Oíche Chinn Bhliana 2009 - New Year's Eve 2009

Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends. – William Butler Yeats


It’s that time of year for reflection I suppose. Like most, this year has been one of challenge and triumph, lows and highs, and even some even keel bits thrown in for good measure. It’s a typical 12 months in that way. Life wouldn’t be life without the ride, the journey.

My brief message on this last day of 2009 is one of thanks. It is with a grateful heart that I thank those who stuck with us during this year and those who checked in with us when we could not check in with you.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. -- Kahlil Gibran

I have long believed that people come in and out of our lives for a reason. Some stays are brief. Some are lengthy. Some are sporadic. But each relationship changes us, affects us, leaves an imprint on us. It’s up to us to decide whether to look upon that imprint as a positive one or a negative one.

I thank my friends – what a cherished word that is! – for your encouragement, support, laughter, empathy, compassion, and caring.

May 2010 be a year that brings peace to your heart, your body, and your spirit.

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. – Henri Nouwen

Growth Stim Test

Today Miss Áine Clare and I left for UCLA at 6am and returned home at 4pm. Her growth stimulation test was successful. The nurses used the vein Momma suggested and the flow was good. They were able to take two vials of blood every thirty minutes for a total of 8 times. Midway through the procedure she received a 30 minute IV of Argenine which made her not feel very good. And post blood draws she got plenty of IV fluids and her bottle. The results will allegedly be ready in two weeks, but I figure we won't hear anything until our appointment with the endocrinologist on January 28th.

Vein successfully located. Off to a good start.

First blood pressure lowering med taking effect.

A rarity -- Áine sleeping somewhere other than her beloved bed.

So not a happy girl!

Growth Stim Test - Part 2

Very mad about not being able to use her only functioning hand.

Meds not having a pretty effect on Miss Áine :o(

Starting to perk up before being discharged.

Yay! We are heading for home. As usual, Áine was among the bravest of the brave.

Áine Clare posing for Ciara

Photos courtesy of Ciara the Fashionista.

Brendan posing for Ciara

Photos courtesy of Ciara the Fashionista

Bruin Cuteness

Always a Bruin. Even on Christmas Day afternoon.

Christmas Morning 2009

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve - Part 2

More posing before leaving for Church.

Christmas Eve - Part 1

Making cookies for Santa.

Posing before leaving for Mass.

More Christmas Happenings

Áine's Christmas program at school was last week. Here she is the morning of...

Holiday Happenings

Brendan's school hosted a Holiday Dinner for the high school students and their families last Wednesday evening. The Madigan family cleaned up very nicely and the shots below are of Brendan and Ciara and Dad. Unfortunately no photo op for Áine and Mom even though we looked mighty cute. We enjoyed a nice chicken dinner from Mrs. Knott's before Brendan had a rather intense panic attack and we had to leave. Hopefully next year we will be able to stay longer.

Áine Clare - the day after

The Birthday Lad

Happy birthday, BRENDAN MICHAEL!! Seventeen years ago today at 12:20pm weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces this most awesome person entered our lives. He is all that is pure and good. That I was chosen to be this boy's mother is something I don't take lightly. With his quiet humility and seeming simplicity, he has taught me patience and gratitude among a myriad of life's lessons. His life is one of challenge, yet he manages to smile that smile that makes the rest of the world all but disappear. I am most grateful for the wonderful gift of this precious child.

Overheard at the Infirmary

"Mom, you know what's idiotic?" asked the Fashionista, her words punctuated with disgust.

"What?" the distracted Mom replies.

"Bob Mackie is selling a 3/4 length sweater on QVC with jewels. You can get that kind of sweater at Target and bejewel it yourself!" And in a huff she returned to her sick bed.

Better Luck Next Time

Áine and Mom are home from UCLA after what was supposed to be a 5 hour growth stimulation test which followed a night of fasting. After 4 failed attempts at trying to find a workable vein, it was determined Áine is dehydrated and the test has been rescheduled for Mon 12/28/09. So we are home now with two sick older siblings.

Thanks for the good wishes!

The Altar Server

Today was Ciara's first time being an altar server at Mass. She did a beautiful job.

Perspective

My children never cease to amaze me in their ability to teach countless life lessons to me. Today it was Áine’s turn to teach me. And she chose a lesson on perspective.

As some of you know in the midst of her myriad health struggles this year she has lost more than 75% of her hair. It’s probably more than that after tonight’s hair washing in the sink – thank you neon pink cast :o) I was saddened to see even more of her beautiful long red curly hair wash down the drain and fill her comb and fall on the floor. I debated whether or not to just cut it all off. Would that make it worse? Amy’s words to Jo in Little Women when she sold her hair filled my head… “Your one beauty." (I've always laughed at that line.) I know that Áine is more than her hair. That’s obvious. But her hair is part of her. That there is no denying. It’s almost a trademark. But so is that delicious giggle of hers and that inspiring smile. And so as my youngest kidlet sat on the couch laughing heartily at the latest episode of "Sesame Street" for the 4th ( or was it 5th?) viewing today, I remembered it’s only hair. Just hair.

When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.
Alexander Graham Bell

Thank you for opening the door for me, Áine Clare.