One Foot Forward...

Last evening the girls participated in the Salvation Army style show. This event helped raise money for many of the Salvation Army funded programs. It was a fun event and the girls had a chance to dress up and feel special as well. It was a little bitter-sweet as their grandma purchased their outfits and it was her friend who was in charge of the show- yet grandma was unable to attend.

Grandma is in California right now, as her brother is dying from cancer (something our family is all too familiar with). However, I made this video to show grandma the highlights. :)

The girls have been talking a lot about their uncle Dan and him passing away to heaven. Anna especially, as she is really having a hard time with this. She had a moment the other night when we had guests over where she broke down crying. She just does not think it is fair that he has to leave and says she will miss him. Although she does not see him all that much, I know she understands the concept and it frightens her.

This just makes me worried for how she will handle losing someone who is close to her, she is so very sensitive. It is hard for kids, when they have never really experienced loss. Madelyne sees things more logically and understands the suffering and idea behind being sick and how much better it is to go "home" with Jesus. I realize this is an age difference, it is hard to teach that.

You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he's gone
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

~ David Harkins

I think that it is hard to look at a life that has been difficult to deal with and know HOW you are suppose to feel. BUT, family is family and taking care of each other in our best and worst is what we do. No one should have to suffer through cancer no matter what they have done or how difficult they may be to deal with. Life is too short, CHERISH EVERY MOMENT!