Our brave little Owen started the day (Tuesday, Feb 27th) with his usual dose of medication, which is never easy for him. We could tell he was in pain because he kept murmuring "Ow" and "My tummy hurts." He took a quick nap, but his vocal discomfort was a sharp reminder of how much he was suffering. As always, Nana was a loving and caring presence, helping us pack our cars with great skill despite the emotional weight of the situation.

In the afternoon, we found ourselves in Nana's hotel room with nothing to do, waiting for the check-in time at Ronald McDonald. This made us feel helpless and tense, especially since Owen was in so much pain. The only thing we could do was comfort him by rubbing his head, kissing him and being there for him when he needed us.

When we finally moved to the Ronald McDonald House in Southwest Portland, we felt both relieved and concerned. The staff was cheerful and the murals were beautiful, but we soon realized that there were some practical issues, such as the lack of a suitable workspace for Dad, the locked thermostat set at 68 degrees and the limited refrigeration for Owen's meals and snacks. However, we were grateful for the free room and the communal resources, such as the kitchen and the small freezer designated for our use.

In the evening, we fueled up on a community cooked dinner. Owen had a brief moment of joy in the play area before his medication made him leave abruptly. The events of the day had taken an emotional toll on us, but we were grateful for Myrna's unwavering support. She made our physical relocation easier and provided us with a pillar of strength in uncertain times.

Despite the obstacles we faced, we were reminded of the delicate balance between optimism and realism that we need to maintain. We were also reminded of the importance of giving this new situation a chance and staying strong in the face of adversity, thanks to our support network.

We are grateful for the love and support of those who are with us on this journey, as well as the free accommodations. However, we were not yet aware that the upcoming night would be the most challenging one. Stay tuned for Part 2.

— Owen’s Parents