text: Max the Magnificent: Best Friends & LOTS of Pillows
  Yesterday Max asked me to be sure to put something on the blog about his best buddy, Tusker. For those of you that don't know, Tusker has been Max's special blanket/stuffed animal since he was just 6 months old. He goes with him everywhere and has been right by his side through every transfusion, IV and other procedure throughout his journey. He's a very special little elephant and has received lots of attention at Children's along with Max.
  We made a HUGE mistake the other night too, related to Tusker. After an 8 hour day down at the Day Hospital at Children's on Monday, Max and I left for home. We had all our stuff...or so we thought! Twenty-five minutes later, as we pulled into the garage at 8:00 pm, Max said to me, "Mom, do you have Tusker?" Oh my gosh! We left him at the hospital! So, poor daddy got in the car and went flying back down there and up to the Day Hospital to rescue little Tusker...and thankfully he did! Tusker was in the huge pile of bed sheets heading for the hospital laundry! We may not have ever found him again! Thank goodness for brave, tireless daddy! We threw him right in the washing machine when daddy got home and then tucked him into bed with Max.
  Yesterday morning, Max and Alex decided to take just about every pillow in the house and build a cool fort on top of Matt and I's bed. They had so much fun playing in it. They have been a tremendous blessing for each other throughout this journey so far and I can see them just growing closer and closer everyday as we go through this. One of the many blessings that is actually coming out of this experience.
  Yesterday afternoon Max had some outpatient surgery to get his central line put in. They also removed his PICC line at the same time. Luckily, we had our good friend, Ms. Signa from church as our nurse in the recovery room. What a treat! She treated Max like gold and made him feel very special. Max did well, overall, although it was tough on the little guy. He's still sore and a bit tired out this morning but, should be feeling better later today.
  We are still planning to check into the hospital on Friday for our long stay and to begin the transplant process. Matt and I meet with Dr. Davies tomorrow to go through the entire plan and sign the consents. Won't be much fun but, we need to know exactly what we are getting into before it begins.
  We are all a bit nervous and anxious right now but, we are taking things a day at a time and saying lots of prayers. We know how strong and determined our Max is and we are just certain that he is going to get through this and have the rest of his life ahead of him. Thanks for all the continued support...it means so much to all of us!
  Posted by Max Meyer at 10:30 AM
  Mama February 25, 2009 at 11:40 AM
  Looks like a few pillows from my house also !
  Just checking in on your progress. You are in my Prayers. Your sweet parents are so lucky to have great friends,family and wonderful Doctors to help you get better. Take care and hope to see you soon.
  Maureen @ DJJ
  Bob and Carolynn February 25, 2009 at 4:47 PM
  Max..So glad your Dad found Tusker...I have seen Tusker..& he is SPECIAL...also loved the pillow Fort..I agree with Poppy & Mama..looks like you got pillows from them also...it was big..Take care we are thinking about you and your family everyday..
  Carolynn & Bob
  Anonymous February 26, 2009 at 7:21 AM
  Max and Alex,
  Glad you guys are having fun with a pillow fort! Hide and seek with Tusker is a new game! Maybe we can try it at Preschool?
  Mrs. Rothfuss
  What an adventure Tusker had! He should write a book through this journey because he is going to have some stories! So glad your daddy ran back down there to get him. You are so blessed to have such great parents. Love you Maxer. --Aunt Sarah
  LA March 3, 2009 at 11:36 AM
  When I was a little girl I had to go and stay in the hospital too to have some surgery. I didn't have to stay as long as you do, but I did have my trusty friend Paddington Bear with me. He went to surgery with me and everything. They even dressed him up in a surgical outift. He is very special to me and I still have him and his surgical mask and booties today. So keep Tusker close like you are. He can stick with you forever like Paddington has with me.
  We pray for you all everyday.
  Lee Ann Barkman
  Kristi, Coach Matt and Max,
  Tommy and I saw the artical in the paper and we a I asked Tommy if he remembered Max and he said YES! He is a Fast runner! Please know our prayers are with you! If you need anything please let me help. I am planning on going to give blood.