Oliver

I have had quite a number of people ask for an Oliver update. Waverly's little brother is incredibly resilient. He had a difficult few months whilst Wavey was on hospice. Matt and I were preoccupied with her care, friends were driving him back and forth to school, nurses were in and out of the house. His anxiety level was high and he was difficult to please.

The night Wavey died, Matt and I snuggled him between us on the couch. No anxiety medication needed. He simply nestled in as we watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with him.

Since then he has been remarkably calm. Matt took time off of work, Oliver had breaks from school and we were able to settle into our new normal.

He is back to school and Waverly's amazing aide is now working with him. He is happy to be dropped off in the mornings and equally smiley when I pick him up in the afternoon. I think he is getting a lot of attention at school from students and staff. I know Wavey's friends have been especially kind to him and he loves the attention from the cool 6th graders.

He is strong. He has always been strong in gross motor skills and continues to walk independently and use the stairs with assistance. He had a choking episode a few months ago, so we are having to make some changes to his meals. The boy loves to eat and we indulge him when we are able. Oliver is a happy kid as long as he feels safe and has access to Mickey Mouse.

Going about our former routine without Wavey simply amplifies her absence.

We will forever be a family of four.