Daniela's Journey to Tomorrow

New Blog

As Daniela's journey comes to an end, I've often deliberated whether or not I would keep the blog.  Even before Daniela got sick I always wanted to have a blog but what would I write about.  The truth is i thought we were too boring.  The truth is we're not that boring.  The truth is I really like to write.  The truth is I really like sharing my life and pictures with those who care to read about it.  So i'll continue on this writing journey because of Daniela and Christina.  Christina always wanted her "own" blog so I've decided to create our own family blog. 

Next weeks is the week of lasts...last day of school, last day to renew with typepad, last chemo treatment...lot's of lasts.  So at LAST, I will unveil our new family blog.  I hope that you will all join us as we continue our Journey of life on www.everydayangelos.blogspot.com.  See you on the other blog. Get a google account and your good to go.  Stay in touch as we celebrate the week of "lasts" and surely many other adventures our life will take us on. 

Thanks for being such avid readers.  Thanks for being such a part of our daily lives over the last two years.  Thank you for all your beautiful comments and encouragement through Daniela's Journey.  Join us as we start a new chapter in our lives. 

Peace. 

PSU Girls Weekend

            

We had sooo much fun...It was so incredibly relaxing being with my two very dear friends.  First of all - Heidi, Jenny and Mia - we missed you horribly.  We so wish you were right there with us.  We spent Friday just swinging and talking.  Swinging on the disc swing in DeAnne's southern screened in porch.  Swinging on her charming swing on her front porch.  DeAnne's house is beautiful.  So warm.  So friendly.  So cute and charming.  The weather was beautiful and it made the whole visit that much nicer.  We shared a few glasses of wine and had a delicious pasta dinner on the back deck.  Yeah, this house is full of porches and decks...my dream come true.  Everyone know how much i would love a front porch.  It was just great.  I can't say enough about it.  We were so mellow just catching up and watching TV before we went to bed.  It's amazing that we can see each other only once and year and pick up right where we left off.  As usual, we created a "list" of things.  Good books, music, lessons we teach our kids, schools, food, next year's retreat and then the big 4-0 retreat. 

Saturday we left DeAnne's house at about 10:30AM and didn't get back home till 9pm.  Tuckered out at night we got into our jammies and watched DVD-Red Dancing with the stars and some crazy ER medical show.  The day was spent at the spa and then lunch.  We drove to Chapel Hill with the help of Toyota's Navigation system.  Yeah...we still needed help getting to the certain of Chapel Hill.  Too funny.  We spent the afternoon going into all the stores and we bought ourselves "friendship" rings that we all adorned the rest of the day careful that they wouldn't fall off our fingers.  We started that little tradition three years ago during our trip to Annapolis, MD.  Here are the rings..the rings are groovy. 

The rest of the afternoon we snacked on nachos at On Top of The Hill Microbrewery...really nice view.  After that, we headed to the Mall...the granddaddy of all malls.  DeAnne's deciding factor for moving to Cary, NC!!!  Part of it is outside with a really nice promenade.  We spent quite a bit of time at the barnes and noble and all picked out new books we hope to share.  One special book is about 11 women and their 40 year relationship...we're on 20!  The book is a true and depicts their friendship from young women to marriage, to their first child, a sick child, divorce...well you catch my drift.  Looking forward to reading it.  The night ended with dinner at Firebirds also very yummy.  waiter a little corky teenager/20 something but fun nonetheless. 

It was awesome.  DeAnne thanks so much for offering your house up to us. Your were incredible.  You guys are the best...don't ever change.  stay just as you are....i love you for it!  See you soon....I'll send you the pictures through an online site. 

Oh yeah, i haven't stopped watching Dancing with the stars now for two nights.  thanks for that.  And i watched the entire 2 hour special of the Bachelorette...i love Wes the country guitar/singer.  Soooo cute. 

Peace.

 

Thomas Garbelotto

Thomas Garbelotto is my dear friend Toni's cousin.  Tommy was tragically hit by a car 10 days ago and suffered a serious head injury.  He has been in the hospital since fighting strongly to recover from his injury.  It has been a very difficult time for Toni and her family.  Tommy's sister Esther is a frequent reader of Daniela's Journey.  Please say a prayer for Tommy.   Say a prayer for Esther, Toni and Aunt Pauline so that God can give them the strength they need to support each other, Tommy and their families along this journey. 

We love you Tommy!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Daniela....

