Dear Grace,

Did you know that when you were born, there were fireworks? Literally! There were fireworks! You were born on a Utah holiday- a day which celebrates Pioneers and their faith, fortitude, and ability to overcome great hardships. How appropriate, don't you think? Mom and dad have felt fireworks with each of your milestones-your first smile, first words, the first time you turned your head and batted your long, dark eyelashes and made dad give in, the first time you sang in primary, the first time you overcame your fear of needles (or rather just learned to cope), the first time you walked into the hospital on your own two feet instead of me carrying you. Yours is not a typical life, Grace. But, that just means your destined to grand things!

Yesterday you hit a milestone! You've struggled so much-too much to explain, but there is light at the end of this dreary tunnel. You have made it through Interim Maintenance, and in two weeks you begin Maintenance with a spinal tap and chemo. Wow! You have made it through 8 months of the most taxing ordeal I can imagine for a precious, tiny child and through it all Grace you have been tender and you have smiled. Even in the hardest moments, Grace, you have smiled. That is quite a testament to who you are. When we visited the hospital for chemo yesterday you were gleeful at the news that you'll now only have to visit the hospital once a month for chemo, instead of weekly, and have spinal taps only every three months. We will give you three chemos and other medicine from home nightly for two years, but I think these next two years will be easier on your body than the pain you have known. Your blood counts were higher than they have been in 8 months, also-at a very high 9.7!!! I can't even tell you how grand the fireworks were in our eyes yesterday Grace! We are so proud of all you've accomplished in the last 8 months.
Mom and Dad hope you can take all you've learned (and all that you will learn in the next two years of fighting Cancer) and live a greater life, for the experience. It is our hope that you will continue to smile, because life is good, despite the challenges. Our friend, Stacy sent me this quote-I love it! "We sometimes see subtractions when we're ill. They're not just subtractions. I'm not me minus anything; I'm me plus this experience. Whether it's good or bad is a subjective thing."
You are infinitely strong, little Grace. Remember God. Remember He has walked with you. Remember you were never, are never alone. Remember love. It is everything. Remember one of our favorites:
"Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."
We love you! Love,
Mom and Dad