People Watching

Today we were in Taco Bell and I saw a family come in and stand in line. There was the mom, the dad, and two girls, probably ages four and five. Mom was holding one, the five year old, and Dad was holding the other. The first thing I noticed was the five year old's dress. It had big polka dots. Then I noticed her hair. It was blong like her sister's, but it was short. It was probably an inch long all over. My heart sank as I realized that this beautiful little girl probably had cancer. I pointed her out to David and told her what I was thinking. He said that maybe she had just gotten gum in her hair.

We continued to eat our lunch and after a bit, they were closer to our table and I got a look at the five year old's face. It was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes. This girl had not had gum in her hair. She had the same chemo face that Jenna had and all the other kids that we'd see in the infusion center. My heart was breaking as I watched their family and it was all I could do to keep from tearing up thinking about what they probably have had to endure. I don't know who this family is, but they will be in my prayers tonight.

Relay For Life

Does this look like a girl that kicked cancer's butt?

We went to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life last night. The event is made up of teams that fundraise for a few months and then spend an entire night walking around the track. We have been on teams before, but this year, we opted not to. The survivors wear purple shirts, because purple is the color of royalty. At the opening ceremonies, the survivors take a victory lap around the track to kick things off. Here is Jenna taking her lap.

My aunt, Kathleen, is also a cancer survivor. She had myeloma and has beat it a couple of times. The kids just love her to death and it was fun to see here there and walk the lap with her. When Jenna had a port and was still getting infusions, she liked to compare ports with Kathleen.

Here's a funny Jenna anecdote. There was a clown there last night making balloon creatures. Jeanna got a bee and Paige and Jack both got swords. This morning, Paige was playing with hers and made it into something else. Jenna said, "Wow, Paige! Are you a natural at balloons?"

Being there with all of the other cancer survivors always reminds me of how blessed we were in Jenna's situation. Her cancer was caught early and next month will be her five year anniversay of being cancer free.

There was a guy from the Jack's Market team that gave a small speech last night. He said that they fundraise all year by having bake sales. The employees are all required to bring two items to sell and some of them complain about. They tell him that they shouldn't have to because they haven't had anyone in their families with cancer. To that he replies that they should thank God that they have been so lucky and bring four items to sell. I loved it! I am thankful everyday that Jenna was able to have a complete recovery. I see an anniversary party in her near future!