So i'm a bit late at posting these pictures but as they say better late than never.  Have really been inspired to write in the blog again as this little chapter in our lives comes to a close.  I'm inspired by a lot these days when it comes to the blog ....For one my friend & neighbor has her own blog too.  She's from Idaho so it's her way of keeping in touch with their family.  very cute...very inspiring.  Secondly, excited about actually binding Daniela's Journey.  Found a website that will bind the entire blog.  Third, my friend & neighbor i told you about uses blogspot which is totally free.  TYPEPAD not so free.  Actually a bit on the pricey side but worth every penny.  So I think I am seriously considering keeping our a family blog after Daniela's Journey closes down.  I have to Christina reminds me everyday of how i should have an "Angelo's Journey."  Something catchy i must come up with that's for sure.  And last but not least, I absolutely love reading all the comments that have been left on the last few posts.  Those comments and all the prayers left in this blog have been and still are such a huge support for me and my family over the last two years. 

So on to parties...baby turned 4!  Wow.  The only sunny day in 7 days.  We had the party outside and went great.   May 1 was her 3 to last visit to the clinic and everyone made a huge deal over it.  I was in tears but that's normal for me.  I had some great pictures...HAD being the operative word because I accidentally deleted them from my camera.  I'm upset about that...enough of that.  The clinic visit went great otherwise.  They found her vein in ONE SHOT.  ONE SHOT.  That's one shot.  I mean in the last 16 months its has taken SEVERAL TRIES.  IT was our lucky day.  Her birthday celebration. 

 

 

Happy Anniversary?

Today is two years that Daniela was diagnosed with ALL.  Right about now she was probably still getting her first pint of blood.  Someone asked me how I felt today.  I feel sad, relief, happy all rolled up into one.  The incredible sadness that I once felt has definetly passed but still the thought of what she went through still brings tears to my eyes.  I can't believe it's been two years already!  It went by super fast.  I remember every detail of 4/21/07.  Every detail.  I can almost still smell the day.  the hospital.  The tears.  I remember one of my first posts when i talked about the two years that awaited us and now it is finally here.  With a different twist.  We are now counting the number of clinic visits she has left.   3.  We are so happy that she is almost done.  What will I talk about?  I still talk about her illness so much.  I guess it just defines us.  But sooner or later, it will be history.  As in see ya later medicine...but a part of family history nonetheless.  We have learned so much over the last two years and I hope that we are better people for it. 

As far our kids...they are great.  Daniela is a trip and I am happy to say that tonight I bought her 4 new shirts.  She now has 6 just about one for everyday.  She has also graduated from a long sleeve shirt to a short sleeve shirt (or upsleeve as she calls it.)  Her sister has the same exact shirts.  I had to seize the moment and run out to the store tonight since she was so excited about Christina's shirts.  Christina?  She's doing equally well.  So sweet.  She's growing up so fast. She's a little lady.  Doing great in school, loving her jazz class and is taking up softball this spring.  Adores her sister.  They have such incredible bond.  They love to play together and just be together .  They fight too but more often than not they are lovin each other. 

Christina is into writing on my blackberry...a few weeks ago she left us a note. 

"Mom and Dad I love you.  I know my sister got canser but I don't know why?" 

Boy was I stumped.  Of course, she's older now and now she wants to know.  So I chose my words wisely and did the best I could.  She bought into it so I'm good to go for the next couple of years. 

Soooo, we aren't so sad anymore.  Daniela is great. We celebrate her and love her to infinity and beyond.   And although we will always worry about her health and all the crazy what if scenarios that go with this awful cancer -  we know that she has the best doctors to care for her for as long as possible.  From now on we just celebrate.  Celebrate the success of the last two years.  Celebrate her NO MORE CHEMO .  Celebrate with her and her big bash this summer.  Celebrate all the singing she does.  I love that kid.  I love both my kids. 

Say a little prayer for her tonight and for all kids fighting cancer....peace. 

My Baby now....

 

 

Two years ago....4/22/07. 

3, Three, Tres, Trois

 

My theme for the day is 3!  You are probably wondering why three?  Well I'll tell ya!!!!

1.  3 weeks ago it was my first baby's birthday!  Christina turned 7.  We had 18 kids - GIRLS - over our house for a HSM3 party.  The girls danced the night away while dancing and singing to their favorites songs. It was loud to say the least.  We had 6 girls spend the night.  That was hairy.  I of course couldn't go to sleep until all the girls were asleep...which never happened.  I finally decided that if you  can't beat them join them.  I got into my PJs and laid in bed with three other girls - the reamining girls were sprawled on the floor .  Eventually they all fell asleep at the 12:30AM.  Exhausting but I think - no i know - that they all had the time of their lives.

2.  In less than 3 weeks, my 3 year old baby will no longer be 3.  She'll be turning 4!  And boy is she showing her maturity.  I'm sad that I won't have a baby anymore.  I mean really they will be our babies forever but when are they officially not a "baby".  4? 5?  I may hold out till 5! 

