What I Know Now

If you would have told me at this birthday:

That your next one would be like this:

Or during this summer:

that our next one would be like this:

I dont know that I could have believed that with moments like these:

 

That there would be so many moments like these:

All of the things I never really knew about love, faith, hope, and family on this day last year:

I know so much better this year:

And thanks to you Kaylee, we are all a little stronger.

Hair we are again!

Sweet and precious as the first time it came in, way back when you spoke more with your hands than your mouth, and your chubby feet padded across the floor of our tiny Virgina apartment, your hair has returned.  Not just your hair, but those dark full lashes and your arched eyebrows have all come back to a face that has it's sparkle back. 

 And we just can't get enough of this goodness.

Given The World

Atlas was a greek god, who was said to have held the world on his shoulders.  Did you feel like him sometimes during your treatments?  I know I did.  What a big burden to be placed on such small shoulders.  But how fitting for your Make a Wish visit, you were given a world to escape to, instead of be a burden.  It was the first time, we really felt free of any responsibilities for what seemed like such long time. 

We arrived at the airport and met our wishmakers as they helped us get our bags checked, gave us some spending money, and sent us on our way.  Walking into the balmy Orlando air was like a warm hug as we unloaded from the plane.  As we tucked away our jackets, and enjoyed the palm trees surrounding the Airport we could already tell this place was meant for us.  We got our rental car and headed to Give Kids the World Village, a place we will not soon forget.  Whoever thought of the place, must have been granted sainthood, because it is heavenly.  I am constantly humbled by things people are capable of. 

Kaylee hope as you look at these pictures when you are grown, that you won't just remember a fun vacation, but that you will remember that people we never knew made this happen for us.  That there were volunteers whom we'd never met, who laughed with us, who served us, who cried with us, who celebrated with us, who helped us, and who changed us.   And remember no matter how small you feel in this great big world, and how heavy the burdens you are called to bear, that it is by small and simple things that great, great things are brought to pass (Alma 37:6).

Superman

 

Uncle Kurt says, not just anyone can wear a Superman shirt.  Those things need to be earned.  That's what he told you as he handed you his christmas gift, with this heartfelt message

attached:

This shirt belongs

to the girl who deserves it the most;

The type of girl

of which any parent or sibling can boast.

A girl that showed

in the darkest of times

what it is like

when she really shines.

This shirt is a symbol

of STRENGTH, COURAGE, and HONOR,

things she learned

from her loving Mother and Father.

We are all blessed

to know this girl that can stand

to any trial, test, or obstacle

Just like SUPERMAN.

Uncle Kurt--he's one of a kind.  He swooped in here at Chirstmastime, let you shave his head, shared his baby back ribs, carried you around in the rain, babysat you and your siblings for a few days, and gave you a gift that will forever remind you of your strength. 

Wishes

Surprise!

You know Kaylee, there is a lot of bad stuff in this world.  But, man, I can hardly speak (or write for that matter), without a lump in my throat of so much pure goodness there is from the sweet generosity of others.  The things people think of to do for people in times of need never ceases to amaze me.  The Make a Wish foundation is just one organization that has turned the end of an exhausting journey into a memory filled, dream trip that we alone would have never been able to do. 
Revealing your wish, to go to Disney World, was the perfect way to celebrate the end of your treatments.  We gathered some family at your favorite restraunt and the Wish makers planned an evening of presents and surprises that alone was a dream come true.  Then we had the Trip just weeks to look forward to!  I am just so impressed at the lengths others go to, to help perfect strangers.  I hope we can always pass it forward.

Checking out the Itinerary

Wishmakers :)

"Wishes Really do Come True"--so true

One Happy Girl!

The Light

There is a light at the end of every tunnel.  Sometimes you are so far back that you can't even see it.  The farther you walk in what feels like a thick tangible darkness, you search hopingly towards a possible horizon, wanting to spot some sort of light.  Sometimes it feels like it may never come.  Other times it feels like the light is just a mirage, or what seemed like the light turned out to be just a small firefly, keeping your hope alive for a moment. Those aren't things to get you down when times are tough.  Those are things to be thankful for in darkness, because it keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.  It's what keeps us enduring to the end. We were thankful for every spark, every fleeting glimpse of light.  We basked in it.  But, with every tunnel, before you know it, you can see it -the real and actual light, at the end.  And with every step the light gets bigger and brighter.  And you know that it is for real.

For us, the week before Christmas, on December 14th of 2011 we were glad to step out of that dark tunnel once and for all.  Not only could we see the light but for the first time in 6 months we could shake off the dark unknown that had been at our backs for so long. I wish I could say that it will be the last tunnel you must endure. There will always be dark unknown places we must fordge through in life.  I just hope you always remember the strong grasp we had on that firm and unwavering rod of iron that lead us when we don't know which way is up, or what the next step was going to bring.  That tight hold made all the difference.  Because Kaylee, no matter the tunnel, the length, or how dark it may seem we will always be there to help you hold onto the truth and lead you in the direction you should go.

Thankful

So many things to be thankful for when Thanksgiving came around:
We were thankful that there was only one treatment left. 

We were thankful that your tumor was gone, and not showing signs of coming back. 

 We were thankful that even though you had chemo the day before you were able to eat some thanksgiving dinner. 

 We were thankful we had grandparents that live in the area now to eat dinner with. . .
. . and even more thankful I didn't have to cook any of it! 

We were thankful for a willing teacher who come to our house everday to teach you your school lessons. 

We were thankful for church teachers who came to visit, bring food, and sing songs when you couldn't go to church. 

But mostly we were thankful for a loving Heavenly Father. 

 For a Savior who knew what you were going through, and helped ease some of your burdens and pain.
We were thankful for angels who watched over us. 

We were thankful for hundreds and hundreds of prayers from our wonderful family and friends. 

They worked. 

And for that we are so very thankful.