A lot can happen in a little bit of time...

Three years ago today, Sean's mom was diagnosed with cancer. Needless to say, we had no idea what a whirlwind of emotions and trials would follow her discovery. She was diagnosed with stage IV non small cell lung cancer and three weeks later Sean's dad was diagnosed with stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The next year and a half was filled with doctor's appointments, chemo treatments, trips to the pharmacy in the middle of the night, and countless loads of laundry & other chores as we dedicated our entire lives to caring for them. It's impossible to really explain what that year & a half was like, and as I look back, I really can't believe that we made it through.

So much has happened since then. Both of Sean's parents are gone and not a day goes by that we don't wish that they were here to see our family grow & enjoy life's experiences with us. Three years ago Drew was so small, I was going to school full time & working a few other jobs while caring for them, Sean had a different job, and we had a different home. Now Drew is going to be a big brother, he can read, & has become such a kind & compassionate young man. Sean has a new job, new home, new hobbies, & has even spiffed up his style a bit. I am still juggling my love for learning & the responsibility of being a mother, have added a few more years of college to my resume, and am now blessed to bring another child into our family.

The last three years have been full of tears and smiles, laughs and surprises, and as challenging as it's been, I wouldn't take back a single day. As a family we have learned so much, suffered so much, and have grown so close to one another. Most importantly, we have learned to cherish every moment of life, and August 29th will always remind us to love more deeply, to live more passionately, and to always treasure one another as we reflect on how quickly life can change & those we love can slip away.