Party Time!

6 days ago was a great day! We finally got the chance to celebrate our 2 amazing girls and their strength and perseverance throughout the tumultuous year they have both had. 

We made it!

We decided to celebrate their birthdays (FINALLY) as well as the start of a fresh, new year! We are so indescribably grateful for everyone's love and support this year. At our weakest moments, you gave us strength. When we felt close to hopeless, you let us know that we were not fighting alone. When you are put in a place of such humility, it is hard (at least for me) to accept that charity and kindness and move on from it.  I just couldn't let an opportunity go by without turning this enormous gift you all have given our family into something even bigger and better.

Invitation

So, since our girls are plenty spoiled and nothing feels better than giving (am I right?!), we decided to ask for some donations in lieu of birthday presents. Well, holy cow, did our friends and family pull through! Not only was it a great party with the best company around, it was our pleasure to pack the back of my car with bins full of fun surprises for the heroes that will receive them on the 9th floor of Children's Hospital.

Heidi pushing the cart full of donations

Nora giving Mike from Child Life some toys in the elevator

My heart is still so full just from the thought of those smiles!

 

 

With Nora being so little throughout treatments, she didn't pick out of the treasure chest much. We didn't have to worry about her anxiety about needles or self-esteem issues from her hair falling out, because she really didn't care. We did, however need to borrow a shirt when she got sick on both of the ones we had brought with us to clinic. We also used bubbles and balls from the distraction boxes before almost all of her procedures. (Sometimes I think those distractions are for the parents, too!) I can't even tell you how wonderful it feels to know that we helped to fill those boxes for the hundreds of little fighters that will be on the 9th floor this week. Makes my heart literally sing.

We wish so badly that we could have invited every single person who has been there for us this year. The cards, the meals, the surprises, the kind words, the spaghetti dinner, the PRAYERS across the country...we have been so touched by the kindness that has surrounded us...there will never be a way to repay it.

  

Wishing Lanterns

I created this blog for the purpose of informing our extended families and friends of Nora's progress and results, but it has turned into so much more than that. I had no idea how important it would be for me (and my sanity) to write about our family and the roller coaster of emotions this would put us through along the way.  Thank you for taking the time to read my (at times lengthy and rambling) thoughts. Thank you for being a part of our family, even if we haven't seen one another in years, or maybe have never even met. We are so thankful for you. You are truly and deeply loved.

Thank you for staying with us...for praying with us when we are scared and celebrating with us when we get good news! We hope that the good news continues forever, because our girls are party animals.