Lessons learned

On the eve of the 9th anniversary of my cancer diagnoses, I have been thinking a lot about the "whys"....or rather reflecting on the reason I don't have any "whys" regarding the challenges we are all faced with in life.

This week has been a tough one....a very special little boy that is a week older than Davis earned his wings on Wednesday after a very long battle with Neuroblastoma.  I first "met" Jack while supporting the son of my co-worker, Carter who passed away in September of 2004.  I instantly fell in love with this little boy with a bucket on his head and Moo-Moos in his hand.  I also fell in love with the writings of his Mommy, Jen.  Jack endured two stem cell transplants and lots of chemo and radiation.  Jack got better....his Mommy decided to shut down his Caringbridge site...she continued to update those that were interested via e-mail for awhile after.  Oh how I missed her writings and keeping up with Jack and his sister Kate, I was happy that Jack was living the dream, but still missed them.  In November of 2009, a new website was created because unfortunately this mean cancer didn't want to stay away.  He fought hard...and in my opinion he won. 

Through the tears, I didn't think "why"....I was just sad and I ached for his mommies and sister. 

I believe with every ounce of my heart that God doesn't create the bad stuff that happens in our earthly life, but yet He is able to use the heartache, sadness, and fear to teach a valuable lesson.  It always amazes me to see the strength of humankind when disaster hits.  Instead of getting weaker....we get stronger.

I find that the lessons we learn the best, those we will remember, are those that were the hardest.

So if I ask "why did God do this to me"....His answer is always "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU".

Fly high Jack....thank you for letting me part of your journey and for helping me remember that each day is gift....don't be lazy and let it pass without making the most of it.