3.  That 3 year old I was talking about only has 3 - yes 3 - more chemo treatments left.  Can you believe it???  June 26 is officially her last IV chemo.  We finish it off with a spinal tap - uggh..but I guess in a way it's fitting.  We plan on making a day of it.  We will all go to the clinic.  We will even have to pull christina away from Jesus Camp but we are allowed one absence!  I can go on about the no more chemo thing but i'll save that when I recap her two year anniversay.  In the meantime, we are planning her NO MORE CHEMO party in July.  A good old fashioned Cuban Pig Roast!  Yippee... 

For today, we are just relaxing catching up on stuff. Filled over 3 bags of clothes to give to the salvation army.  Trying to live more simply and more organized but it is such a challenge.  Need to live with a lot less.  Can't tell you how many bags of stuffed animals, video tapes, toys and books we have to give away or possibly sell at a garage sale.  Ahh...a garage sale.  Something I would love to do but really it's so much work.  But I'm trying to get myself excited about doing one.  Maybe in May. 

Getting ready to die some eggs with the girls.  Grammy and Papa are here visiting for the weekend so we will be with them for Easter .  We haven't had Easter with them in a long time.  Usually we go to our friends house - any one who will take us!  The last several years we have spent Easter dinner with a different family.  It's been cool doing that.  Tomorrow we are staying home. 

here are some pictures from the last several weeks: 

Mt. Fuji, Japan - the view from the train ride from Osaka to Tokyo

 

Christina's 7th Birthday

 

 

Celebrating Birthdays....Me, Sissy and Toni. 

 

My babies....just having fun. 

 

clinic visit 2/6/09...this is Dorothy our nurse.  She has been our main nurse for over a year now.  The things in the bag....Daniela's medical kit.  All she wants is medical stuff.  Dorothy is kind enough to set up her care package.  When we get home Daniela relives her clinic visits on her doll.  Kind of sad and funny at the same time.  You should see what these dolls go through.  I'll have to post some pictures of these poor little dolls. 

 

 

Till later....

  

Last Post before I get to see my babes....

Hey Girls,

It's about 6:15pm on friday night in Tokyo and this office is still full of people.  You would think it is 9AM in the morning and they are just starting out their day.  I am officially pooped.  We have one more dinner tonight - Shabu Shabu - again since they asked me what i wanted.  They wanted to take me to an Italian restaurant but italian in Japan not so sure. 

I'm hoping for a good night's sleep before i start my 24 hour journey back home which will begin with my bus ride at 9am tomorrow. 

Can't wait to see you guys...Love you...till tomorrow. 

Love, Mommy

One more day....

Hi Girls!!!  I just got off the phone with you not too long ago....Christina you were braiding Daniela's hair.  I can only imagine how nice it looked.  Tomorrow should be a great day for you and daddy.  Spending the day with daddy...how nice.  Christina , as usual you are already thinking ahead...what are we going to do on Sunday and Monday???  Not sure but we will figure something out.  We will definetly have to do the 100th day project for school since it is due on Tuesday. 

DANIELA!!!  I can't believe you talked to me today.  You were worried about my stomach virus.  Such the little caregiver that you are.  HOnestly,  i know i've only been gone for 5 days but it seems like your vocabulary / language has grown.  You sounded like a 6 year old today !!!  So cute.  I miss you guys soooo much. 

Today is my last day in Tokyo.  This morning I took a walk around the town - found a Starbucks !  yippee - and jsut walked aimlessly checking out some stores.  Seeing moms with their babies.  In Tokyo, people ride their bikes often.  It is very expensive to own a car so most people get around in trains and taxis or Bikes.   Mom's get around in bikes .  They have the cutest little seats for their babies on their bikes.  Then in the front of their bikes they have a basket where they put their groceries or whatever shopping they do.  I'll try to get a picture of it today.  I didn't have my camera with me this morning so i missed the opportunity.  =(. 

I'm in the Maersk Tokyo office.  I am getting ready to see some customers the remainder of the day and then a final dinner with my friends and colleagues in Tokyo. 

Tomorrow I start my long journey home.  I take the bus from the hotel to the airport which is about an hour and a half or so.  Check in and wait to get on my way.  I cannot wait to see you when I get there.  I talked to Oksana today and she is very excited about you guys going to Mia's party.  I will be sure to meet you there when i get home. 

Okay cutie patooties...till Saturday!!  I love you very much.

Love, Mommy 

And to my friend Toni - really impressed with your techiness lately...first facebook and now commenting on the blog???  YOur kids will be proud!!!  See you seen my friend. 

Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, and 100th day of School

Hi Christina and Daniela,

It's me again.  Daniela, are you still not talking to me?  It's making me a little sad that you don't want to talk to me.  Your sister on the other hand has made laugh all day.  I spoke to her on wednesday morning and she was cracking me up saying "i love you" as if it were coming from you little girl...she was imitating you.   Just know that i love you.  christina, i love you more.  That's something new you are saying these days.  Very cute.  I say i love you...you say i love you more. 

