Journal entry:

Day 28: Nana, Beacon of Love

Nana's presence today was not just a help; it was a lifeline.

The parents of Owen Lee Watson - a 4 year old with B-Cell Acute Leukemia, D.L. Watson and Melissa Watson.
Owen's Parents
March 11, 2024
Nana's presence today was not just a help; it was a lifeline.

As dawn crept through the curtains, casting a soft glow across our living room, we embraced the first weekday of our family's reunion at home. It's a moment we've longed for, yet the transition has been anything but seamless. Amidst the chaos of readjusting, we find ourselves reflecting on the blessings that anchor us, particularly the unwavering support of Nana. Her presence today was not just a help; it was a lifeline.

For the past few weeks, our home had been left to the whims of our cats, transforming it into their personal playground. The no-show of the house cleaner on Saturday only compounded the disorder, leaving us in desperate need. Enter Nana, the unsung hero of our day, whose arrival was met with mixed emotions. Owen, grappling with the side effects of his medication, initially resisted Nana's presence. His demeanor, a cold shoulder cast towards anyone but Mom, posed an added challenge to the day's tasks.

Nana began her mission in the kitchen, a room that bore the brunt of our absence. Though not entirely disastrous, thanks to a friend's considerate effort to tackle the dishes, its state required a meticulous touch. Nana, alongside Melissa, dove into hours of cleaning and organizing. This concerted effort was more than just a battle against clutter; it was a gesture of love, allowing Melissa to devote her attention to Owen and the mountains of laundry awaiting her.

Devin, meanwhile, retreated to the office, immersing himself in the backlog of client projects that demanded his focus. The isolation was not out of indifference but a necessity, a silent contribution to our family's intricate dance of responsibilities.

The departure of Nana marked a significant shift in our home's atmosphere. The sight of our kitchen, now clean and organized, felt like a deep exhale after holding our breath for too long. This achievement, though seemingly minor, was monumental for us. It represented a step towards normalcy, a semblance of order amidst the chaos. Most importantly, it was accomplished without detracting from the essential bond between Owen and his chosen person, Melissa.

Throughout the day, Devin attempted to bridge the gap with Owen, offering moments of attention and affection. Though met with a lukewarm reception, these attempts underscore the complexities of navigating Owen's current state. His preference for Melissa, a direct consequence of his medication, serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance we strive to maintain. The extremes of behavior, challenging as they may be, are temporary shadows cast by his treatment.

As we look towards the end of the week, we hold onto hope. Owen's final dose of medication looms on the horizon, a milestone that promises a potential easing of the trials we've faced. The prospect of moving beyond this phase of drugs brings with it a cautious optimism, a dream of days filled with less turbulence and more harmony.

Our gratitude for Nana cannot be overstated. Her help today was a testament to the strength and love that binds our family. It's a reminder that we are not alone in this journey and that in moments of overwhelm, we have a network of support ready to lift us. Nana's actions today, driven by love and selflessness, have imprinted a deep sense of thankfulness on our hearts.

As we close the day, our family stands a little stronger and a little more connected. Though daunting, our challenges are tempered by the love surrounding us. We are reminded that it's not just the big gestures that count but the quiet acts of kindness and the willingness to step into the chaos with an open heart. We are eternally grateful to Nana, our beacon of hope and love. Your presence in our lives is a gift we cherish deeply.

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The parents of Owen Lee Watson - a 4 year old with B-Cell Acute Leukemia, D.L. Watson and Melissa Watson.
Owen's Parents
Devin and Melissa Watson, united in 2006, navigated careers, education, and challenges together, culminating in their marriage in 2016 and the birth of their son Owen in 2020.

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currently being treated for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at OSHU.