Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

Olivia

Almost 3 weeks ago, one of our biggest fears became a reality when my sweet niece Olivia, who has a rare chromosome disorder which makes her susceptible to eye tumors, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (eye cancer). Last week she had her left eye removed. We are waiting for her pathology report to come back to find out if the cancer has spread and whether or not chemo is going to be in her future.

These last few weeks have been full of tears, sadness, anger, hope, faith, generosity, excitement, gratitude, and peace.

To watch this little girl take on a single day is inspiring. Only 4 days after a surgery that has forever changed her life and she is back to the same old Liv. She is HAPPY. She is SILLY. She is full of energy and LIFE.
This journey is far from over, but I KNOW that this is how she will be through whatever lies ahead. She is STRONG and she is bravBRAVE. It is just WHO SHE IS.

You can follow her journey through her blog 13 pavements
there is also a blog for donations and the fundraisers that have been set up on Love 4 Livi

Little Squish, you are brave, and you are smart. You inspire all who know you and know your story. You will triumph and you will touch many lives. You bring happiness into my life and to everyone around you. I love you more than you know. You have an AMAZING mother. At such a young age, I can already see that you have many of her qualities. You couldn't have been blessed with better parents. You will get through this journey together. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I love you baby girl.

My Mama

My sister said it best.

Our Mom is pretty great. And sometimes I take her for granted.

I love her more than she knows. I miss her more than she realizes.

I become more and more grateful for her and the example that she is everyday.

"I will love you for ever, I will like you for always.

As long as I am living my Mama you'll be."

Fog

I don't know what it is.
Maybe its the weather
Maybe its this place
it could be several things.

I wish the fog would clear itself, but I don't think it will.

I have been surrounded by it for too long now.
It's heavy and it makes me tired.
It makes me blue.
Maybe it is here to stay for good.
I hope not.

It makes me miss you and that is never good.
I don't know how to rid myself of this fog
so for now I will just believe it will go.

New...

day.

month.

year.

shoes.

school.

job.

hope.

Strength

I have a list

25 does not sound appealing. Not right now anyway.
I don't feel ready. Good thing I have a year.
But a year will go by FAST.

There are things you are "supposed" to do by the time you are 25.
I haven't done them.

Yes, I have "done" things, but I haven't accomplished much. Not the things that are important.
I don't have complete control.
I don't like that.
So I made a list.

A list of things that I want to complete by 25.
You might say some things on this list are "not important" but they are things I feel are necessary.

What's on this list?
Well, you will have to wait until I report on each of the items as they are completed.

Wish me luck!