Happy New Year

2013 was a long, hard, painful and emotionally challenging year for Presley and our family. I might have started the year (2013) with lofty goals for myself but by March 12, 2013 I had only one goal. The goal of beating cancer with my young daughter. Its hard to even reflect back on really what this year has been like. So hard to describe that you really can't know unless you do it yourself. Forcing myself tonight to reflect. We really have not done anything this year to advance our learning (only in the oncology department) or work status, our savings account, or our vacation fund. We haven't held callings in our church service or been consistent with church going due to the health of our daughter. We haven't accomplished much in the worlds eyes. I'm sure we have gone back words in the eyes of some. We had no other choice, we have been put on a hard clinic schedule and a hard emotional roller coaster. We have put one foot in front of the other, trying to stay above water. It was always a goal to stay positive and to try a replace fear with hope. We have a better perspective of what life is all about. We have learned to love and give more.  We have tried to not take the small things for granted and to simplify our live.

So for 2014 I'm saying thank you 2013. Thank you for the amazing doctors and nurse care who have been with us every step of the way. Thank you for Day 29, Remission. Thank you for showing me just how many wonderful giving, supportive and just plain kind people are out there. We could not have done this alone. Thanks you to our family and friends, to HopeKids, Make-A-Wish, Chemo angles, photographers, and finally to complete strangers. I will never forget the kindness and support which has enriched our lives, erased our burdens and feelings of complete isolation. I would feel very ungrateful if I did not express my love and gratitude for the blessing brought to our family this year. As I opened each holiday card and saw so many pictures of each of you my heart grew each time. We have so many family and friends all over who love and support us. We are so grateful. We are grateful also for our faith in Christ. It is our faith that has carried, comforted and blessed us.

My hope is that 2014 will start to settle back into more of a "normal" life and it continues to be a "remission" year. I pray that Presley will continue to heal and get stronger every day. I pray that this year Paul will be able to finish his last few strings hanging with his flight training and that this year will be the year he can shine and maybe even land a job as a CFI (certified flight instructor) or a pilot. We look forward to happiness and health.

Good bye 2013, we won't miss you, but are thankful for the wonderful blessings we have gained. We will never forget this year for the hardships and the kindness and support that has enriched our lives.