In Chinese, the concept of crisis is represented by two characters: one meaning "danger" and the other "opportunity." On August 15, 2008 crisis emerged. Grace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Today, on October 8, 2010....she was officially declared Cancer free and not only fought, but conquered her battle with Leukemia. She was a tiny girl when she was diagnosed. Today we see a lovely young lady, brave and strong and not at all the same child that began this battle. She is so mature, wise beyond years and GRACEFUL through hardship. Out of "danger" and crisis, Grace made opportunities. In doing so, she has taught her family how to love more deeply, how to feel more acutely, how to perceive more carefully, how to serve more wholeheartedly, and exactly what God's GRACES feel like.
Today the kids decided to bring a gift for the last time at the hospital. One of Grace's favorite things to do after chemo is unlock the prize chest and pick out a fun toy, stuffed animal, game, or art set. So the kids took their money that they have been fundraising and went to "dollar tree" and bought over 150 toys to restock the toy chest so that the children still going through treatment will always have a good selection. I think they felt really good about it and it even brought a tear to one of the receptionist's eyes. In walked our family of 6 with cookies for the nurses that we all helped bake, 9 bags of toys for the chest, presents for our doctor and head nurse, and an whole new feeling of being done with this. We have seen each one of our kids sacrifice for this cancer. Of course not on the same level as Grace, but they have all been effected by the C word and it was nice to finish as we started, together, hopeful, optimistic, and ready for whatever comes next. Here are some pics from today....
Tonight JR and I took a deep, long,good breath and I think for the first time in two years and two months, we will go to sleep with a different set of thoughts on our minds.
19 comments:
Matt and I are so happy Grace has beat this, as we had no doubt she would. The pictures are WONDERFUL! And Grace looks so beautiful in them. She is such an example to so many, along with the rest of your family. You are always looking for ways to give, even through hard times, and I admire the way your family has handled this trial in your life. CONGRATS!!!
I feel like this great news should be the headline for every news paper and news broadcast - So Wonderful!!!! Your family is beautiful - I love the pictures! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and teaching us! We are so happy for you!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing this amazing journey with Amazing GRACE!!!
Hooray! I appreciate the amazing example your whole family has set in how to handle any kind of family crisis. I am glad that you are all able to move forward now.
Oh, Kim, I loved reading this post and I got teary just looking at all the pictures. I loved the ones of Grace sitting on your lap and seeing the love the two of you share. You are all so wonderful and I'm so proud of you all, especially little Grace.
Thank you so much for teaching our family and many others how to be better people and that service is the way to help your broken heart. Gracie looks so beautiful and we loved looking at the incredible pictures of this important day. May I share with you one of my favorite quotes, " Fill the cup of happinessfor others, and there will be enough overflowing to fill yours to the brim." Congratulations and hey Gracie where are you going now that you have finished your treatments? DiSnEyLaNd BaBy!!!!!!! We love you all very much....
I cried reading this! What a story of triumph and perserverance. You have taught us so much of how to endure and still think of others and give contless hours of service, when i am sure all I would want to do is stay in bed and cry. Im so proud of you guys! These pictures just make me melt, what a beautiful story. Congratulations and have SOOOO much fun in disneyland!!!
I somehow feel like I am so lucky that I have been able to watch you all!!! You have made a difference in my life, and I am so proud of Grace for overcoming this whole horrible ordeal! AND I love the song on the blog as I read this too!! You all keep rocking, light things up and keep celebrating life. :D
Holy Canoli!! I am bawling my eyes out over here!! I love your family so much. I can't look at those pictures with out wanting to jump through the screen and hug you all till the asthma kicks in:-) You've made me appreciate every day!! Thank you for sharing this experience with us all! Grace, YOU DID IT!! YOU ALL DID IT!!
YIPEE!!! This is the most wonderful news ever!!! What a journey. Thank you for sharing so many of your thoughts, feelings, pictures, stories, worries, joys and hopes with all of us. Our family has been strengthened by your examples and faith. You are such an amazing family and Grace is such a special little lady. Have the most wonderful trip to Disneyland ever!!!! We love you and are absolutely THRILLED for you in every way!!!!
I love this post. Your little family is wise beyond their years. You have taught us so much! I am so amazed that through all of this you have all constantly reached out to others to make their journey a little easier. Wow! How great that you all were able to stock up the toy chest for other patients to enjoy. I bet that was a fun shopping trip! Your kids are beautiful inside and out! we love you and can't wait to celebrate with you!!!
It is SO not cool to make a person with a very heavy cold CRY!! I've think actually you have done this to me before!! I am SOOOOOO SOOOOO excited for my Gracey Girl!! She is SO strong!! I'm so happy for all of you and I know how much you all mean to one another! i'll never get over the LOVE that your children share and how much they truly care about how the other one is feeling!! You guys are amazing!! HOOORRAAYY!!
Kim and Family- Congratulations! I read your blog every now and then. I love it. I'm so impressed with your family's strength. What great examples you are, every one of you. I was so excited to read this blog entry. Cancer free! What a wonderful thing to celebrate!
-Jenny (Shaw) Herzog
Kim, Whenever I think that my life is hard, I think of composed, beautiful, innocent little Grace and it puts things back in perspective. What a difficult thing for Grace and for all of you, I can't even imagine how hard for you and J.R. You are all glowing in the pictures and you can just feel the relief oozing from you guys. Keep resting well dear friend!
Yeah! What glorious news! I am so happy for beautiful Grace and for all of you. Thank you for sharing your experience. You are example of strength, generosity and somehow, gratitude during such a tiresome time. All our love for you. Here's to happy days ahead!
Kim, Just wanted to tell you how touched I've been by so many posts I've read of yours over the last 2 years . . . most with very wet eyes. You and JR have documented your journey so beautifully. I'm so happy for where you are now. You are incredible parents and cleary have some pretty amazing kids. Here's to a great year ahead.
Congrats Grayce, and Family. Still brings a tear to my eye, what a blessing to have a strong beautiful daughter, they teach us while we think our job is to teach them. You guys are an stunning family. Thanks for sharing with us your experience and battle with cancer.
I knew I was going to cry even before I read the entire post. I am just so happy for all of you. What an amazing family to give back; you are truly inspirational.
You all look so beautiful in these pictures; I love your hair Kim! The kids are so darling and it's so fun to see you all dressed up like that.
Love you Ujifusas!
Your family is an incredible inspiration to me. I am never short of amazed every time I read your blog and hear all the things you have made it through, and in the end you have done it with so much strength and courage. Especially Grace. She is an amazing little girl and an example to so many. I am so happy for your family to finally have an end to this trial. You guys truly are an example of what steadfastness in Christ and in family is all about. Thank you for sharing your journey with everyone.
Post a Comment