special spot

There is a special place in Buffalo that I love.   A place that I take the kids every chance we get.  A place just to be a kid.   To walk with your cousins, dig in the dirt, and explore.   You don't need anymore of my words to see the beauty there.   The beauty in each of these kiddos and the love they have for each other.

3 days later, a BBQ

We were still reeling from the news of that damn tumor had grown.   When I look back now, I can't believe the strength of my sister and Ron.   Never once did they complain or become bitter.   I can't imagine their fear and worry, yet as I look at these pictures you would never know.  They just continued on with their days.  The normal everyday stuff with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.   

This included a summer BBQ at the Steele's.   They put their fear aside and put one foot in front of the other and got through their day.

There was so many people there that love them and were praying for them.  It was a blessing to be with them.  I'm so thankful that they choose to go.

And, we didn't forget Butts.   We have to have Butts no matter where we go.

Besides they had soda pop there.  And that is something we can't have at home.

And, marshmallows.

As we were walking out to the car to go home, I told the girls to pose for me.  The mountains were so gorgeous and everyone was a little lighter in this moment.   It was a beautiful picture that I captured.  This picture says it all.

unexplainable.

Just thinking about writing this post brings a knot in my stomach.   I have been dreading it.   I kept thinking that I would just skip over it and pretend like this time in our lives never happened.  But, I just couldn't bring myself to ignore it.  It has forever changed all of us and it must be part of this space.

Megan, Amaya, Gabe, Owen, and I headed down to Denver for a few days for Amaya's checkup.  Amaya was receiving weekly chemo treatments and this was her first official checkup after she had started the chemotherapy.   We left Eli and Grace with Grandma and Pop and were suppose to be in Denver a few days and head back to Wyoming to continue our summer.

While we were in Denver we had a few fun things planned.   The best day was the day we surprised the kids and took them to Eliches.  They had no idea and it was really fun to surprise them.    We had the BEST day.  

The next day Amaya had to take some tests at the hospital and she was required to stay up until mindnight and then get up again at 4 am.   It was Gabe's job to keep her awake.   He took his job very seriously.  He even had a big blow up hammer that he used to hit her on the head when her eyes started to close.   It's funny thinking of them now in the motel room hitting each other over the head with that big hammer to stay awake.

Amaya had appointments most of the next day and later that evening we had plans to meet up with Megan, Ron, and Amaya for dinner.   I called Megan after the appointment and told her we were headed to the restaurant.   I remember her voice.  That terrified voice explaining to me what the Dr's had said.   Chemo wasn't working.  The tumor had grown.   It wasn't reacting the way they expected.   It was not good.    We raced back to the motel room and Megan showed us the pictures.

I'm really not sure exactly how we got through dinner that night.   We were all so confused and terrified.  I look back now and am just so thankful that I could be there for Megan, Ron, and Amaya.   Plans were being made to start radiation.   All we could do was head back to Sheridan and gather ourselves for the next step.   Leaving Denver completely different than we came.

We made plans to spend a few days in Wyoming before Amaya would have to head back to Denver to start radiation treatments.   I can't even explain now what those days were like for all of us.   Making plans for housing in Denver.  Megan and Ron getting everything settled at their work.  Saying goodbye to friends.  Everything had changed.    We were scared.   Angry.   Sad.   Confused.  We just couldn't believe what was happening.    Those days are unexplainable.

And, miracles happened.   To many miracles to count.   Prayers were lifted up and God answered them.   Megan was able to stay in a small guest house in Golden with the most wonderful, giving people we have ever met.   They didn't know Megan but, opened their home to her and it was the biggest blessing.   Our friends and family rallied around us and supplied meals to Megan and Ron during their stay.  Gifts of love and support surrounded them daily.  An angel visited me and gave me a gift for Amaya.  An angel in a van outside of our hotel.  I never want to forget him and everything that happened.   Amaya never missed a beat.   She was and is truly amazing.   A true miracle.  A 12 year old young lady who has forever changed everyone around her. 

Lake DeSmet

Fishing for those big trout in Lake DeSmet is our absolute favorite thing to do.   My fisherman have made it into an art.   Hardly ever leaving without my breakfast.

Eli and Grace even love it!

There is nothing better in the world than sitting on the side of a lake watching your brothers catch those big fish!

Wyoming summer day

The days start cool and crisp.  The mountain view just take your breath away as you look out Grandma and Pop's picture window.

But, you can't enjoy the view for long because there is a little girl who is pulling on your leg saying "Orse, orse, chica, chica".   She has to be outside with the horses.  She loves it.

 So after a morning spent out in the yard at Grandma's we head to the kid's favorite place in Sheridan.  The park with the icecream, of course.

 Not a better place to be on a hot summer day!

It's the 4th of July

 

A party at Auntie Megan's and Uncle Ron's with the mountains and a little rain.

 And, a lot of fireworks.

The kids loved the smoke bombs and snakes.

There were some parachute men that had to be found.

It was a really fun night spent with family and friends.