Update/On Your 6th Birthday…

Another June 16 has come and gone which marks four years since surgery. I wish I could say there were days or even weeks that pass that I don’t think about the whole process of finding out/removing the tumour, but I would be lying. 

As time goes on, the events of 2021 are still on constant replay in my mind, but I’m finding ways to manage them a little bit better. There are definitely times where my health anxiety can get the best of me, but with that I know that I am better at advocating for myself in the medical field and simply just need to speak up until I’m heard. 

My scan this December was of the easiest ones I have had (knock on wood). I went on the morning of December 17 and by the next afternoon I had received an email from my doctor saying there were “no concerns about your recent MRI”. At this point it was around 2 o’clock and I was on my prep at work and for a second I debated opening the email. Obviously curiosity and nerves won, and I was so happy I looked. It was the one thing I continue to wish for day after day and year after year. I appreciated the quick response from my family doctor as it was clear from the year prior that I don’t handle waiting well. My students came back from French and instantly said “have you been crying” with wrinkled faces… I explained and then we all agreed we needed to go outside and enjoy the rest of the day! 

Christmas went on and it was as great as ever, and it was completely worry free time, which is rare for me. Onto the next scan and praying for good results :) 

Wren has had a great year as well, with only minor hiccups here and there. Thankfully she has not had another reaction and we have not had to use her epipens, so that in itself makes for a great year! We were able to get some answers from SickKids in Toronto to confirm that she is anaphylactic to all tree nuts. We are continuing to navigate her food and are reading what feels like hundreds of thousands of food labels daily, but now it’s just becoming second nature and we are happy she has been so successful.

She conquered SK with ease, and even received the leadership award! It’s with heavy hearts we say goodbye to her kindergarten teachers that were such a safe, nurturing, and supportive place for her to land, but she’s more than ready for Grade 1 and we can’t wait to see all the adventures it brings! 

Nonetheless, Wren is turning 6 this year! I hope she is able to look back at this and realize just how much she means to me. If there is anything I could tell her on her 6th birthday it would be... 

Wrenley, 

Wow, what a kind, creative, and determined little girl you are becoming. There are days that I look at you and I simply can’t believe how great you are. I know all parents think that about their own children, but you simply are something special. 

You love your family unconditionally, and they love you right back, even more than you know. You have created strong friendships and constantly show support to your family, friends, and teammates. When it comes to sports you still love hockey, field lacrosse, soccer, golf, you even tried a bit of gymnastics (this makes my mom heart happy), and always give 110%.

You still give us many impromptu “I love you’s” and I hope that never changes. You still love telling us jokes, “pups”, stuffed animals, arts and crafts, any small figurine that you can fit in your hand 😂 and snuggles.

We are so proud of the girl you are becoming, sass and all! Our hope for you this year is continue to be unconditionally you, treat everyone with kindness, and help others when they are in need. As your Mom and Dad we want you to know how unconditionally you are loved and how much joy and happiness you bring into our lives. We love you so much it hurts. Dream big our little (big) Roo! 

Love, 

Mommy 

P.S. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."