Garden of memories..

Hello again.
Sammy had a busy day .He started to make more sounds-sometimes its couple of sounds together. He even mumbles when no one is encouraging him. It's a good sign. He enjoyed his shower at the end of the day . In music therapy he was interacting more than before -times completing end of the sentences. Sammy tasted a pineapple first time ,at first he made sour face and then ate slim slices. As per mom nostalgic mood ,I can share some of my memories.
This time it took me way back when I was 5-6 years of age,at my grandmother's garden.She was very special nurturing women,she give me warmth and unconditional love.It brings memories of the old house,unfriendly large dog that was trying ti bite me many times before,wedding picture on the wall and only picture of my grandfather that I never met.Grandma Hinya end up raising 4 children by her self.After my grandpa was killed at the World War Two in 1943,taking his fathers responsibility and role-my Dad then 13 year old,left school and started to work to support his sisters and mom.I loved coming to see my granny,she was always after me trying to feed me 'something',telling me survival stories about war , family hardship and hungry days.I had my special place to hide.
Very large apple tree was my shelter.No one else could climb up as high as I could,not even Daddy's longest ladder could reach me. Sometimes I feel that present' life strokes'-my experience with Sammy's illness takes me back to that apple tree.Where I have learned my first life lesson-that what looks good it's just a cover-what's more important - is what in side!
When picking large ,beautiful apple-it smells good,it looks delicious,but you can never predict if there is a worm inside-until you take a bite!
At this point ,my friends, I will do everything in my power to ensure that-in our garden all apples are warm-free.
Sincerely Sammy and Mom.

Say 'honk'

Hello fans. How is everybody?
Thanks to our friends my computer is up and running now. I just finished planing our spiritual trip to New York for the next month.Usually we pick a day to go without any significant thought behind it.Looking at sequence and days that was picked in the past I realize that this where -milestones. Randomly picked days always turned out to be a 'special days or holidays'-making me believe that we do receive 'help from above' and praying there has been 'recharging' experience. Next month trip is ,no exception. Randomly picked day / thought after our airline tickets was booked/ turn out to be -100 Th day after transplant -what is a big deal from bone marrow transplant point and also May 18Th -the number itself is a 'good luck'. At 100 day mark many things start to change in after bone marrow transplant maintenance .Things like -reduction of some medications that are presently in place,getting clear picture of blood work up, planing next 3 month maintenance -until 6 month mark.So I just keep my eyes open for more positive signs -keep it coming!
We had a very busy day today. Sammy had his weekly appointment at Children's. I have to mention how much care and attention we get from out Stem Cell Doctor and whole team.We feel that we come to family gathering -we feel welcome there.We also had a pleasure to see Sammy's Neurologist ,Genetic and Endocrinology Doctors today. By the time we got back to our hospital we where exhausted. Here is some more interesting changes that I observed recently.
Sammy has a Sponge Bob toy that talks if you press his nose or hand.Lately he has been pressing my nose and I have been saying 'Honk' -just like Sponge Bob does. Today Sammy pressed my nose and I did not say anything.Than he said-'Honk'.This was just great! -reminding me what I have to say.I have been doing this purposely,leaving out last words of well known songs giving him chance to fill in the 'blank'. That is all for today . XOXOSammy and Mom

Wait a minute...

Hello Everyone,
I have had some computer issues ,so I'm blogging' with in the house' /hospital/ computer. Anyway Sammy had some great days and some days when people say 'He is just lazy today!' And we answer -'Sammy is not lazy his is just preserving energy!'.
Dad and mom took Sammy outside for a walk. He like fresh air and how busy it is. There is ,so much to pay attention to.From fancy dogs 'that look like their owners'/Sammy ones said/ to the horse buggy on the street.
Sammy has been more alert and involved with his surroundings . The other day after his medications nurse was trying to look in to her notes what Sammy's schedule is.Well he did not like that.He kept taping on her back for more attention sort of saying 'Wait a minute look at me- I'm right here!' Sammy is making short sounds-like -Ye,Oh, Hi.
Alex /Sammy's dad/ has been walking with Sammy putting Sammy's feet on the top of his and making a steps.This exercise is great Alex thought of it and now doing it every day.I think this brings a desire to walk and I think this boy will try harder now more than ever when he recalles what it feels like to walk again.
We hope our fans and your family's are well and wish all of you 'Fresh Beginnings , as we are coming closer to the end of Passover. Why did I wright 'beginning's?' because I know that everyone will do many 'Good deeds ' in this upcoming new start after Passover.All of us will have little more patience,little more sensitivity toward another person,little more kindness , little more thought,understanding .Stay healthy,keep praying . Sincerely Sammy and Mom

