February 12, 2002. The day my son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Leukemia. A day that will forever live in infamy for me.
Today marks the 12 year anniversary of Tyler's diagnosis and while memories of helplessness, fear, pain and suffering are always conjured up on this day, I am also reminded of a most precious gift. The gift of my son's life! I'm also reminded of just how strong and truly amazing my son is!
Most people that know Tyler have no clue what he went through back then. But I know. I know about the 21 spinal taps and 5 bone marrow aspirations. I know about the hundreds upon hundreds of port accesses and blood draws. I know about the 11 hospitalizations in 2 years and about the 2 surgeries. I know about the days, weeks, and years he was pumped full of toxic chemotherapy drugs like Vincristine, Methotraxate, Daunorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Ara-C, L-Aspariginase, Peg-Aspariginase, Dexamethasone, Prednisone, Leucovorin and 6-Mecaptopurine. I know about the over 3 years of his childhood that was robbed from him because of a severely compromised immune system and repeated hospitalizations. He could not go out in public. He could not play with other kids. He could not just be a kid.
Yes, I know and I remember. Yet, through it all, I also remember a little boy who ALWAYS had a smile on his face. I remember a little boy who showed more faith and more strength than I EVER could. I remember a fighter! I remember a hero! Now today, on the 12 year anniversary of his diagnosis, I have the immeasurable gift of knowing an amazing young man who is a survivor. Not a victim. Not a statistic. A SURVIVOR!
Today, at the age of 15, Tyler is still the strongest, most faithful, and most joy sharing person I know. He is a champion! He is a hero! Today and everyday, I am eternally grateful that my precious son survived. I cannot imagine my life without him in it.
I love you Tyler King and I will ALWAYS be proud of you!
