Two Weeks

Logan's now been home for two weeks, his longest time here with us since before he was diagnosed back in August. Pretty cool.

Given his increase in WBC count, we decided that today was the day to take the big trip to see Santa Claus. Logan was unusually nervous about the prospect of seeing the big guy, but wound up being a-okay. Our photo definitely isn't the best one we've ever had, but it's ours and it exists and that's what matters.

The most poignant moment of the experience -- the one that made my eyes sting with tears -- came after Abby, Logan and Isaac had dismounted Santa's lap and he stopped them to ask what they'd like for Christmas. Abby replied first, asking for a Tinkerbell House, but as she spoke it was Logan's expression that stopped me in my tracks: He had such a big smile, such a wide-eyed expression of wonder on his face that it was almost too much. Almost painful, because our future is so uncertain and I was reminded of that fact in that single moment of beautifully expressed childhood innocence.

I immediately wished we'd had the video camera rolling, but we didn't, and then it was over, the moment had passed, and we were paying for our photo and heading out before the throng of holiday shoppers had a chance to press in on our little party. Surreal.

But I know one thing for sure: I'll never forget the look on his face. Even if he's 30 years old and taking his own child to see Santa, I'll still see that expression when I look at him.