First Quarter of Middle School

I just finished my first quarter of middle school and I was SO happy.  Now I only have three more quarters to go until the year is over!

When I look back on the last quarter, I feel like I was "new" to the school and I was learning things I did not know before about homework, studying, having different teachers for each subjects, and taking different kinds of tests.  Now I am in the second quarter of school I feel more comfortable.

On the first week of school all of my friends had to help me open my locker because I could not open it myself.  Finally, I learned how to open it myself.  I am now one of the first students to get to my classroom on time because I know how get around the school and do things faster than I did when I first started.

It has been hard to make new friends.  I am still "roaming" around different groups and trying to find people I like hanging out with.  I think I am starting to get the hang of it.

I am really looking forward to performing with my singing group at school for Open House which is in a few weeks and continuing to be part of student council at my school.

This is a growing year for me in a lot of ways and I know I will get through all of it as long as I don't take everything in life "too seriously."

Going to The Nest

On Friday I went to "The Nest", which is a place where people live because they can't live by themselves because they are too old.  I spent two hours there and I had so much fun. 

I met Tom, who normally NEVER speaks.  When I was over, he did not stop talking!  He showed me all of the pictures in his room of his family of 8 children!  One of my good friends and I showed the residents how to do an art project.  We colored pumpkins and witches for Halloween!

I felt like I helped people who needed me.  I opened a world to them; one where they can meet new people every day.  They should be grateful that there are people who do want to see them and care about their feelings. I am looking forward to going back to visit them again soon.

When Robert Came Over

When Robert Came Over

He walked through the front door with a blue hospital uniform, white shoes, and a scary bag in his hand.  I felt nauseous because today is my first day of taking growth hormone shots.  You might be wondering, “What in the world are you talking about?” Well, I am very short because my pituitary gland is not working properly.  My mom says it is asleep. I take shots every night so my pituitary gland will tell my bones to “wake up” and grow.  We are hoping that the medication I take is working so I will grow to a normal height.  Trust me, it is has been a really long process.

The reason Robert was at my house that night was to teach me how to take my growth hormone shots and not to be scared of the needles going into my body which have medicine in them. I did not know if the shots were going to hurt or if my mom would shove them in my body and I would bleed.  I did not want to take the shots but I knew I had to do it for my health. I have to admit I was a little scared but I have my family and friends to support me.

When we walked into the kitchen, Robert took out a big box out of his bag.  “This is where you store your needles” Robert said in a calm voice.  He had in his hand an oval pad with a skin-colored top that was squishy.  It looked weird and it was the size of my palm. Robert took out a blue pen. It was long and thin and it had medicine in a tube at the top of the pen.  Robert took out a needle and a white alcohol wipe. The wipe smelled so gross, it smelled like the doctor’s office.

              When Robert put the needle on the pen and I thought he was going to give me a shot so I screamed in fear.  He told me that the shot he had was just a tester and wanted me to try using it on the pad he had in his hand. I asked Robert that before I took my shot if I could try administering the first shot to my mom to test that it will be fine and I don’t have to be scared.  He said "Of course.”

              Once I gave my mom the first shot it was my turn. My hand was shivering and I had goose bumps all over me. I looked away for a second as my mom put the shot right in my arm.  Before I knew it the shot was done. I was so proud of myself; it was so easy.

Has it seriously been 100 (minus 1) days?

As I look back upon the first day Samantha began her growth hormone therapy, her spirit and energy was contagious. Some days are more challenging than others; however, most are met with the same enthusiasm as Samantha had on day one.

We have, as a family, had 100 days of:
*Living - every day is a gift
*Learning - who we are as individuals and a family
*Loving - friends and family
*Hoping - for Samantha's (and all of our) good health
*Counting - the days to an unknown end date
*Praying - Samantha's body responds well
*Fighting - giving up is never an option

No words adequately describe our journey.

It is Samantha's and my hope that we have opened a door for you to catch a glimpse...

100 days - Almost there!

It is almost my 100th day and I am so excited!

Everyone has something different about them, that is what makes everyone unique.

I would always stand at the bottom of the risers at my school. I would always look so short in my pictures.  Finally, just finally, I have something in my life that I really want - to be taller, and can finally be who I am.

I am taking growth hormone shots to be the height I am supposed to be, not to "taller" than I want. I am growing to become "me."

I have been taking shots for all these days, I at least HOPE I will get something for all the bruises I have on my stomach!

90 Days - I am Growing!!!

 
Today I was so excited to see my Endocrinologist, and when he saw me he gave me a great big hug. 

I was not worried at all to see him because I knew:
1) I was not going to get a shot, and
2) he would never hurt me. 

My doctor has changed my life.  Without him I would not have come this far.

I found out at my doctor's appointment that I have grown 1/2 inch in 2 months which is MORE than the average amount a girl my age would grow in that same time.  I am growing taller.

I asked my doctor if I could move up a dose in my medication and he said yes.  Tonight I took a bigger dose tonight and I am not worried about getting small headaches (which sometimes happens.)

I feel supported by my family; they are with me every day and will be there always.

Thank you for following me through these first 90 days.  I can't wait to tell you more about me!

90 days and counting

I can't believe our daughter has undergone 90 days of growth hormone therapy. It seems like yesterday we were starting this process and at the same time it feels as if I have been watching Samantha take daily injections forever.

Samantha is writing in school a personal narrative and she has decided to write about the day she learned how to give herself her own injections. Samantha recounted the way the nurse walked into our house, what he was wearing, and what bag of "tricks" he brought with him. She described the smell of the alcohol wipes and how scared she was to begin this chapter of her life.

When I read what she wrote I relived that night in my mind as well. As a parent I had a different perspective, one which certainly had more fear than Samantha's experience - and that was quite comforting.

Samantha sees her glass as "half full". She realizes that not all people are dealt the same deck of cards, and that is actually a good thing. She knows that the reason why she is taking medication is not to be a specific height; it is to be the height she is supposed to be if her pituitary glad was functioning the way most other children's do at her age.

Samantha is simply "Samantha", and those who know her are aware of exactly what I mean. Her smile and enthusiasm light up a room, and her insight about what is important in life never ceases to amaze me.

My dear Samantha, I hope that this journey continues to be successful and one in which you grow, as you already have, in many ways. Xoxo Mom