Monday, August 29th

At the Chestico Days Boat Parade:  Emma, Michellie, Suzie, Brittany and Justin

Swimming in Little Judique off the boats:  Moira, Suzie, Brittany and Michellie



Missy on her favorite blanket - loud music in the background and completely ignoring it!

Michellie and Michelle had a wonderful visit and catch up time over the last two weeks.  With Michelle having her license they were able to get out a little more and have some freedom.  Michellie began the visit a little under the weather, but by the end they were out with friends and enjoying boating, swimming, movies etc.  Michelle brough white t-shirts and markers and the two of them drew pictures about each day of their adventures together.  They had real works of art by the end.  What a lot of fun!!!



This past weekend Michellie joined us for a wedding in Antigonish.  This was the ultimate test in endurance for all of us.  The Rankins really know how to party, and our feet flew across the dance floor continuously all night.  We hit the bed at 3 am completely exhausted.  Michellie looked fabulous in her purple dress, and flip flops are definitely the shoes of choice, until dancing starts, and then barefeet rock!  It has taken all of us several days to recover.  The winds of hurricane Irene have been challenging our energy too, so I think our recuperation was slowed down by this.  (It definitely has nothing to do with age and how big our legs were kicking to the rocking tunes).



Daddy's little girl!



Mom and Me!





Dancing at the Reception to Johnica's Wedding



Last week Michellie was able to catch up with a friend of hers who is recovering from a similar cancer and is 3 months behind Michellie in recovery.  They were quick to compare hair, and her friend looks forward to seeing if she has to endure the same ringlets of curls and for how long.  Both of them look radiant with their short hair.  It is really amazing how the eyes become so enduring and drawing when there is no hair surrounding the face.  They are both so beautiful.  While we were waiting for our food order, the two girls started comparing notes about IV's and needles and CAT Scans and PET Scans.  They were hilarious how they could rattle off the lingo and stories.  They were giggling and joking and oblivious to the squeemish looks coming from those around us who had not had the privilege of learning about such things.  They both feel very comfortable in each other's company, and relieved to have someone to talk to "Who Gets It!".  I was thrilled to be able to share the parents perspective with her parents too.  Us Mom's are happy to talk to someone "Who Gets It Too!". 





This week is the final countdown to school.  Michellie and I do not enjoy the start of the school year - I love having her home.  However, she is looking forward to some of her classes, and time with her friends.  She is down St. Peter's way this week enjoying some time there.  She is really counting down until her 16th birthday in a few weeks, and her hopes that she will be able to get her license without a delay to redo her learners.  We have our fingers crossed. 





Michellie's next round of tests and doctors appointments are on the 12th of September, and that will be her 6 month check.  It is hard to believe she has been in recovery for 6 months already.  She has definitely needed time to heal.  She is still struggling with different foods, so we hope to have some resolution on this.  She still has a lower level of stamina, and her muscles are still weak, but she pushes herself to try more and keep going to build this back up.  We look forward to finishing the back of the house so she can work out in the back when she feels so inclined.  We are hopeful that she will be able to keep up with the stressors of school and homework, and that she will have the endurance to get through her days alright.  In the meantime, we will enjoy the last few days of summer!





For those waiting on info about the bracelets, we are still waiting for the right weather to take some photos.  We finally had the weather and then the details didn't all work out.  We are hoping in the next few days to take advantage of the tropical humidity and temperatures of the hurricane remnants, and get out there for some photos.  Michellie has a good eye for artsy shots, so we look forward to seeing what she can create.