Today's a major & positive health milestone for Sam, as he will enter 2024 with no detectable cancer and no expected procedures (other than some surveillance).

It's hard to explain the jumble of emotions. I'm in the waiting room here at Stanford Childrens -- just sent him back to have his chest port removed after 18 months. Getting that out means they expect the blood draws to be minimal going forward, no chemo expected, things like that. It's still (always) hard to see him go back to the OR, but this time marks such a significant point -- he'll get the port hardware out so that he can start running, playing pick up soccer, and generally be not-a-patient again. It reflects that 9 months post bone marrow transplant, we can't see any evidence of his leukemia. And just broadly, the end of this chapter and the start of a new one for him.

We will maybe never not worry about what's in store -- but whatever will come, will come. Sam's engaged with all of this with a grace and equanimity that's been astonishing for Kathy & me to see, and has taught us a lot about how to be as well.

It's difficult to walk around here knowing that these families may be at various stages of their own health journeys & challenges -- that's something that was probably never as visible to me as it should have been, and I'm truly grateful to be able to see now. But I ache for the families who may go through the holidays and beyond in difficult circumstances. Lots for our family to work on and pay forward in the coming months & years & decades.

For today, though 2 emotions dominate: (1) extreme gratitude for everyone who's gotten Sam and us this far, and (2) unbelievable excitement and curiosity to see what this next chapter holds for Sam, and for us.

Just got the text to go pick up Sam in the recovery room. Gotta jump. 😀

Be well; hug your family; happy holidays!