The week prior, Peter joined Nick and I in Florida while Deb and Samantha spent the week at home cramming a few weeks worth of shopping and holiday preparation into several days. The anticipation of going home for the holidays was definitely peaking as the two boys were literally bouncing off of the walls of the apartment. We managed to keep ourselves busy going to the zoo, the park, the beach and the highlight of the week, the Thursday night football game between the Jaguars and the Colts. Being true New England fans, we weren't so much rooting for the Jaguars to win, as we were the Colts to lose. We had a great night, even if the Colts did win.
When Nick wasn't having his treatments, we tried our best to take advantage of the balmy Florida weather. Most days, it was in the high 70's, which allowed us to head out to Jacksonville beach and play some football, build sand castles, and just wander around. While it wasn't quite warm enough for the water, it was still pretty nice. On days that we didn't feel that adventurous, we would head to the local park to throw a ball around, or play some basketball. On one particular day, we were joined by several local kids, and quickly a pick-up game of basketball ensued. It was great to see Nick running around and gaining some of his confidence back. For the past several weeks, most of Nick's time was spent with family or close friends, so it was nice to see him interacting with other kids and just being himself again.
Finally the big day had arrived (Christmas Eve)! Our appointment was at 6:30am, so that we could head right to the airport after his treatment and head home for the Holidays! Thankfully, everything went well (which is very unusual for air travel these days) and we were home right on time. All 3 kids made the Nice List again this year, so it was a great Christmas Day.
Unfortunately, our brief respite at home is now coming to an end. We leave for Florida bright and early tomorrow morning. As great as this weekend was, we know it is very difficult for Nick to leave. We just keep reminding him that on Monday, he will be more than halfway done and that much closer to coming home for good.
Thanks again to all who have helped this holiday season to make this a very special holiday for Nick and for all of us.
7 comments:
Hello Dave my name is Joe I was diagnosed with lung cancer in July and have had surgery and chemo
I just finished my treatments and it was the hardest thing I ever did. Following Nick has inspired me to just do it, don't complain and don't ever give up. I have been praying for Nick and your Family along with me and mine. People have purchased frozen meal for my family and I have several of them left and would love to give them to you while your wife is away to make it a little easier please email me so I can deliver them to you.
God Bless
Joe Diana
JDiana991@aol.com
Nick,
It was really great to see your smiling face over the weekend. Congratulations on hitting the half way mark with the radiation treatments. You have been showing the kind of strength and grit that we are not accustomed to seeing from a young 10 year old - you are one amazing kid. Keep up the fight so you can get back home for good.
Chris, Ruth, and Sara
Hi Nick,
This is the Duran family again from Woburn, MA. We are very proud of you making your half way point and keep wishing the best for you. Our daughter Kelly's hockey team is doing well, 3-0 and she told us she would like to place your number on her glove for her next game. The girls often skate with someone special in mind, and we were so happy when she asked us about putting number #27 on her glove. We are all thinking of you and look forward to more good updates from your mom and dad.
Best wishes for a good New Year,
Paul, Colleen, Kelly, Brett, & Jennifer
What a joy to see Nick's smiling face this weekend...and yours too Dave! Your strength and positive attitude are inspiring. The wonderful qualities you possess as a coach make you an outstanding father too! We pray and look forward to the day when you and Deb can put this journey behind you.
All our love,
Mark, Natalie, Jack & Livi
Happy New Year to all of you! Nicholas looks great in his pictures and it is wonderful to hear how well he is doing. We hope he continues to stay strong and healthy! Wishing you all a healthy start of the new year! Take care. Dina, Chuck, Stephen and Andrew
Happy New Year to you Nick and the rest of the Calvaresi family from the Chabans!
Well wishes from all of us and we'll see you soon.
Jamie, Lisa, Neil and Alex
Dave & Deb,
I heard about Nicholas in November and have been wondering how everything was going. I don't know the first thing about blogging, but finally found your blog today and I was very happy to read that things seem to be going very well. He looks great! My family went through a similar scare with my nephew when he was 3. I'm happy to tell you he is now a healthy 20 yr old. Miracles do happen and we are all praying for Nicholas. Now that I have found your blog I will be anxiously watching his progess. Take care and we look forward to seeing you all at Pennypackers this summer.
Lee McCarthy
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