Superhero cousins

Some thoughts from Auntie Erin:

My kids: Ellie, Benson and Jada, with their Presley. 

Sometimes my heart just can't handle the heartache and burden my sisters (sister and sister in law) are feeling. As some of you know, my sister's little boy, Reiss, was diagnosed with ALL leukemia 4 weeks before Presley. We were devastated, and shocked to hear that news. Then four weeks later, BAM!  Sweet little Presley was diagnosed with the exact same thing. My husband and Alysa are siblings. Alysa is my sister-in-law. What are the chances? How could this be happening?? How do we have a niece AND a nephew fighting this fight?  I remember when Alysa called and told us they were 90% sure it was leukemia. I just knew that Presley was going to fall into that 10% and it would be something different. Something less scary, less serious. Not cancer. It couldn't be cancer. You can imagine the heartache and devastation that resurfaced, when we got the news that Presley, too, had ALL leukemia.

I am still in disbelief.

My  kids and their cousins- my nieces and nephews -2012
Tayger, Benson, Amiah, Ellie, Carley, Olivia
Reiss, Presley, Jada (missing: Crew).

There is one thing I've learned in the past 3 months, that I never really grasped before.  Being an auntie is the next best thing to being a mommy! I love my nieces and nephews SO much! I always have. The next worse thing, besides your OWN child getting cancer, is for your sister's child to get cancer. I hate it! I wish I could take it from both Reiss and Presley. When those I love are suffering, my heart can't help but suffer right along with them. Not in the same intensity of course. Obviously it is very different when its your own child.  But I think it's as close as it can get without it being my own child. My mind and heart are in constant thought and prayer for these sweet and brave little kids. 

Love that cute, angel face! 

We were so excited to have Alysa and Presley in our home when they came to Colorado for The Barn Boutique fundraiser. It was such an amazing event, and there were so many people that showed up to support Presley and her family. My heart was so happy for Alysa. I knew she needed to see those that know her, and love her and her sweet girl. There are so many! I could see it in her face. Her smiles and tears were so genuine. The weekend was filled with people who love and care for Presley and her family the most. It was a beautiful sight and such a wonderful feeling. I can only imagine how she felt. 

We loved every minute we got to spend with them. Seeing that sweet little girl, with her beautiful bald head, and precious smile is enough to bring world peace! I'm not even kidding. She is a beautiful little soul. And she calls me "Annie Erin" (Auntie Erin).  I LOVE it! 

Presley (and now Crew) have always been pretty exciting people in our family! My kids adore "Booders and Crewbee". They love to see them and talk to them. Jada especially. Jada is 4 months older that Presley. These little girls are two peas in a pod. Inseparable when they are together, and the cutest little cousins you've ever seen! I LOVE that they adore each other so much!

"Booders" and "Jada Bean"

Kissing Cousins! :) 

Love!

Hugs from Benny!

Happiness is: these two together! 

Swinging

Playing

Snuggling with blankies 

Today I have been a little teary. Sad for the storms that are raging in Paul and Alysa's life. Worried for them and their little family. Sad for my sister, and her family, and the hard long road they, too, are traveling with Reiss. Sometimes its hard to understand God's plan. But this I do know. Reiss and Presley are amazing little beings. They are so brave and strong. SO beautiful. They bring so much happiness to those around them. I know that when my children pray to Heavenly Father and say: "Please bless Reiss and Presley, that they will get better",  I KNOW God hears their prayers. 

Their sweet, innocent, FULL OF FAITH prayers. For their two little superhero cousins.