One year.....we can't believe that's it's been almost a year
since Kassidy was healed and went to live with Jesus. Many
moments were filled with worry, anger, frustration and grief.
You don't know absolute helplessness until you have seen your
innocent child withering away in a hospital bed....knowing that
nothing, no person, no technology, no amount of money or power
can keep her alive. No matter what the future held, we made the
most of each day we had with her. We made many memories
laughing, goofing off and just being near the amazing child that
we would come to call our hero and "our champion".
We believe that while this illness could have destroyed a
family, and many families are broken after losing a child, it
also had the potential to strengthen a family. Our family is
emotionally closer. We no longer take things for granted. We
see the value in living every day to the fullest.
Now learning to live after the loss of a child, we feel we have
learned a tremendous amount about life. You can learn more
about what's really important in life in a few short months on a
pediatric cancer ward than most people will learn in a
lifetime. Don't sweat the small stuff. Parents get upset for
some of the smallest and silliest things. Their child gets a
stain on their good shirt--SO...it's just a shirt. At least
they were able to eat, drink, play or whatever it was that
created the stain. Kids are kids...let them be kids...play,
have fun, slow down and really interact with your kids. Laundry
and house cleaning can usually wait a few hours while you spend
some quality time with your children. There are so many things
that we used to think were such a big deal, but now seem so
small in the big picture of life. Most important is to hug your
kids a little tighter, hug your spouse, parent, nieces, nephews,
cousins,etc. Tell them you love them. You never know what
might happen that you wont get that chance again.
Our family experience with childhood cancer has made us
survivors. We have lived through it and learned from it. It
has strengthened us in who we are individually and as a family.
As we reflect on this life changing experience it seems like
only yesterday though it has been almost a year. We've met many
people along the way that will remain in our lives forever.
Because of those strangers, friends, and our family we have
survived. And for that support we will forever be grateful.
Your laughter and your smiling face
That twinkle in your eye
Your sassy little attitude
And the clothes you loved to buy!
The jewelry and all the bling
The make-up and gymnastics
You were growing up so fast
We always called you "plastic".
Computer,cell phone and AIM
Never anywhere without them
Talking with friends, having fun
and being silly at the gym.
Beautiful on the inside and out
God called you to live in Heaven
You changed the world with the heart you had
And forever we will keep BELIEVING!!
Keep Believing...Kassidy did!!
