730 days ago Charli was diagnosed with cancer.
730 days ago our lives were changed forever.
730 days ago we became members to a crappy club.
730 days ago we vowed to save our daughters life.
730 days ago Charli was diagnosed with cancer.
I have been really torn on how I wanted to handle the upcoming weekend. Part of me wants to sulk and cry, and kind of relive the emotions I should have felt two years ago. Part of me wants to ignore it and move on, because look where we are now. And, part of me really doesn't know how to act, to be honest!!
Our lives have changed and turned so much in the past two years. They haven't changed for the worse by any means, but I sure never expected our lives to be where they are now...731 days ago.
I want to recap some of the high and low lights of the past two years:
Charli had numerous surgeries
Charli spent many nights in the hospital
I celebrated my birthday next to Charli while she got chemo
Charli lost her hair
Charli grew her hair back
I watched Charli roll-over for the first time
We saw Charli crawl for the first time
We saw Charli take her first steps
Charli received chemotherapy
Charli beat cancer
Charli's Angels rallied around all kids with cancer...
Charli's Angels raised over $25,000 for kids/adults fighting cancer
Charli has inspired numerous friends, family members, and strangers
We have seen kids die at the hands of this disease
We have seen kids triumph over this disease
Clinical trials have failed
Clinical trials have succeeded
We have educated people about kids with cancer
We have been told that WE were killing our daughter with the course of action we were taking
We trusted our doctors
We doubted our doctors
We made friends through treatment
We lost friends through treatment
We found solid rocks of support in our lives, because of cancer
We love more
We love harder
We love deeper
Little things are just little things...they aren't cancer, or a relapse
Charli's considered to be NED
Charli went back to daycare, and Chad and I back to "normal" routines
Charli celebrated her first birthday!
Charli celebrated her second birthday!
Charli celebrated 1 year post diagnosis...
Charli is celebrating 2 years post diagnosis...
My list could go on and on as I recap the past two years. I am amazed by how our lives have changed, what I thought was important three years ago couldn't matter less today!
I am so thankful to have Charli in my life, and I refuse to let the little things be taken for granted. Someone asked me how it makes me feel, to come upon this weekend - and like I said before I don't really know how to feel (aside from emotional!!). But, I know that one thing I feel is excited. If we are at 2 years, we are almost half-way to 5 years...which is a magical spot for kids like Charli -- so I am excited about that! I know the day that Charli goes to Kindergarten will be bittersweet to see my baby go to school, yet a day to celebrate because many don't get to enjoy that experience with their children. Far to many miss out on the heartbreak of sending their babies to school...
I imagine this post is getting to long, so I will wrap it up -God knows I could go on, and on, and on about this!!
I would like to thank all of you for being here for our family the past 730 days and counting. We couldn't have done it without you, and for that we are always thankful. To celebrate the life that Charli has lived and the joy she has brought so many of us...if you have a minute, please write a memory or story you remember from the past 730 days of knowing and following Charli! I know she has changed lives in this world and I would love to know how!!
We are having a celebration party for Charli this weekend so I will post pictures next week!!!!
EXPECTING MIRACLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 comments:
Brenda this is great!! I love reading about your little one she is SO strong!!! have a great time this weekend and can't wait to see pictures!
Brenda, Chad and Charli, you are so amazing and a great inspiration to so many people. I look forward to your posts all the time to keep up on your Charli's amazing life! Congratulations to the 730 past days and all my love and support for the next 730+ days! GOD IS GREAT!
Brenda ~ that is a beautiful post. I am wiping my tears as I write this. I know the news of Charli's disease was devastating and you all have had to fight to get to where you are today. But the past two years have also had a hand in making you the strong, wonderful person you are today. Charli is an amazing, beautiful little girl. I am so glad God found a way to bring our lives together. You are an inspiration to me. I hope you, Chad, and Charli have a great party this weekend. You deserve it.
P.S. Love the monkeys!
I have followed your lives since you were pregnant on Babyfit and am just thrilled when I read that you are all doing well, Charli is ok and you are expecting! You are very inspirational and I enjoy your blog.
Alli
I love the new monkey look, very sweet, very Charli! I can imagine how you are feeling as we are going to hit the 2 year mark since Deqlans diagnosis in May 2007. I can tell you that you have gained some friends from South Africa and we are here to stay and support Charlie and you all ! One of my favorite memories of the past 2 years is of the video clip of Charli walking across the finish line - i think it was at relay for life and you all shouting hooray ! the other is of Charli saying cheese burger! Lots of love and hugs and prayers to Our Lord for 2 years of blessings and triumphs and lessons, Mark Samm Deqlan Logan
www.deqlanhiggins.blogspot.com
Life is precious
Brenda,
This made me cry!! I am so happy for you. Charli is one special girl. Charli, you, and Chad have all been a huge motivating force for alot of people and a reminder that life is precious and to make every moment count.
I love you
A bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck
And a hug around the neck
Hug around the neck
And a barrel and a heap
Barrel and a heap
And I talk in my sleep
About you...yes about you
'Cause I love you
A bushel and a peck
You bet your pretty neck I do
Doodleloodle loodoo
Doodleloodle loodoo
Doodleloodle loodoo, doo!
XXXOOOPPP
I will always cherish every moment we spend together...but especially our moments spent on the porch swing...swinging and singing.
I love you, Charli Ann!
Grma P (Grmpa too!)
Post a Comment