November 17th Visit with Ian B.

Sunday was a day of rest, all of us a bit tired. AA worked on her science project, writing all the different parts that will go on the display board.
Since AA had not seen Ian in a few weeks and really didn't have a chance to visit at his party yesterday, we called to see if he wanted a visitor. We spent the afternoon catching up with parents Shannon and David, while AA and Ian played video games. We learned that at the party Ian said a funny, made it up about not "roasting his Mom" as you're not allowed to burn trash or ''you can't burn trash". I guess it was pretty funny joke as he said his Dad told him which in reality his Dad had not. We learned they collected snacks and toys to give back to the hospital, to families who need to entertain kids during hospital visits. Next up is Ian's Make a Wish Disney trip, we are looking forward to sharing that adventure with them.
Ian's Mom, Shannon asked AA to write a letter to Ian, about having a friend with cancer. Here is her letter to Ian:
Dear Ian,
Before I start, DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR ANYTHING THAT I MENTION! NOTHING IS EVER YOUR FAULT! (Unless it actually was)
I can’t begin to imagine what you went through. I do know that you are a very strong person who has made it through a very rough patch of your life. When I first heard you had cancer it was on a Monday at lunch, I believe that it was the Monday after the Sunday that you had found out. I was sitting with Matthew L. and Matthew M. at the usual table we sat at. I had assumed that you were sick, since you very rarely missed school. When I first found out that you had cancer from Matthew M, I almost didn’t believe him, but there was a part of me that thought the worst. When you made the announcement to the entire 6th grade class I remember walking to Mrs. Dougherty’s classroom filled with dread and anxiety about what was happening. I was standing in the back of the room watching you tell everyone and people were starting to cry, I’ll admit that I was crying too, even though I was trying not to. I know that if I was in your position I would not have wanted to announce the news to everyone.
It was spring break and Noah, my mom, and I was coming back from hiking in The Ravines state park. We had stopped at your house to say hi. Noah and I ended up playing Minecraft with you for awhile. You were losing most of your hair, and I think you shaved your head that night. I had fun that day, (although I still don’t forgive you for killing all the baby pandas and kittens). It was nice seeing you since you were missing so much school.
The first time me and my parents went to visit you in the hospital it was sometime soon after your surgery. We played Jeopardy together, and then you had to do your PT. It was hard and painful for me to watch as you moved and stretched your leg. I remember you saying that you would kill your mom because of what she was doing. (And I’m glad that you didn’t follow up on that.)
June was when we officially became rising 7th graders. One of the only things that made me want to cry during the 6th grade promotion was when you played Perfect on the piano. It was beautiful, and very touching. I am glad that you were able to make it.
Thank you for inviting me to your home, and out with your family multiple times. I enjoyed coming over to your house and playing video games and board games with you, going to see Toy Story 4, and just being with you in general. I really missed you at school that last half of the year, and I wish we could have gone to school together for the next two years. I can’t wait until we have more adventures together.
Before I end this letter, I wanted to ask, do you remember when we first became friends? It was in 5th grade, in Mrs. Rauth’s first period science. We were made to sit together because she didn’t want anyone to sit alone. I think it’s cool, and I am proud to say that I was the first member of the original squad from 4th grade (Tyler, Abby, Owen, me, Jane, and Connor) to become your friend.
Your best friend,
Alyzabeth