3 Year Diagnosis Anniversary

Today marks three years since Tom and I heard the words, "We believe Olivia has cancer". I remember not believing what I was hearing. Olivia's first words were "Mom, am I going to die?". I assured her she wasn't, but what did I know? There was a rush going through me and I had to leave the room before I passed out. Nurses helped me sit down and get something to eat before I put a smile on my face and went back in the room with Olivia to power through whatever was being thrown at us. 

For 1,095 days Olivia has been going through physical and emotional things that I, as an adult would never want to have to endure. At times it seems like yesterday, then at other times I wonder when it will be over. It will never be over. Our little family will always hold our breath on Scan Days, hoping we get another 3 months  knowing our girl is cancer free. It sucks, but in some way we find it as a blessing. Olivia is mature beyond her years, her presence can encourage and inspire anyone and her heart for taking the pain away from other childhood cancer patients and their families is incredible!

As much as we wish this day didn't happen 3 years ago, we chose to celebrate! We celebrate Life....the life that Olivia has, as hard as it was for her to get to this point. We celebrate Family....our family is closer because of the last three years. We celebrate Love...the love we have for families in our situation and the love Olivia has for other children struggling with cancer and other illnesses. We celebrate Strength...the strength Olivia has showed physically, emotionally, and spiritually is something we never knew one person could have. We celebrate Prayer...Olivia and our family have made it this far because of the prayer of family, friends and total strangers. Thank you for being with us for the last three years! Your love, support and prayer are more than we deserve!

Today, we hope you can find a reason to celebrate and "Liv it Up...Life is Short!"