And so it begins again! Another school year has started and another summer has come to an end. How quickly this summer has gone by. Honestly, it seems like this summer flew by faster then most. Why? I have no answers for you.
When I got out of school for the summer it seemed to be a really long and now, it seems like you blink too fast and its already the first day of school!
Before school started, we went shopping. Yes, it is one of Emily's favorite things to do! Spend money ~ that isnt necessarily hers! She is a HUGE One Direction fan and we went to a mall where they have a Build-a-Bear store. Ever since she found out that they have a One Direction Bear ~ she has seriously been bugging me to take her there to get the bear! We went! Oh my goodness was she a happy girl! After enjoying a day of shopping, Ben fell asleep on the way home. We were almost to our house when I felt as though I was hit in the face. Not in a bad way but more in a "reality check" way.
There is a family that lives really close to our house. When Emily and I took a cake decorating class at the beginning of the year, one of the daughters from this family took it as well. She was a beautiful, happy and just very friendly 13 year old. She really befriended Emily. What was amazing to me is seeing a little bond developing between them. What I didnt realize at the beginning is how much they also had in common. See, this young lady was battling cancer. She was in remission, I believe the second time. She had a couple more treatments and then she would be finished. We talked about the wish trip she wanted to go on. Her medications and mostly, her love for her family. You could see when her parents came back to pick her up just the pure love they had for her. Not a "i feel bad for you love" but just a true love (as any parent would for their child) but it was different. It seemed to be a much deeper love. A love with respect built in, a love with "you are my hero" and just genuine, unconditional love. This incredible girl was doing very well until one day during the summer. She took a turn for the worse, she ended up having a stroke and passed away. My heart broke into what felt like tiny pieces. I couldnt imagine what the family was dealing with.
As we came home from our day of shopping, I turn down the street to head home and I see the mom going for a walk. I felt a lump develop in my throat as I try to hold back the tears. I was able to just spend the day with my daughter. To go shopping with her and buy her something that she really wanted. This mom is no longer able to do that. I was able to buy my daughter a couple new shirts for school, this mom is no longer able to do that. Tuesday, I was able to take a picture of my daughter on her first day of school. This mom, will no longer be able to do that.
When we sit down this year to take our kids to school, do homework with them, go to parent-teacher conferences, sports events, school plays or whatever else our life will now be busier with ~ remember how blessed you are. Dont take things for granted. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to do this with your child or kids. We dont know Gods plan for our lives or our loved ones and you may not have them to do it again.
To this family, I continue to pray for you. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart.
