I had my first Covid vaccine and I am looking forward to the second one in a few weeks. I don’t know about you but I could feel my hope for the future bloom. It has been as if we have lived in a canyon surrounded by hard surfaces for nearly a year. We will all have to adjust to a new normal like no more blowing out candles on birthday cakes, and continued social distancing, but I am just loving the idea that it is time to start making plans to travel, visit loved ones, hug my grandsons and breathe easier. The other major boost to hope in my life is that my daughter, Ke’ili has completed the harshest rounds of chemotherapy and will soon be able to start the maintenance phase of her treatment protocol. It has been a very difficult time for her especially, but as her mom and I speak for my husband too, the roller coaster nearly went off the rails a few too many times. Throughout this hellish experience Ke’ili has been courageous. Her spirit stayed strong. Her determination to not let the leukemia take her down was nothing short of amazing. Even during the worst of it, Kei worked all but six weeks, got a promotion and continues to excel at her job with Peepers. I am proud beyond words to be her momma but she deserves to take a bow (she won’t though). She takes it in stride. I am happy to report that Kei can walk without a walker now and is getting stronger each day since she isn’t currently getting bombarded with toxic chemicals. Maintenance should be a breeze but prayers are still appreciated. Prayers that her body makes only healthy mature white cells, healthy red cells, and healthy platelets all in abundance! We still pray several times a day but especially at 10:00 am pacific time with loved ones around the world. Prayers work! We are grateful to everyone who has been praying for Kei and for all of the support and kindness that has been bestowed upon us. Aloha nui loa to each and everyone of you.
To quote Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, “Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings.” Ke’ili has weathered the worst of those windstorms and she wears her beauty and her strength better than most.
Be well, be safe and HOPE to see you soon! (get vaccinated as soon as you can!)
Shirley
Thank you to Ashim Silva for the great photo via Unsplash!
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