One of the things I've worried about in being here is that Kait is so far away from home. Visits from family and friends are important to getting through grueling treatments, recovery, and staying connected with life outside the hospital world. With that said I really want to encourage all of Kaitlyn's friends to call, chat, video chat, or text with her whenever you can--she needs those "visits."
As I said in yesterday's post, the morning after her first chemo treatment was rough, but a bright spot came when we had our very first (online) visitor, Kait's sister Mallory, brother-in-law Michael, and niece and nephew Madie and Finn from Bar Harbor, Maine. I can't tell you what a tremendous lift it was to all of us to watch 3-year-old Madie twirling around the room singing "Cinderwewwy, Cinderwewwy" from Disney's "Cinderella," in her beautiful,, cheery voice! Even Kaitlyn couldn't help but smile--which we all know isn't easy to do when you're feeling sick to your stomach--at Madie's antics. Kait did drift off to sleep during the visit, but it was the best medicine ever!
Around 4 p.m., we had a visit from some friends who used to live on Saipan, Van and Wendy Rider. I don't remember the name of the town they live in now, but it's about an hour and 15 min. to the west of L.A. I think they live the closest of any friends we have here in the area--which aren't many. Van and Casey were able to give Kaitlyn a beautiful blessing of healing, courage, and strength and also to give us the sacramental ordinance which we observe each week in our Church as a way to renew our promise to follow Christ. Wendy had taken the time to contact a couple of Kaitlyn's friends to find out a few of her favorite things and so brought homemade pumpkin cookies (Kait ate 3!! The only thing she had eaten all day--yay!) and a few other gifts.
After the Riders left, we had another online visit from the Conner Clan this time live from Salt Lake City--Levi and his wife Raquel, Alexa, Sam, and Jacob. By this time Kaitlyn was feeling pretty good and so it was pretty much a "Let's Get Kait to Laugh" show, which, for those of you who know the family, could have easily gone on all night long. It was fun and another huge lift to the day.
Sending hugs, high hopes, and prayers for healing.
ReplyDeleteThis has just been added to my favorite links on my task bar. will be checking it daily. No pressure though.... this Saturday and Sunday the youth of Saipan are dedicating their fast to Kaitlyn. It will be a wonderful day. we will have a combined 3rd hour testimony meeting with all the youth together, so they can feel the power of togetherness and the strength of prayer and fasting. I am wondering if there is any way we could have Kaitlyn there over skype or google chat or something. that would happen at 11 am here which would be 6 pm on saturday in LA. Let me know ASAP and I will work on the technology side of things.... Give her a hug for the Hochhalter's. Even little Clark prays for Kaitlynn.
ReplyDeleteBen H