Thank you!

Thank you to everyone for allowing us some quiet time at home over the past few days.  We've tried to get back in our normal daily routine.  Lance worked some, we got our pets back (yay!), and we've tried to create a sense of peace for Calleigh.  She's done remarkably well.  We've visited neighbors, blown bubbles, played on our swing set, gone to a neighbor's birthday party, visited Nana's house for the 4th, and eaten at a few of her favorite restaurants per her request.  I'm also working on sending thank you notes to everyone for their love and support shown to us during this time.  I've tried to keep a record of everything that was brought or sent to the hospital.  If for some reason you do not receive a card from us, please know that it is not from a lack of gratitude.  The days ran together and as we went up and downstairs for tests and moved rooms I may have missed recording something.
I want to say a special thank you to our families and close friends for being there when we needed them and also giving us time alone to think.  You brought us food, clothes, did our laundry, cared for our pets, checked our mail, etc.  We will never be able to repay you.
I know that I've mentioned that Calleigh needs time to heal and I'm sharing this with you now to ask for your help.  She has done so remarkably well during this surgery and is recovering well.  She did develop what is known as posterior fossa syndrome as a result of the surgery.  No one knows why it happens or how to prevent it.  This can affect speech and motor function.  It can be very severe leaving children unable to walk, talk, and even swallow.  We are lucky that Calleigh's case is mild.  Her speech is a little difficult to understand right now and she speaks softly due to some oral motor issues.  We hope to begin occupational therapy soon.  Let me stress that her cognitive abilities have not been impaired in any way and that this condition can be recovered from over time.  She is aware that things are different and seems to get a little overwhelmed if around too many people.  I beg that if you see us out in public that you treat her as you always did and please understand if she seems shy and does not want to talk or does not respond to you as she did before. I could not bear if her feelings were hurt by the words or actions of others.  Lance and I try to limit our conversation about her condition and treatment in front of her because she understands so much and we do not want to confuse or scare her.  Please do not ask us questions about her condition or treatment directly in front of her.  She is still very scared and unsure as a result of her hospital experiences and we do not want to frighten her anymore.
We have two appointments this week.  Tuesday we meet with her surgeon to check her incision and receive the final path report.  Thursday we meet with her oncologist and will hopefully learn more of what her treatment will entail.  I will try to update after these appointments.
A good friend reminded me of one of the stories of Peter.  Peter wanted to walk on water and when he looked up he did, but when he became fearful and looked down, he sank.  I'm trying to stay afloat and focus on the positive even though it is hard at times.  Thank you for your love, respect, support, and understanding throughout all of this.  We could not do this without you.