Swings
Luca has been having a great time over the past few weeks. He spends all of his waking hours reading his books, learning to talk, figuring out ways to move from place to place, dancing, and laughing at all of the amazing things he's discovered. The transplant team even gave us the green light to bring him to the playground. Whenever the temperature goes high enough, we take the opportunity to put Luca on the swings, where he squeals with joy. He seems to have put all of the tough times spent in the hospital this past year behind him, and we've been doing our best to do the same.
Luca visits his friends at MSK twice a week. All of the staff who worked so hard to get Luca where he is today get to play with him and clamor for his attention. Lately he's been running into his old friend Anastasia, an amazing little girl he met last March. Seeing the two of them smile and flirt reminds us of how much resilience they've been blessed with.
Clinically, things are looking very good. All of Luca's blood counts have been great, his bone marow has been clean, and his immune system has been slowly marching back. Next Saturday will mark 100 days since the transplant, a huge milestone on the path to recovery, God willing. We'll be sure to celebrate.
Greg and Manal,
What adorable pictures! What a road you have all walked together! I pray that the good news continues to come your way. I hope that Luca will be well enough to make a road trip up to our Relay for Life, so that he too can walk the survivor's lap. Looking forward to meeting this little cutie on June 12 @ SolvayHigh school.
Dee Lombardi
Posted by: Dee Lombardi | March 18, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Luca,
I just wanted you to know that my mommy told me that she finally met your other girlfriend Anastasia yesterday.She told me that Anastasia is very very cute.I miss you and hope we can see each this summer and go for a walk in the park.Tell your mommy my mommy misses your mommy very much and loves her so much.
Love,
Chloe
Posted by: Chloe | March 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Thinking of you guys often, and always enjoying the pictures. Hoping all continues to be well. We are so looking forward to seeing you all soon. You are in all our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Kelli and John and boys | March 12, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Those are some of the sweetest pictures that I have ever seen. I hope we get to see you soon Luca!
Love, Marisa, Pete, and Otis
Posted by: Marisa Brown | March 12, 2009 at 12:28 AM
So glad to hear the good news, God bless you all.
Love Love the pictures:-)
Posted by: Rania | March 10, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Thinking of you Luca. Hope to see you at the park again soon.... Give Mommy big kisses.
Posted by: Patty & Joe | March 09, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Congratulations Luca! I am so happy for you and your family. You are one strong (and not to mention adorable) little boy!
Posted by: Patricia Bonitch | March 05, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Manal, Greg, & Luca,
I LOVE all the pictures. It's so nice to see Luca having fun, especially on the swings!!! Such wonderful news! Always in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs & kisses,
Abie
Posted by: Abeir, Dave, Briana, & Nick Lampman | March 04, 2009 at 08:36 AM
YEAH! Luca's our man! God Bless him! We are so thrilled to hear that he is doing better! We continue to always keep him in our prayers and hopefully, we will get the oppurtunity to join him on the swingset soon :)
Love Always,
Irene, Nabil, Rina & Teto
Posted by: Irene, Nabil, Rina & Tanya | February 27, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Luca,
You are an absolute joy! Love your pictures and your beautiful smile. We are so proud of you!!
Can't wait to meet you.
Love,
The Craig's
Posted by: Joanne, Brian, Alexander & Alaina Craig | February 27, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Hi Luca!
You are a handsome young man!! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We can't wait to meet you. Hugs & Kisses to you and your Mommy & Daddy!
Happy Swinging!!
Love you,
Holly, Andy & the boys
XOXOXOXO
Posted by: Holly, Andy, Tommy & Matthew Kane | February 26, 2009 at 10:49 PM
We're so glad to hear he is doing so great. Way to go, Luca. It has been such a long journey for you!
Posted by: Lisa, Faris, Jacob and Emilie Sousou | February 26, 2009 at 09:16 PM
You guys all look great!! It's amazing to see how well Luca's doing. He has always been one tough cookie, and continues to show us all what a strong, remarkable little boy he is. Keep up the great work Greg and Manal, whatever you're doing is working wonders. As always you're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Michelle, Alex, Nikky, AJ & Michael
Posted by: Michelle Cimino | February 25, 2009 at 04:07 PM
How WONDERFUL to see Luca play, have fun, smile and laugh with all the new ways he is discovering. These are such wonderful pictures to look at! We are so happy to see him progress so greatly- he is and always will be an inspiration to all of us. We think of you often and keep you all in our prayers.
Love,
John, Kelli, Johnny, Jake and Jordan
Posted by: Kelli and John and boys | February 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Good Morning All:
I am still smiling from viewing all these wonderful "normal" activities Luca is participating in. Hooray!! You all look great. We will all celebrate his 100 day anniversary with gratitude and eternal hope in our hearts. Hugs to all of you.
Love,
Aunt Sari
Posted by: Sari Remon | February 24, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Such great news!!
Go Luca. Cant wait to meet you and have the boys and you play together. Very soon!
Love you all.
Sally
Posted by: Sally | February 23, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Yippee!!! Congrats to you Luca!! :):)
Posted by: Cinandra | February 23, 2009 at 09:36 AM
That is super news!! You guys all look great - enjoy it all and pray for spring!! Give Luca big hugs from us!
Posted by: Karen and Mark Henry | February 23, 2009 at 07:46 AM
What beautiful pictures! It is great to see Luca out on the swings. He has had such a long road and it is wonderful to see him laughing and playing. We continue to pray for all of you!
Love and prayers!!
Lauri, Kara, and Mikey
Posted by: Lauri, Kara and Michael | February 22, 2009 at 09:33 PM