many thanks

[Guest guest]

Thank you, all of you, who sent warm and thoughtful comments about my

daughter's upcoming surgery. The response was overwhelming. I

really do feel supported by you.

We will definitely be getting a wheelchair for Alice. I've even

thought of getting one of those jogging strollers (they do make them

big enough to carry up to 150lbs) so I can run alongside of her

younger brother, Simon(age 6), when he wants to rollerblade or ride

his bike. Initially, I was worried about when and how Alice would

return to school after surgery, but I have decided that missing the

last 5 weeks of second grade will not be the end of the world.

Besides, staying home and reading great books with her Mom for a few

weeks may be something she remembers the rest of her life.

The sibling issue is one that I have tried to consider carefully.

Simon blames himself for Alice's CMT. He provoked her into jumping

off the couch 2 years ago and she sprained her ankle. Because

amazing things sometimes stick in the minds of children, he says this

is when she got CMT. He has also grown sensitive to the amount of

attention she receives.

We will also get a hospital bed which we will install in the family

room on the first floor of the house.

By the way, when told that she could have one of her parents stay in

her hospital room with her, Alice responded that she didn't want

either one of us. To the surprised looks of the nurses and doctors,

she explained, " I want to be able to watch TV whenever I want. If my

mommy or daddy are in the room they won't let me. "

Simon told Alice that after her surgery he will teach her how to ride

a 2-wheeler.