6 year update!

April 1st, 2019

Even though it has been 6 years since your official diagnosis I can still remember the day like it was yesterday.  Every day I am reminded that God is great and he knew that you had a whole lot of living to still do!  I am so very thankful that you are not only here every day, but you live with nothing holding you back, and that is truly amazing!

What have you been up to in the past year since I have last updated?  Well, you have continued with your love of hockey!  This year you found that you enjoyed playing center and even a bit of defense.  We may struggle to wake you up for school at 7:30 am, however, getting you up at 6:00 am for hockey does not seem to be a problem :).  Your love and enthusiasm for the Oilers is evident even though they may not be having the greatest year.  You know all the players, their stats, and cheer them on every game you can. Last spring you started baseball and thoroughly enjoyed your first year.  You are signed up and excited for another baseball season.  Your focus is definitely on sports and as such, you won an athletic award at school this fall. 

School is a trickier subject to talk about.  You are definitely making gains this year but it has been a struggle.  You are hard on yourself and therefore when you don’t see the result you were expecting you get pretty upset.  We have really worked with you on your reading and I am so happy to report that you are beginning to enjoy books.  Finding books that you are interested in has not been easy but anything sports related especially hockey, has been a hit.  Again, your teachers and your dad and I are not seeing anything too concerning in regards to your academics so at this time we hold off on any further testing that is offered by the Children’s Hospital. 

You had a visit to the long term survivor clinic this year and again we are happy to report that you have a clean bill of health!  Your dad and I have also noticed that when you go to your appointment that you are calm and do not seem the least bit nervous anymore.  I think it is because you feel comfort in knowing your past, what happened to you, and that you have overcome it all.  You are curious to know what is going on with you and any questions your dad or I have.   

The word cancer has, unfortunately, been a topic of conversation in our house for the last couple of months.  In August, Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer and has battled through chemo and radiation for 7 months.  I know this was not easy for you and you wondered what this could mean for Grandma.  Like in true Grandma style, she fought hard and we can say is on the winning end!  Grandma and Kallum - 2, Cancer - 0!  We will continue to pray that our family will stay strong and healthy!

Exciting news is that we are headed to Disneyland this Easter!  Easter is always a hard holiday and it brings many difficult memories back for your dad and I.  It will be nice to be away and doing something different this Easter.  Only 19 more days!!   

It is crazy to reflect on all that you have done in a year!  This year has had its up and downs but in true Ulmer fashion, we have overcome the roadblocks and focused on what is important.  We will continue to move forward.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom