Out with the old, in with the New Year!

2016. It was a hard year. We survived. 

Last year at this time, I made no resolutions. We were living day by day and entering Delayed Intensification - the most intense phase of treatment for leukemia (the type Levi has). The only goal was for Levi to survive and thrive through treatment. We were aware of the challenges ahead of us - making time for each other when so much of our time was focused on getting Levi through treatment while keeping Ellie filled with love and attention. Survive. Thrive. We made it.

We were able to get through this year in thanks to so many of you. You sent us prayers, encouragement, gifts, donations, positive energy through running. We felt so much love and support - thank you for making what could've been one of our worse years - well - less difficult. 

While 2016 was hard for our family - Levi, of course, took the brunt of it. He had to take the chemo, the steroids, the shots, the pokes, the countless trips to clinic while kids his age were at school with their friends playing. He lost his hair. He felt sick at times. It just doesn't seem right that a child - so young, so innocent - has to endure so much while so small....  

But Levi persevered. He is my hero. He is so brave. So strong.

 

In 2016, I learned that we can get through tough times. It will pass. The storm will eventually calm and the sun will shine again. Hair will fall out but it will grow back. We will survive and thrive.

And with that, we welcome 2017 with open arms...