Jordan received a very good report at her checkup with the oncologist today. She was just delighted to see him. She is very fond of Dr. Finlay. He was accompanied by doctors from Moscow who were visiting and intrigued by Jordan’s case. She didn’t mind. She’s also fond of a larger audience. One minor update – she is now able to take her oral chemotherapy pills on her own. This is a *big* deal for her.

In the midst of an animated conversation on the art of shopping, Jordan snacks on Trader Joes Spanakopita. Jordan sashays into the kitchen, swaggering from hip to hip as she often does. In fairness, her gait is partially out of her control. It’s the product of the way her body shifts her weight to compensate for the trouble with her legs. But she takes some joy in the sassy walk. She works it.

She’s not happy. She was all set to make her very first trip alone. We booked her first class on a flight to Portland to spend the holidays with her aunts and uncles. At 4:45am this morning, all systems were go. Alaska Airlines confirmed she was clear to board. We drove all the way to LAX to learn it was a no go. The flight was still scheduled, but due to weather, unaccompanied minors were not allowed.

Jeanette lined us up in the backyard before we set out on our daddy/daughter excursion to the Music Center for a day of culture. Blue light reflected from the stage and bounced onto her snowy skin. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as the pas de deux began. Clara and the Nutcracker locked their arms and glided gracefully across the stage. Jordan sighed and leaned her head against my shoulder.

Last week, Jordan participated in her school’s holiday play. I wasn’t able to attend, but when I arrived home she was abubble with prideful energy. This is the first year since she became symptomatic that Jordan could do more than hum a tune and interject a few words here and there. She actually memorized whole passages of the songs, and when she reenacted the proceedings for me in our kitchen, she remembered stage direction, too.