a few more days.  I’ll cherish every single second (or try…there is so much happening, I am finding the tired grumpy Trish is making an appearance more often now.  I’m not her biggest fan, but I guess she has her place).

The days are numbered in relation to transplant day.  Tomorrow is -8, then -7, -6 and so on.  Transplant day is day 0.  

Here is a copy of the Day -8 schedule for those wondering what is happening and when.

  
So, I guess it will be an early morning.  Grandma is insisting on breakfast before the 4 hour fast leading up to the central line insertion.  I love her to bits, so glad she is here.

On a final note, the outpouring of support today for Shaye and our family on his last day of work was really just incredible.  It was a difficult day for the city of Edmonton, as the service was held to honour the life of Const. Daniel Woodall whose life was tragically taken while protecting our fine community.   He left behind 2 young boys and a beautiful wife.  My heart breaks for them.  We watched the live stream on Global from Calgary, and couldn’t help but feel the compassion and love of the community.  For people to have taken the time to show the outpouring of support for our little situation in the midst  of an already emotional day moved me beyond words, and I can tell you how heartwarming each message felt to every one of us.  Our children are reading them, as are we, and I know Shaye said he would try to get back to you all as soon as he can.

Peace and Love -Trish xo