It seems strange to type it, but lately when people ask me about how things are, I'm telling them "pretty good!" We're in a period where Sam's numbers look really good, and he's feeling good because we've tailed off the chemo for a bit. He's out seeing his soccer & school friends (albeit carefully, and masked), and is going to be able to go to the first Paly football game tomorrow night. Zack's finishing his 4th week of school and starting soccer (first game, first win last weekend). And we are all generally together for at least a little bit of time each day, communicating well, working together on building the future that we want.

It's been an unspeakably awful summer, truly. Some very hard moments and thoughts to get our heads around. And we're still looking at 2+ years of treatment, and undoubtedly many many ups & downs ahead. But so many of the life skills and relationships we've invested in building as a family the past many years are becoming obvious and crucial that it's hard not to feel optimistic about the path forward. 

Through it all, Sam and Zack both chugging along, virtually no complaining or moping. It's just been a very good week to wrap up a summer that we won't ever forget.