Over this past year there has been more pain and hurt than I have experienced in my lifetime. I have lost a few friends and family members in my life, seen really sick people-but nothing and I mean nothing compares to watching your child suffer for months and months from a horrific disease like cancer and dying at too young an age. But I really am a glass half full person and I can't help but try and see the positives in life. Mary was that way too. Everywhere I go I see her positive influence. She could see the bright light in a dark world. She was and will always be my blessing and my forever miracle. Maybe she didn't survive this disease but she did defy many many odds along the way. And her lone existence was nothing less than a miracle. She taught me so much. If you ever had that little bathroom book with all those life lessons in it, it reminds me of the types of things Mary would have taught us. So I have compiled a list for you. Then I have compiled a list of things I have learned along this journey. Some of these "life lessons" may also be in this book. I didn't intentionally copy. Maybe the author had a similar experience as me. Smart person. I believe you can choose to continue your days on this planet being a sad and miserable human and feel you were dealt a shitty hand-or you can take control and make the most of what you have. And you can find the rainbow after the storm. Trust me I have days that feel like the storm becomes the hurricane, and then the flood, and then the blizzard, etc. etc. But the truth is no matter what...nothing good or bad lasts forever.
Mary's Life Lessons:
Don't miss a fun moment.
You can sleep when you die.
You can sleep when you die.
Dance like you don't care who is watching!
Wear pink and purple and blue and
whatever you like together;) Create your own style.
Be kind to everyone!
Put others first!
Smile often.
Sing loud and proud.
Question life. You don't have to follow the ordinary path.
Put others first!
Smile often.
Sing loud and proud.
Question life. You don't have to follow the ordinary path.
Try everything once.
Travel if you get the chance.
Make new friends.
Be a friend to those that need one the most.
Stick up for the underdog.
Sisters are your best friends.
Brothers give the best hugs and kisses.
Hug tight and kiss on the lips.
Love God with all your heart and all
your soul.
See the beauty in everything.
Run at full speed.
There is something nice to say about everyone.
Soak in every drop of happiness.
Keep your eye on the prize.
Laugh at yourself.
Laugh often.
Be an individual and never apologize for who you are.
If you are a little quirky, embrace it! You will stand out.
Be a leader. And a positive influence.
There is much more but these are just some of my favorite 💗
Lessons I have learned:
Lessons I have learned:
If your kids are driving you crazy, take a second to breath in and be thankful for the crazy.
Don't rush life. One day you will want it to slow down.
Count your blessings everyday.
Life is short-make the most of everyday.
Life is short-make the most of everyday.
Forgive easily. One day it might be too late.
Say what you want to say, and say it when you want to say it.
Don't live with regret.
Live in the moment.
Don't live with regret.
Live in the moment.
Say "I love you", mean it and say it as much as you can.
Some things are out of your control and you have to accept it.
Don't live in the past but focus on the future.
If you have healthy and happy children you have everything.
It IS the small things that count.
Material things don't bring you happiness.
Teach your children to have empathy for others.
Find a cause near to your heart and work fiercely to make a difference.
Slow down and make lasting memories with your family.
Celebrate the special moments.
Celebrate your child's individuality and let them express who they are.
Encourage your children to be caring and kind and giving.
Let kids be kids.
You can not spoil your children by hugging them too much, kissing them too much or sleeping with them too long.
They actually enjoy it when you embarrassed them a little in front of
their friends ;)
Get involved in their life.
Bake and craft together.
Housework, cleaning, chores and cooking can wait....listen and communicate with your child.
Have meals together as a family.
Just always be thankful. There is always something to be thankful for.
Always.
As Mary's "heavenaversary" approaches so does my anxiety. Being that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month it doesn't help. I am trying to stay positive and grounded. Thank you for your continued prayers and support and love to our family. And most of all understanding. Again, if you want to honor Mary on September 2nd you can visit the cross in our backyard and pray or leave a special message, visit the beautiful "Golden Garden" at RUMC or just send up a
ballon and/or wear a shirt in her honor. And you can always give to our fund in her honor that we will use to fight AML.
Good reminders for everyday! Thank you for sharing Mary with us. Her legacy lives on.
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