It's been precisely one month since our world was abruptly turned inside out. The phone rang with a force that seemed to echo through the corridors of our home, carrying news that shattered the tranquility of our everyday life: our child, Owen, was diagnosed with Leukemia. The flood of emotions that followed is hard to describe, a maelstrom of fear, confusion, and a fierce determination to fight that blended into a relentless whirlwind. Each day since has been a journey filled with milestones, challenges, and victories. Today, we celebrate all three.

We crossed a significant threshold one week ago by returning home after an exhaustive three-week stay in Portland for Owen's treatment. Yet, the cycle continues, and tonight, we prepare for the journey back. Tomorrow, Owen is scheduled for a dual-purpose procedure: a lumbar puncture to sample his bone marrow and a chemotherapy injection directly into his spinal fluid. While routine to the medical team, these procedures are anything but for us. Watching our son drift into unconsciousness, entrusting his fragile life to the hands of his doctors, ignites a primal fear within us. The thought, however fleeting, that each goodbye could be our last haunts us. A dark shadow lingers at the edge of our hope, whispering 'what if' scenarios that no parent should ever entertain.

Despite the heavy burden of fear, today also marks a victory—a significant step forward in Owen's journey. This morning, Owen took his final dose of a particularly harsh oral chemotherapy regimen. We're on the cusp of saying farewell to its debilitating side effects, eagerly anticipating the return of Owen's smile, unmarred by swollen cheeks and the discomfort that has become his constant companion. Though the road ahead is long, with years of treatment still to come, every step forward is a victory against this relentless foe.

As we pack our bags again, our hearts are heavy yet grateful. I am thankful for Owen's resilience, the unwavering support of family and friends, and the dedicated team of doctors and nurses whose expertise and compassion light the way through this dark journey. We're also reminded of the strength in the bond between us as husband and wife. This ordeal has tested us in ways we could never have imagined, revealing the depth of our commitment to each other and Owen. Our approaches may differ, and our patience may wane. Still, our love remains unshakable, a beacon of hope amid uncertainty.

Tonight, as we check into room 722—eerily similar to our previous stay in room 822—we're struck by the smallness of the space that has become a temporary home. These 200 square feet, confining yet strangely comforting, remind us of the journey we've embarked upon. It's a journey measured not in miles traveled or days passed but in the small victories, the shared struggles, and the precious moments of joy pierce the gloom of illness.

Reflecting on the past month, we're grateful for how far we've come. From that first devastating phone call to this moment of quiet reflection, we've traversed a landscape marked by fear, hope, and love. The road ahead is uncertain, but we face it together, fortified by the love that binds us and the unwavering belief in a brighter future for Owen. In the grand tapestry of our lives, these challenging times are but a thread, interwoven with the countless moments that define us—not by the struggles we face, but by the love, resilience, and hope that guides us through.