Destination: Heaven

Eileen's assistant updated us last night on her status - it seemed she hadn't talked much, or even really been awake since Friday. She was out of pain though, and her husband was by her side. She told us even in the hospital Eileen had a goal board up in her room. On the white board just below where the nurse's write their name, Eileen's board read, 'Goal for the day: HEAVEN'.

It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. This is a woman who is known for setting challenging goals - but meeting them time and time again.

Eileen met her goal this afternoon. I'm not sure whether to rejoice or cry. While I am devastated to think about her family and how they were shorted time with their beloved wife and mother, I am celebrating her eternal cure.

Ryan can't stand it when I use the 'H' word, but I don't care.

I HATE cancer!!!!!

It's a PARTY!

Chelsea is ONE year cancer FREE! This calls for a celebration! Please join us for a special party honoring our daughter. Family & friends ALL invited!!! (blog readers included!)

MUSIC, DANCING, FACE PAINTING, BALLOONS, HIKING & MORE!!!

In honor of Chelsea Faye
When: May 30, 2009
Time: 5 p.m. to ???
Where: The Farm
Hosts: Ryan & Carey
Please contact Carey at careydreambig at gmail dot com for lodging information. Campers (in RV's or tents) welcome!

We Haven't Forgotten!

Last October we lost one of our dear friends from Children's Mercy Hospital, baby McKensie. We will never forget her, we spent many days and nights up on 4 Henson with her and her family. After she passed away, I asked other friends of the oncology floor, and you, my blog readers, to help me create a scrapbook for them to keep their cherished memories of McKensie. Embarassingly enough, I just recently was able to meet up with McKensie's mom, Tiffany. I know, I know, all of you great wonderful momma's out there made your pages and had them returned to me well before Thanksgiving. I'll admit, I didn't get my pages done until after Christmas. The holidays got the best of my time this year.

It all worked out well as I knew it would be nice to let things settle down for their family. When I visited Tiffany last week, it seemed like they were doing well. I could tell she very much missed little McKensie, and she admitted some days are harder than others. I actually think my timing was just write, I hope the scrapbook lifted her spirits a bit! I admire their strength throughout their journey. They are truly an amazing family.

I meant to take pictures of all of the beautiful layouts, but of course I forgot!!! Tiffany is so sweet though, she said she would do it for me and she's already sent me the pictures, so here it is, click here to view our album for McKensie! Thank you to everyone who helped create it!

Thinking

I think we've finally made some meaningful revelations about our new life. I don't mean to be pessimistic all the time, but I think I've finally figured out why things seem so difficult to adjust to. Let me explain. If you're a parent, I think you'll understand.

Imagine your child as a baby, just before he/she is able to walk, maybe 10 months old. They're crawling and beginning to explore their world. Still a baby, but trying so hard to be a toddler. Now think about your child a year later. Full fledged toddler mode. Entering that terrible two stage, tearing into everything, throwing fits and rearing their independence. Two completely different stages right?

Just like your child, Chelsea made this transition from baby to toddlerhood also. The difference ... her transition happened overnight. We left last September with a baby, just beginning to walk. We came home this summer with an ornery independent toddler. It was like we woke up at home one day in early June and our family was back, things were supposed to be great, but we weren't ready. We weren't ready for this new child. She's gone from baby, to sick child, to healthy, outgoing vibrant child when we weren't looking.

Logan is doing his best to handle this transition as well. If you have more than one child you've probably seen your older child behave like the younger, reverting to baby talk and such. Logan has been doing this a lot. I'm sure he has seen all the attention his sister has received in her short life, so it only makes sense that he would want to act like her. It's not fun for me though. He's not acting like a two year old, he's acting like a two year old with a disability. There's nothing cute, or fun about listening to TWO children in the backseat grunting and screaming, kicking the seats, chewing on books. It's just not fun.

And if you're wondering what I mean by 'two year old with a disability' it's the grunting and noises. Yes, she signs, but when you can't see her, signing isn't very effective, so her form of communication consists of grunts and repetitive sounds. Now, if we could get Logan back to acting like a five year old, and modeling good behavior and speech, maybe Chelsea will have the opportunity to pick up on it!

Pool Party!

Last Friday we were invited to an awesome swim party. The party was hosted by an old neighbor of mine. No, she's not old, she's just not my neighbor anymore. Back to the story ... so this neighbor who is also good friends with my mom, is a teacher at our church. Throughout last school year, her fifth grade class learned about Chelsea, and they prayed diligently for her everyday. They are the same fifth grade class that held the bake sale fundraiser for us. (The biggest bake sale I've ever heard of nonetheless!) Can you guess who was the guest of honor? Yes, Miss Chelsea, and Logan! All of the girls that were available attended the big party, and everyone had a blast. There were even presents for the kids. Thank you for the party, the gifts, the friendships, and all of your faithful prayers 5th grdaers (and your families!)





Here's our friend Julia. You may recognize the name as she comments often on the blog. She's the ring leader ... no, I mean organizer of the group I think!