So it's actually thursday evening in Tokyo as I write this to you girls.  I arrived this morning in tokyo on the bullet train.  super duper fast train.  I'm a little tired tonight.  i woke up at 3am and fell back to sleep till 4.  Then woke up again and read my book...fell back to sleep at 5am...then finally woke up at 615am.  I think i was worried i wouldn't wake up at all and miss the train all together.   The trip was fast 2.5 hours.  I got too see Mt. Fuji on my way to Tokyo.  What an amazing sight.  The day was beautiful today and very clear. You start to see the top of Mt. Fuji (the snow capped top) for about 30 minutes before you actually see Mt. Fuji.  For a while you think all you are going to see is the tippy top.  The train is in and out of tunnels and still you think ...hmmm...okay i saw the top of mt. fuji.  cool.   never did i think i would SEE Mt. Fuji.  All of sudden as the train gets closer, we come out of this tunnel and Mt. fuji practically hits you in the face!!!! You can almost touch it it's so close - it is so big.  It literally took my breath away...it was an unbelievable sight.   I have some great pictures from inside the train.  I can't wait to show you. 

I'm booked at the prince akasaka hotel in tokyo.  right in heart of tokyo.  i stayed here the last time.  i met up with a colleague and we had lunch and we visited with two customers this afternoon.  Since my first meal last night, i've really enjoyed Japaneese cusine.  Last night we had Shabu Shabu.  It's kind of like the American version of Fondue.  Except you cook your meat and vegetables in boiling water in your very own pot right in the middle of the table .   Very cool and very delicious. You and Daniela would enjoy cooking up your own meal.   Tonight, we will also do Japaneese but i'm not sure what.  I'll let you know.  

I'm ready to come home.  I'm missing you guys a lot.  Especially today.   I want to see you guys again.  I wish i was leaving now but i still have two more days in japan before i get to you again.  I know it's a great experience to be here but 4 days without you guys is about all i can handle. 

See you Saturday.  I think I might be able to post one more message to the blog before i head back home.  So check again on friday night or saturday morning. 

I love you guys. 

Christina, how did your show at school go? I'm so bummed i missed it.  And yes, I haven't forgetten about your project to for the 100th day of school.  Maybe I'll try to get something in japan that we can do something with????  Let me see what I can think of....maybe something with paper. 

Love love love love you  so much. 

see you soon.  love, mommy

Kyoto or Bust!

Hey Girls, I just had a huge page typed out and lost it =(.  Anyway, yesterday started out great.  After a good nights sleep, i was at the office at 8:30 am ready for the day ahead.  Our internal meeting went well and I was very pleased at how prepared I was.  Today's meeting at Panasonic should be interesting.  It's difficult to anticipate the tone of the meeting and how it will go but I'm ready as I'll ever be.  After 1pm yesterday, my new friend Yukie and I were off to Kyoto.  The one town i've been wanting to see since my last visit to Japan. 

After a 3 trains and a cab ride to the first temple, I felt really sick.  I began to wonder whether it was motion sickness or Christina's stomach virus.  I convinced myself it was motion sickness.  I told myself that a walk in the fresh air would do me good.  But the nausea was all i could think of.  I didn't get sick but I felt miserable.  I managed to see my first and last temple - the Golden Temple - a beautiful and picturesque sight.  It's gold!  Imagine that! I have two photos.  It was really such a sight.  What a beautiful setting.  But my dear girls, that was the extend of my Kyoto visit.  As we embarked on the next bus ride to the center of kyoto I sadly turn to my tour guide with tears in my eyes and tell her that i have to go back to the hotel.  I feel really sick and need a bed.  So the rest of Kyoto was seen through the inside of bus and yet another train ride.  Mindy you heading back to Osaka is not an easy task...it took us another hour and a half to get back. 

I finally get in at 5:30PM and head straight to bed.  I didn't wake up - only to call daddy - until 9:30AM this morning.  I was so ill!  Fortunately, it is only a 24 hour thing.  As of right now, i've only had toast.  Would love a cup of coffee before the Panasonic meeting but all i could get is ice coffee because a lot fo stores are closed today.  It's a National Holiday in Japan today.  Anyway, I'm much better but i definetly got what Christina had on Saturday.  I wish Casey well and hope he doesn't get it too.  Just my luck - in Japan with a stomach virus....totally missed out on kyoto.  I'm totally bummed out. 

Wish me luck today.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Mochi-san is taking us all of dinner tonight.  Maybe i can get some chicken soup? 

Tomorrow i take the bullet train to Tokyo for the next part of my journey.  Till tomorrow my babies....be good for Daddy.