Your connection

Hello everybody. I hope every one is well.
We celebrated first 'Seder' in our synagogue surrounded by friends and family. Every year on this holiday we learn something new ,experiencing Passover Seder our own way. I have to thank our Rebe Notik , Rebatcy Shternie and their children for inviting us and let us be part of this special experience. I could not imagine how much work , special preparation it takes to make this Passover Seder -perfect. Seat next to me was kindly reserved for Sammy with symbolic plate and matzah-next year we will see Sammy siting there and following all the steps Passover Seder with us.
I could not get over the fact -that everything in our life is connected. Comparing recent changes in Sammy's health condition to better and how Passover has so many rules ,but still teaches us that boundaries can be lifted and at the end of the day G-d will perform it's miracle and help you achieve your goal . What an experience.
Sammy is little lazy today. We will go for a walk outside later on ,after his therapy's.Yesterday he had weekly visit and blood work at Children's. It was nice to see our Stem Cell team ,Sammy's Doctor to get their expertize and plan for the future .
XOXO Sammy and Mom.

My piece of mind...

This is a very Special time of the year. Not only because we are enjoying warmer weather and trying to warm up our soles from cold winter month- it's also time to come back to our beginning ,learn 'Passover story' allover again and find something new in it. To me this is time of the year when you are trying to assort all the laws and rules that you live by ,making adjustments for better life in the future.Every year I go back to my childhood memories ,when it was nearly impossible to find 'Matzah' in Kiev -city I was born in.This was the time of the year when my father made special trip to far suburbs to the 'secret' house that was making Matzah. He would be waiting in line for hours taking a number in line ,hiding near by ,so their neighbours would not be suspicious. If such house was found by 'friends' -they would burn it down,so no more Matzah can be produced.That Matzah was very special to us -it made us think about all the obstacles in life we had to go though and wish for freedom of chose and free future.
As a special gift to our hero Sammy ,we brought hand made 'Shmurah Matzah' from our resent trip from NY-they say hand made Matzah is made with a' Mitzvah 'in mind and eating it has a profound effect on your soul.
After that trip I knew in the back of my mind that we should see some positive changes soon.
We did not have to wait very long. Yesterday,our nurse ask Sammy a question: Are you hungry?-Sammy reply was -YE! I did not believe it , I ask to repeat that question again and Sammy's answer was-YE! again! To add to my happy moment Sammy said 'HI' to some one passing by. This is a miracle! It's happening right here ,right now!
May this Passover bring the best in all of us ,may we be rewarded with good health and fortune,may we remember to share our meal with a stranger that will enjoy this Seder in your company instead of being alone. May we do just one more 'good deed' before this holiday begins. Have a great Passover -G-D Bless you ALL and your Family's.
Sincerely , Chaina GelenaZeltser and Hayem Shmuel ben Chaina.

True Inspiration.

Today Mom and Dad came back from NY while Sammy enjoyed grandparents company in the hospital.We went to pray to most spiritual place that We have ever visited -Rebbe Menahem Mendel Schneerson's grave site.This was my third visit- after countless days in the hospital by Sammy's bed site-visit after good new's.I knew this time it -was different,I've changed .
Realizing how much I have grown with my new experience,how much more I need to grow and hope to find out about who I'm and what my mission in life is.When I walked in ,I stop to get connected to Rebbe though his video that is playing at entrance.It was evening of Rebbe's B-day and few days before 'Pesach' begins.I knew he is the one that helped ,continue helping us to get connected to G-D in our prayers to save Sammy. When we visited this place for the first time ,we just learned about illness-Sammy came with us . After we went to the hospital our old friends that love Sammy as their one son- give Sammy $1 bill -'mazel'dike' signed by Rebbe -this was another sign pointing to Rebbe's help in our on going process of recovery.With great appreciation and gratitude I came to visit this spiritual place again.
Video shows Rebbe speaking from his heart ,memorizing all words and never loosing-track of thought on the subject.His unbelievable passion in service to G-D,His connection to people one-on-one, his motivation ,unique way of sharing his thoughts and delivering his point of view with vision for the future.In deep thought I lost track of time it turned out that I was watching this video for 1,5 hour. Is this how natural process of searching for your inner sole begins? Why Sammy never let go his Yellow Duck-pillow that has that Dollar Bill signed by Rebbe in it?I came searching for answers ,but instead had more questions when We left.
Good night .XOXO Sammy and Mom.

