August 8, 2014 TODAY, 3 years ago...Dr. Eric Gratias came to Christian’s room and took a seat very late in the day, really early evening, and took a deep sigh, He then proceeded to tell Christian, Chris and Me that Christian did in fact have have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia inducing HLH (the HLH went away very quick...but that ugly monster came back and killed my beautiful daughter in the end). I knew the ALL diagnosis was most likely coming, but my world stopped...the day had been so busy, I was still dressed in old hospital scrubs from my place of work that I have had for years and had on no make up and had not had a shower (none of that matters). Christian was ready to get treatment going and take care of the problem, she was really sick and wanted to get better and she had so many plans and a busy senior year ahead, she wanted to get the show going. She showed some emotion, but not a ton. Her nurse, Jennifer Dean, loved her so much and we are still very close...Jennifer was at Christian’s side and focused all her attention on Christian while Chris and I were trying to process the news. I honestly do not remember how word got out...I know Christian sent a text to some friends telling them..Kathryn Bryant was the first to arrive...I know Corbin Cullum and SarahWhitney Anderson were there soon after...but girls, if others were there, I just do not remember...I am sorry. One of those that received Christian’s text was Turner Fordham Christian and Turner had been in touch since Christian got sick in May...Turner was sitting in a parking lot, she was moving into the University of Georgia to begin her Freshman year. Turner’s Mom told me later, that she opened the door to their car and Turner was just sitting there with a blank look and she ask what was wrong and she said, “Christian has Leukemia.” Turner was inspiration for Christian...she was a survivor. Then in November of 2011, Turner relapsed...Christian and Turner spent countless hours in the clinic and hospitalized together....a special friendship happened and bond was made.....Today is Diagnosis Day...it will always be diagnosis day....I pray one day the awful memories will fade and only the happy memories will be there....but...you all need to know...Christian and I experienced a lot of joyful happy memories during clinic visits and hospitalizations....Christian truly understood that every single minute is a gift! I will miss her forever and my heart aches for her! Please! Love Deeply, Forgive Often and Find your Blessings! - Robyn Bryant
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 00:44:56 +0000