It has now been 17 days since Callen last received chemotherapy. Even by chemo holiday standards, that’s quite an extended vacation! Admittedly, as with most getaways, it took Jim and I a few days to relax into the concept of doing “nothing”.

Callen, on the other hand, clearly lacked any ambivalence about his time off from treatment: he was fresh off a blood transfusion and rarin’ to go!

We marveled at how quickly he resumed running from place to place, as walking simply wouldn’t get him anywhere fast enough. We rejoiced at the sound of his voice, again strong and clear and deep, delightfully calling out to his sister, “Olivi-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH” as an eight syllable, two-octave aria worthy of a World Cup announcer proclaiming a goal. The only significant meltdowns we experienced were of the popsicle and ice cream cone sort. The only fever we had to content with was Mother Nature’s, and with the rising mercury came water gun battles and sprinkler runs. His spirit was infectious, his enthusiasm contagious- and we all willingly succumbed. If laughter is the best medicine, then we discovered a panacea right here at home!

But now it’s time for that equally difficult transition back to the business of getting better. Our bags are packed, and if this time off has rejuvenated his body as much as it has our souls, then today we will easily be eligible to proceed. I’ll be sure to send a postcard from MCV sleep-away camp …