Just breathe...at least 1 metre apart

We made it to Toronto! It's honestly the last place we want to be right now, but we have no choice as Abby has to be at Sick Kids Hospital in the morning for a physical and tests to make sure she's a good candidate to be the donor for Ollie. 

The drive itself was okay. There are still a lot of people driving on the highways. We avoided all 401 Onroute rest stops as those still seemed pretty populated despite the pandemic from Corona virus. We stopped only once in the middle of nowhere just past Napanee thinking that was lower risk. 

We sanitized the whole bathroom before using it, got gas and kept on keeping on. Along the way we saw a sign that reminded us that even when things seem bad, we need to remember gratitude. If you can't make out the vanity plate, that's what it said! 

Abby took a selfie while I drove to show one of the ways she kept busy (making bracelets). She also coloured. We sang loud and a lot. Girl stuff full of girl power. 

We made it in record time due to minimal traffic. We're staying at the Marriott Downtown thanks to a generous donation that they make to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) for families like ours. We were literally the only people in the reception area checking in. The lobby bar was vacant. We've seen no one in the hallways. We think we are the only purple staying at this 18 floor hotel. Our room was super clean, but we Lysol wiped every surface, handle, light switch, and the remote, just in case. We checked out the pool which was also eerily vacant, butt we can't risk a swim anyways. Even if COVID wasn't a concern, we can't risk either of us becoming sick over the next weeks for fear that it will affect the transplant.

It's a seven minute walk to the hospital from here. You can see Sick Kids from our room tonight.

Earlier we did go out for a walk (despite Mario's reservations for us) as apparently that is allowed as long as you stay at least a metre away from anyone else. Also, Abby has to be poked and prodded tomorrow to enable her to save her brother's life.  Despite the pandemic, she also needs to feel that something in all of this about her. Because her being the donor is about her and is everything right now.

Downtown is completely dead. We went to City Hall and there were maybe 5 people nearby. Abby is in the O below.

No skating, though, as they closed it down due to Corona virus. 

Abby found a Porsche in a color she liked. As you can see the streets are vacant of people.

 

We even walked on Younge and it was completely dead! I have never ever seen it like this. It was like we were waiting for the Zombie Apocalyse.

My sister from another mother, Sonya came to help us make an event out of it for Abby. Tonight we hunkered down in our hotel room in PJ's to watch a movie. We also had a video chat with the always entertaining Krazy Krissy who refilled us with stories of what things are currently like riding out the Corona virus in the US.

So we're safe, cosy and a little apprehensive about tomorrow. Abby is nervous about her tests and getting poked, while I am nervous about getting in given the new screening measures starting at the entrances of both Sick Kids and CHEO tomorrow and about figuring out a whole other hospital again. I'm also nervous about interactions with others considering we don't really know who's walking around with it unknowingly. 

But as I told Abby, we'll take only calculated risks and do everything as safely as possible. 

Abby and I had a good visit with Ollie and Mario yesterday before getting ready to go. 

Mario and Ollie are now safely tucked in at CHEO. The last few days have been busy with visitors who have been so very careful to only come if they are as certain as they can be that they have not been exposed to anything. 

We are so grateful to his teenage friends in particular who always come when he asks. He knows he can't have kids under 14 on, so he's smart enough to know to ask for the teenagers who are the next best thing and are so good and patient with him. When I see Mackenzie or Catherine or Alison with him, I am certain that the future is in good hands with these amazing young people around.

The good news is his neutrophils are back up, although he does have to have some minor chemo this week as insurance to keep the lymphoma out until his radiation starts April 1.

So I'm signing off to get some sleep as Abby was quite stressed last night and we need to get some sleep tonight for the first step in what is likely to be one of the biggest things she'll do in her life...and she's only 11 so far. 

Stay well and away from each other as is needed to keep everyone safe. Praying that you all stay healthy.