There are some days that will be difficult to get through, no matter how many years that pass; no matter how many times we come upon them. This is, without a doubt, one of those days. It will remain the single day that changed our lives forever- Grace’s day of diagnosis. This is now the third time I have written a reflection on that day, and I still find it hard to find the words to accurately describe my feelings. I want to write something inspirational, something poetic, but the words aren’t flowing.

On many days in the past 3 years, I have found it necessary to not let my guard down and allow myself to feel the overwhelming, breath-taking pain I experienced when Grace took her journey to heaven. It is a conscious decision at times to not “go there”. It is one of the ways I have learned to cope. Today, however, it has taken all of the strength I have to not allow that grief to overtake me. On Grace’s birthday I can remember the celebrations we had, on holidays we can think of the family traditions and time we spent together…today, there is nothing to remember but the pain, the fear…nothing to hold close, just the words that shattered our lives…

To combat those feelings of despair, I offer the positive…our family has been given an incredible gift this year-Claire Anneliese has filled our days with smiles and joy…the foundation is thriving and we have been able to help over 21 families financially deal with having a child with a brain tumor…we have been blessed with wonderful volunteers who selflessly give their time, talent and expertise to fulfill the mission of Reflections Of Grace…we are preparing for the 4th Annual Race For Grace on Saturday, March 19, 2011…

Yet, there is still much work to be done. Families are still being thrust into the world of childhood cancer…children are still fighting for their lives with incredible bravery and courage…there are still limited options that are offered for a child with DIPG…there is still no cure. We continue to dedicate our work through the foundation to Grace and her amazing spirit as we hope for a bright future for those children who remain in the fight. We pray that the families of these children will be given the gift of time…one day after another together… Right now, we offer special prayers for some of the children and families who continue to battle…
Alexis…www.caringbridge.org/visit/teamalexis
Nicole…http://www.carepages.com/carepages/NicolesNotes
Ella…http://www.carepages.com/carepages/EllaNewmiller

As we continue, we invite you to join with us in the work at hand. Our next organizational race meeting will be on Saturday, January 15 at 9:00am at our home. Please feel free to email Ashley, our race director, at Ashley@reflectionsofgrace.org to express your interest to help in planning. Keep up-to-date on meeting times and places by logging on to the foundation website, www.reflectionsofgrace.org or following us on Facebook.

As a testament to Grace, we choose to walk in hope, to offer the positive, to embrace the lives we have been given… Grace’s words continue to ring in our minds and our hearts…“It is better to have a better life than a worse life…”

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope…” Romans 15:13