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You are here: Home / News / Raindrops on Roses and Wiskers on Kittens … Well, Kinda…

Raindrops on Roses and Wiskers on Kittens … Well, Kinda…

Posted on 19 May 2011
10 Comments

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Hope this posting finds you doing well… we are headed into the homestretch of this week’s radiation. Two days left for the week, then hopefully, only three more weeks longer in this round.

Yep, my new normal. Counting the calendar by the day’s of radiation left. (Every survivor/fighter or mom of someone understands, I am sure.)

So, Jackson and I were hanging out in the kitchen this morning, juicing something yummy for him to drink and I took this photo (let’s hope I post this up right, remember I’m new with all this stuff…)

Yep, that’s “dance class” in a home with two boys. (Yes, long ago I fantasied about having a little girl, pigtails and pink and all the “fun” we would have in dance class. Then two handsome boys came into our lives and I “tapped” out so to speak. Dreams of sugarplum fairies now just dance in MY head. I leave the ballet and shimmer to all of you mommies of girls.)

Back to “dance class”  in the Panzarello home.

Jackson looked at me as I was taking this picture and said, “Mom, this is one of my favorite things. Hanging out and playing with my dog Rex!”

The exuberance and happiness in his tone sounded sososoosos good! It made my heart sing.

I said, “Jax, let’s have some fun. Let’s list out all of the things that are your favorite that make you happy, so when things sometime get a little not-so-fun around here, we can remember the list we made, in “dance class” with Rex.”

So here goes … Jackson’s List of Favorite Things. (Typed by me, but dictated by him, word for word, might I add.)

  • Walking the golf course with dad and Willis
  • Looking at trains to dream about buying one day with Grandpa. Along with spending hours on train websites with him.
  • Picking up Lego toys at Target for Willis to build and then we play with.
  • Swimming with Rex, well actually doing everything with Rex. And Emma, she’s fun too.
  • Watching sports on TV, especially Sports Center, football, and NASCAR. Golf is good too. Just depends on who’s playing.
  • Going out to eat lunch with you mommy, especially sushi and at the golf course
  • Playing football in the front yard. I am really good at passing now. And drills.
  • Going on bike rides.
  • Helping Willis with his homework.
  • Helping in the yard and watching the flowers grow. You are doing a good job out there mom, they look nice I think. Maybe we could water today?
  • Reading my Facebook fan page, at least like 20 times a day.
  • Trying to smile at my radiation appointment when I walk in, to all of the older people there, since they usually look so not happy. I think it helps them, dontcha think?
  • Giving you help on what to wear mom.
  • Dreaming of what I will be someday with you and dad.
  • Hoping you like my future wife (yes, he really said that… how cute, right?)
  • Playing at the beach in Laguna Beach with Unlce John. Mom, does he still have that sand truck I like. Can you call Auntie Lauren on that one? I don’t see it around here.
  • Tasting and helping Grandma with her cakes for me.
  • Seeing my friends at school.
  • Christmastime and my birthday.
  • USC games and stuff with Dad.
  • Painting canvases for you

And there my friends you have it. Jackson’s Favorite Things. Move over Oprah, this 9 year old boy’s got quite the list!

Anyways, making this list with him made ME happy too. Remembering the small things, the things that REALLY matter to Jackson is what we focus on. I am so proud of him. Getting through this treatment cycle, still able to see all of the good out there.

I hope you can see it to, everyday!

Fight On Jackson, Fight On Baby!

Lisa- Mom

 

 

 

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  • Lauren arabia

    LOL Lisa. I THINK that truck is in the garage. But if there’s a spider on it or anything gross, you better tell the boys, they can wash it off!  Love the post. And LOVE Jackson’s fave things. Wishing for LOTS of beach days!!!

  • http://jensens6021ramblings.blogspot.com/ j.k.jensen

    wonderful.  beautiful.  simple.  thanks for sharing.

  • Jrees333

    Gosh, I love this post…I am a lucky mama of four…I love the list idea..started tonight..my 5 year old made me pee my pants a little…I wanna just say…actually I am not sure..so think u for your blog..I love u guys…and yes I will say it Fight on….can I wear my ND hat?..just kidding..may Gods clouds of glory protect ur family with peace tonight…

  • Cassie

    So great. I am going to make my list of favorite things. It’s important to remember the small things. I love Jackson’s attitude about smiling at the older people when he’s going into his radiation appointments. Thanks for sharing.

  • Lisa V

    I love Jackson’s Favorite Things!  My future Trojan is away at school four hours from home.  The four of us don’t get to spend much time together anymore and I suspect when he moves to LA in August, it will be even less.  This weekend when he is home, I am going to tell my family about Jackson, read them his list, and ask them to come up with their own lists!  So often we go through our busy lives and forget to be thankful for the small blessings.  Thank you Jackson for reminding me to stop and be thankful!  I pray for you and your sweet family every day!  FIGHT ON!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Laura-Thompson/574349732 Laura Thompson

     Jackson and Lisa, thank you so much for being such an inspiration to me and those around me who I’ve shared your story with. You’re such a brave little guy to think about putting on a smile to help others around you in your radiation sessions! Thanks for sharing your wonderful list and fight on Jackson!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Crystal-Evans-Benner/602308711 Crystal Evans Benner

    I’m going to make a list with Evan, Hailey and Jenna today!  I bet they will have on their list ”visit Jackson and Willis!” :-)   And, today is Friday!  The last day of treatment for the week!  Yeah!  Way to go Jackson! 

  • Kelly

    Lisa and Jackson,  You are both so amazing as is your whole family, beloved pets included.  There is one thing on your list Jackson that stands out to me.  Well, the main one at least because I use to do the same thing.  When I use to take my Mom  to her radiation appointments I use to smile at everyone too.  They do look very unhappy.  I think that your wonderful smile makes their heart happy even if their face can’t show it.  I think it is just amazing that you go in with such a happy face.
    So you are a California boy since you like Laguna Beach.  I just went there for the first time a few weeks ago.  It was one of the most beautiful beach that I had ever been to besides Hawaii.  So on Facebook I told you about my son going to Santa Barbara with his Aunt.  Have you ever gotten to go there.  You can feed the giraffes and rhino’s at the Santa Barbra zoo.  We have a lot of fun there.

    Jackson you are so incredibly amazing to me.  After reading your story and blog I just feel so touched for being privileged to know your story.  I will keep you close to my heart and in my prayers.  I will write you again soon.

    Your friend,

    Kelly

  • Lynda Stefani

    Jackson, what a special guy you are. This is a time where most people are hoping/expecting to inspire you, but here you are inspiring others. You are a true child of God. I enjoyed reading your list, especially where you smile coming into your radiation treatments. God bless you for your beautiful heart. My dad had cancer and he maintained a good sense of humor about the treatments. I am sure that helped him get through it. After he had lost his hair he got a sweatband that he wore around his head (just like the tennis pros). On the sweatband he wrote “hair style by chemo”. Everyone got a chuckle out of that.

  • Lauren Stasand

    brought tears to my eyes. so precious. you’ve got a great kid. wishing only the best. hang in there and fight on!