Monday, March 14, 2011

Sadie Update

Okay...so Nathan and I have cancer. Bad.  We also have Sadie Abigail Bond.  Good.  And when I first broke the news of Nathan's diagnosis I said that cancer was going to be a part of our lives, not the entirety of our lives.  Well, I may have underestimated that a bit but my initial thought process was the right idea at least. This blog is for the entire Bond family and we don't want all the wonderful discoveries and stories about Miss Sadie and this time of her life to be overshadowed or worse completely obscured by our illnesses.

So here's some of the latest and greatest.  Sadie is in all her glory.  There are tons of visitors doting on her every day.  Packages arrive daily and she gets to open them just like Christmas presents.  Her mom and dad are home much more of the time than they used to be.   Clearly something has changed around here but only for the better.  And let's not forget TonTon (the affectionate French term for uncle) who arrived on Friday.  The love affair that began at Christmas immediately resumed.  Sadie is so enamored with her Uncle Joel, Nathan's brother.  She flirts with him.  She likes to just be next to him.  She constantly monitors his movements and is aware of his physical location at all times.  When I needed to lure her out of the tub the other night I said, "Do you want to see TonTon?" and immediately her eyes lit up and her arms flew up into the standard pick me up position.  It is so sweet to watch.  Here are some recent photos of Sadie in the gorgeous Easter poncho Tania and Brooke sent her.

12 comments:

  1. She's a beauty... and so are you!

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  2. I can't wait to hang out with her.

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  3. have spent much time trying to find the magic words since Aunt Addie and Uncle Gary shared your stories. I am Vivian, their long time friend - we spent a delightful afternoon a couple of years ago in Goldens Bridge. Know and love all of your family and really enjoyed our time with you and Nate. I am also a 3 time breast cancer survivor (yes, I know, you ask, how can that be? - most of us only have 2 breasts). First one was in l984 - I was 43 - second one 17 years later and third was a local recurrence on one of my reconstructed boobs. For a long time I felt I was defined by my cancer - no more - time does its job so I no longer see myself as a a professional breast cancer survivor. I am so sorry that both of you are having to go through this difficult time. I believe so much in what has been achieved in terms of cancer treatment and I have a lot of faith in medicine's ability to treat both of you effectively. When I was first diagnosed I never dreamed I would be here this long out - visiting my gym daily - enjoying life in so many ways.

    Your writing Elisa is so very eloquent and such a great way to express your feelings as you go through treatment.

    The arms of so many people who love you are clearly around both of you and I know well what a comfort that is. Your Sadie is such a beautiful gift and I know will inspire you through all of this.

    I plan to follow your story and, although I still don't have those magic words that can take it all away please know that many hearts are with you with the strength of a large army. Sending both of you much love, white light and all that is good and nourishing.

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  4. Elisa, the news I received from Brea last night was just so devastating to hear. I just couldn't believe it and it's still so unreal to me. I couldn't imagine how it must feel for you. I have to say how inspiring, uplifting and admirable your energy and outlook is reading your blog. I know how strong you are and what a trooper you are so let that be something that helps you through this. I unfortunately witnessed first-hand my mother going through chemo so I know how rough it can be. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out sooooo very much to you, Nathan and your beautiful and adorable Sadie. And Elisa, though I know I'm a bit of a ways away, if there's anything you can think of that I can do please let me know. You're truly a wonderful person and I know, as best you can, you'll keep that gorgeous chin up on that amazing face of yours that I knew so well from class together! I'm thinking about all of you and sending healing and positive energy your way.

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  5. Elisa i'm so proud of you... this blog is a great idea... Even though i haven't seen you in a while, by reading this i feel like it was only yesterday, cause i recognize your tone in the writing.
    Sadie is just adorable in this outfit... keep the posts coming... The good and the bad. Love you.

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  6. I don't know you and I'm not sure what words to say,,,,other than I donated a little something on behalf of my daughter and myself. My family has been thru this nasty war called cancer and my sister survived 5 yrs longer than anyone ever thought. Sadie is your strength, hold her tight and allow her energy to flow into your life. When I hold my daughter I can breathe. God Bless and take care of you and your family. I will be following along your progress.. Chin up and eat healthy,, lots of rest

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  7. I am truly amazed that in all of the fury of life right now that you are able to not only enjoy your daughter, but so beautifully convey these aspects of her life. She is lucky to have both of you just as, as you know, you are lucky to have her. I know that I thank my lucky stars every day for Sean and for my beautiful boys (even when one of them - I won't name names - is shrieking about the fact that his banana broke in half. well, he wanted to eat it whole you know - it is very serious issue...;))

    We love you all very much. Thinking endlessly of you as well and sending a mountain of good thoughts.

    Love, Raina

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  8. Sadie is adorable. She shares a name with my much-loved grandmother.

    I'd love to send her some princess dressups - please email me at queen@princesstimetoys.com - hugs to you all. I just read your story on a UK website of all places and I'm just wishing you weren't going through this. I wish we lived closer so I could help you in person, but since we don't I'm donating. (((HUGS))) to you and your beautiful family. I'll keep you in my thoughts and am wishing health for you both.

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  9. Sadie is so cute. She's adorable. I'm the author of a children's book entitled Connie Confetti, about a little girl who loves everything confetti! If there is an address where I can mail it, I'd be glad to send her a copy. Also, I keep a blog, The Adventures of Connie Confetti.
    www.theadventuresofconnieconfetti.blogspot.com where I continue the story of Connie Confetti. She wears a confetti party everyday on her outfit and in her heart! Best of luck to you and your husband. Keeping you in my thoughts.

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  10. Sadie is absolutely scrumptious, since I don't want to keep repeating adorable. I was so overwhelmed reading of your family's plight and have sent something to help in a small way. Please take care and know that you are in the thoughts and hearts of people everywhere. I lost my mother very suddenly to cancer when I was in my early twenties and at the time it felt surreal, like it wasn't really happening. I only hope you both are able to continue fighting and enjoying the time spent with your wonderful daughter. Love, Kimberly in Seattle

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  11. Nathan, It's been a long time... I'm a former friend from a million years ago when we both taught at Parsons (I, Continuing Ed and you, Painting). You and I spent some time hanging out when you lived in Green Point and I was in Williamsburg – a completely different life.

    I was so touched by a post on facebook about "this couple" going through such an amazing struggle. Now, overcome to find that I actually knew you. Cancer has plagued much of my family and even myself, but suddenly, every sadness and pain I've ever known seems like nothing. I will not even pretend to know what you’re going through, but I can say that there is no limit to what faith, passion and strength can do. If I remember correctly you are not lacking in any of those traits!

    I am thinking about you and your family, sending good vibes, and forwarding on all I know about upcoming fund-raisers and events to everyone I know that might be able to help.

    I am in Fort Greene if your family ever needs anything - I'm a great babysitter with a 7 month old of my own. It sounds like you're pretty well taken care of with support, but please reach out if you need to.

    I hope the upcoming weeks are less and less "interesting" as well. Peace.
    Ashley McClaran

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