Our first Milestone mark!

Dear friends,today we have announcement to make.Today Sammy had an MRI!
When we was getting ready to go to the hospital -we was prepared for the worst. If you think about this chaotic disorder that has poor diagnosis and could change rapidly at any time,logically thinking that first MRI was done nearly 4 month ago and 1 month before such a difficult treatment as chemo -bone marrow transplant -his second MRI -today had to be worse. So in our mind we just wanted to find out 'How much worse it is? How much can we recover ? Does Sammy has a chance ? -All of this questions and more.
You know there is old saying?'Be careful what you wish for?'- We glad we wish for...
Today MRI had -almost no changes -to the first one! This is huge! We can call it our -Milestone mark! We could not believe it! Transplant team at Children's -Wow! Thank you great job,so far.
It gives us reason to believe -that Sammy's full recovery is possible.
Now I have a good reason to believe that HE is here with us -making many people acknowledge that HE IS THE MIGHTY ONE! and miracles is what He does -best!Thank you G-D!
Every one that are praying with us ,this small victory -we will share with ALL of you-Thank you for your support! We hope for future changes and only for better!
Now I can cry my self to sleep -this time with tears of happiness and stronger believe!
Cautiously Happy- Sammy,Family and Friends.

Live in the moment

Hello friends, today is Sunday. Since we've had no therapy today we overslept. It felt so nice that no one was rushing us and we didn't have to follow schedule .So we just let the day-flow.
Why there is always things that needs to be done and as a result you are spreading your self thin?Today was example of 'take it easy'and we liked it! It's not hard to take few minutes a day and just do stuff you like .It could be quiet time alone or being able to do something you don't get to do it often. So considering all the stress and pool of feelings and emotions that I go though being in the hospital with Sammy ,I've decided to take and enjoy a 'moment' when it comes and live everything else for later.
Sammy was very silly today.First he was trying to catch and pull my hair, than he decided to bit me.Earlier today he was goofing around with his medications making nurse believe that that he got it and then spiting it all out .It seem that slowly but surely Sammy is coming back .He has been listening to my cell phone when someone calls and seems to recognize family members when spoken to ,of course its only for few seconds but I will take that.

I would be interested to find out -What is your way of handling stress in your life ?
Are you able to live 'in the moment'? Do you recognize importance of being able to take a break or you just keep going and going ,like 'energizer bunny'?
Sammy and Mom.

Up close and personal

Hello Fans. No changes just another silly story.

Since young age Sammy has always been affectionate .He loved giving hugs and kisses . When he started first grade I was afraid that we will be to shy ,but he didn't care if anyone will called him-' mama's boy.'
I missed that. Sammy forgot how to hug . I decided to teach him. First couple of days I just held him tight for few seconds -he did not push me away.It's seems that he was listening to my heart beat?! Is it possible ?
Then I started to look in his eyes while another arm was wrapped around him-he didn't mined.
Now when I say 'Sammy give me a hug' -he knows that I will put his hands on my shoulders and give him a gentle squeeze -he just laughs and is good enough for me.I hope one day -he can do it all by him self again.I often wonder -'How much does he remember from his life before transplant? His room? Schoolmates? Friends? Favorite game?
Tomorrow will be another day hopefully full of great news but today, we just relaxing and taken it easy .


Sincerely Sammy and Mom

Born to exceed.

You were born to exceed -expectations an such
It was easy for you -it was never too much
You were always ahead-always did what was told,
Your first word was at 6 month-first step at 9 month old.

Don't be scared of this illness!-We have faith and so glad,
That you control your future and your future is just ahead!
All the odds of this challenge you will soon overcome!
What's the odds?!-it's statistics-they don't know -you my son!

With family near you-You'll recover just in time!
I told you before-No child will be left behind of my!
You falling -we will catch you-You fly -we'll cheer for more,
Unconditional love-it is bigger than ever before.

You will try ones again!-Just like bird you will fly
Widely spreading your wings -ones again in the sky
You were born to exceed-expectations and such,
IT IS easy for you-IT IS never too much.

G.Zeltser - 04/10/08.