Eli's Journey

The thought of Eli having to deal with RP on top of everything else he has to deal with is still overwhelming to me, but I'm focusing on the NOW and the positive. So, don't ask me about the RP. I really don't want to talk about it yet. I'm just not ready. I know that is very unlike me, but I will tackle it with all my might soon...just not yet. Thanks for understanding. Eli is on break from the Little Li ght House. Sophia's last day of 2nd grade was yesterday. She is thrilled to be a third grader. We are proud of both the kids. Eli enjoys "swimming." I think he actually enjoys saying "I want to go swimming" more than he enjoys it once we get him in the kiddie pool. The biggest thing is if he hears Sophia is swimming....he must then swim. He will say everything Sophia says. He just repeats her. It is so cute. We love it. Happy Memorial Day, friends. I'll be in touch. Love, Melissa

My general philosophy about Eli's blog is not to post when I'm feeling defeated. Today, I write to you in my despair. Elijah's optometrist told us that he sees signs of retinitis-pigmentosa in his eyes. RP runs in my family. My kids have a 50/50 chance of inheritance. I was sure Eli wouldn’t have to deal with that too. RP can cause blindness in men. I know that the concept of fair really is a figment of our imagination. Life is not fair. Should Eli really have to deal with anything more? DON'T TELL MY GRANDMOTHER, please. I've decided that I'd prefer she not know. So, blog world, let's keep this to ourselves. I have to put on a really brave face tonight as Sophia is having 13 of her closest friends over for her sleep over birthday party. I’d prefer to go hide and cry. Please pray that Dr. Groves was wrong. Pray that Eli doesn’t have RP. That is my fervent prayer and request of you, my friends. Thanks for going through this with us....the ups and the ...

EVERYONE has been asking how Sophia did at this year's talent show. See for yourselves! Her mommy and daddy are so proud of her. (Insert "American Idol" comment here)

From the Ramirez home, no news is usually good news. That's the case this week. We are trucking along as usual. Eli is doing well. Sophia performed beautifully on Wednesday and we were all there to watch. We are starting to think about Elijah's July surgery. It will be in the top three most difficult surgeries for our sweet boy (along with skull suture opening and foot amputation). I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but excited for great outcomes. I cannot wait to post pictures of Elijah's first steps! Love you all, Melissa

I started a new job on Friday. After 12 years in one place, it is so odd to be the newbie. I'm observing more than I'm contributing, which is so anti-Melissa. Soon, that will change. I love my new job! Love it! We are doing well. Eli is loving school and learning. He is coming along. Sophia will be in this year's talent show again. I bet we'll tape it and show you here. Keep an eye out. Love you all, Melissa