January

When last I wrote we were waiting for the results of the throat culture. I had to track down the results as for some reason they did not contact me. The test showed that she has small amounts of the normal bacteria that has shown up in these cultures before. My understanding is that we are all walking around with some amount of "natural flora", we just have to keep extra tabs on Anna's so that they don't increase and that they remain susceptible to antibiotics should the need arise.

In a season of colds and flu we tend to hibernate. We have been blessed to be mostly healthy all through these last months. Any cough Anna had was mild and she kicked on her own without any antibiotics. I pray fervently that we will continue on this track of health, especially because we have planned a family vacation. A "real" vacation that will require us to be gone for a week, fly on a plane, and be healthy.  The underlying fear- that Anna will be sick and we will be unable to go. Of course, my overwhelming concern would be for Anna's health, but having to cancel a vacation when we haven't been on one in over a decade, would be very disappointing.  Therefore, we haven't told the kids that we have a vacation on the horizon.  If we had to cancel, I am afraid that they would blame Anna...

So, I get to keep the secret to myself. Which isn't easy and I think the oldest is on to me. I also get to lay awake at night and wonder how I am going to get all of Anna's medications and medical equipment for her daily therapy through the airport. I hope that the worry is worth it and that we do get on that plane in a few weeks.