Happy new year!
It’s been a long time between posts on this blog. In May 2019 my life was turned upside down when my five year old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
It is been a long 7+ months. There have been countless days and nights in hospital, lumbar punctures, a LOT of chemo and other medication, blood transfusions, tests, and other procedures.
We’ve had to relocate to live near the hospital for many months and Novalie missed half of her first year of school, among other things. Novalie is doing well but the treatment for her type of leukaemia is long so will not be finished until late 2021.
Prior to Novalie’s diagnosis, I was working on a couple of blog posts that were nearly done. I know I shouldn’t have these sitting in my drafts if they might be useful to you or your students. So you’ll see them soon.
And if you’re not already signed up for my email newsletter, please do! That way, you’ll be notified of new posts.
Up until May 2019 I was quite dedicated about posting twice a month. Having a goal kept me accountable. I’m so much more about “going with the flow” these days as things can change by the minute or hour now. So we’ll see how often I post throughout this year.
As always, I hope to help you while learning from and with you. That’s what this blog has been about since I started back in 2008. Hey, I guess that means I’ve been blogging in three decades now!
2019 has been a crazy year, an unexpected year, and a year we’ll never forget, however, we have a lot to be grateful for. Just one of the positives has been the way members of my PLN, many who I have not even met, have reached out to me with thoughts, prayers, well wishes, stories, and even gifts. It’s very touching and brings to life the power of an online community.
May 2020 be a year of joy and positivity for us all!
Feature photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Thank you Kathleen for sharing this part of your journey with us. We look forward to your posts when you have time but your priority is of course your precious daughter, so we will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Warm regards,
Sue Bryant
Thank you, Sue. We certainly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
I hope you’re enjoying a break!
May 2020 be a year of good news! Lots of love for your brave, little girl 💗
Thank you for sharing an update on Novalie. Stay strong mommy💪
Hugs from the Netherlands🌷
Gosia
Thank you kindly, Gosia. I hope 2020 is a wonderful year for you too!
Oh my goodness Kathleen! I didn’t realize until today that all of this was going on in your life! I’m sorry to hear that cancer has found its way into your family and that your precious daughter is having to endure all of the pokes and prods that come along with it. Life sometimes can be harsh, but there is also a rainbow at the end of the storm. There is nothing wrong with “Going with the flow” and taking things as they come. Cherish every moment (even those dreaded hospital days) and know that you have a whole world of friends keeping you in their prayers! I will keep you and your family in our prayers as you continue to venture down this new path. With that said, the picture of your daughter is as cute as can be! Stay strong and stay positive!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your support! It is a little bizarre to be thrown into the world of childhood cancer… a world seems like it only belongs to “other people”. It is certainly changing our perspective on life.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers! 🙂
It is a pleasure to continue follow you and your inspiring voice through your blog.
I do hope that things will improve and Novalie will feel better. Be sure that everything will be fine.
Tiziana from Italy
Great to hear from you, Tiziana. Thank you for your kind words!
What a beautiful, strong little girl! Wishing you all the best!
Thank you! Someone just called her a “princess warrior” and I think that’s a term I need to adopt! 👸
Your daughter and family are in my prayers that her chemo treatment goes well and you can take each day step by step
Thank you so much, Charlotte. 🙂
Thoughts with you and your family during these times. Life has a strange way of providing perspective at times.
Also on: Read Write Collect
You’re right about that, Aaron. It’s definitely been a year of new perspectives. I hope you and your family have had a nice start to 2020. I still enjoy your newsletter!
Hi Kathleen
I am so happy to hear news about your daughter! The road is long and rough with so many obstacles but it sounds as though you and your daughter are getting through it all. Sending you thoughts, prayers and strength to keep moving forward.
All my very best
Joy in Montreal
Hi Joy,
Thanks for reaching out. You’re right. It’s definitely a windy road but we are getting there!
Thank you!
The (grown) daughter of a friend is battling cancer in several places in her body, and her mother has given her the nickname “Princess Warrior.” The idea of being a warrior, and not a passive ‘victim’ of cancer has such a positive connotation to it. Thank you for sharing a part of your journey with Novalie (beautiful name!!!). Prayers coming from Texas!!
Blessings to you and Novalie!
Donna Swinney
Hi Donna, I was so sorry to hear about your friend’s daughter. It’s all too common, isn’t it. I love the meaning behind Princess Warrior!
We will always appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Donna!
Hello! A librarian from my children’s school in Canada (Kim) told me about your story and I just thought I would connect with you and see how your precious daughter is doing. My daughter also went through treatment for Leukemia (she was diagnosed when she was 7) and now she is a healthy, strong, lively 10 year old. Praying for your sweet girl!
Hi Heather,
How lovely to hear from you! Kim did tell me her colleague had faced a similar journey. I’m so glad to hear your lovely daughter is doing well. I bet the last few years feel a bit like a blur. The endless days and nights in hospital are already blurring a little in my mind after just 8.5 months!
Wishing you and your family all the very best. I hope 2020 is a smooth and happy year for you all!
Kathleen
Hi, Kathleen!
I was just looking for updates about Novalie, and I was very happy to see the great photo! I love the cape!
I wish Novalie continued good recovery.
May Wohlafka
United States of America