Time flies.....

6 months have now passed since we lost Grant- the hardest 6 months of our lives. We have been keeping very busy with volleyball and basketball for Ali, work, and a special trip to Maui for all of us. It was a tough trip- the first one without Grant, his absolute joy and enthusiasm were definitely missed. We found ourselves saying "Grant would have loved this" so many times and tears were shed often, it is still so unreal. Jim managed okay without his "partner", I know it was especially tough on him having to deal with the girls and the shopping and the "moods"... although I am sure Grant felt his pain, it is such an adjustment. The four that always worked so well has been altered and it is hard to get my mind around it, I wonder how others have done it and hope that some day I can come to terms with it. The three of us have persevered, we continue our close bond and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

I am still amazed at the number of people that Grant impacted in his short life, I find myself crying at the mention of his name or a memory that someone speaks of. Songs, books, TV shows, a boy walking down the street, they all bring Grant to my mind, he is never far from my thoughts and so easily brought to the forefront. We were in Lethbridge last weekend for a volleyball tournament and I saw my good friends Christy and Kevin  Lund. They are an Onco family, their daughter Brynn was on the unit when Grant was. Grant had met Brynn and their other daughter Sadie at camp last summer. Of course we cried when we got there, and once we were on our way I marvelled at the beauty of an everlasting friendship that blossomed out of such an evil disease, some of the best people I wish we never met......... We are off to Medicine Hat this weekend for another tournament and get to visit with another Onco family and good friends Maggie and Sid Harrison (although I have never met Sid, I know he cannot be anything but wonderful) Maggie and her son Evan, who has ALL, were the first people we were introduced to in the HOT Clinic- their generous spirit and warmth made the first scary trip completely bearable, we had much laughter and tears through Grants Journey and again I marvel at the friendships made, and thank God for each and every one of them.

Life has continued on, even when I have wanted to curl up in a ball, and I have had people say that they can't imagine how I can do it- I am not entirely sure but I do know that a beautiful girl named Ali has a very large part to do with it. She continues to amaze me, her strength astounds me. She has continued to be an A+ student, phenomenal athlete and a rock for me, always there for a hug. I have to admit, I would like to put her in a bubble to protect her from everything, I know it is unrealistic but I don't think I am alone. I feel even more protective towards her than before, it is a helpless feeling at times and I am trying to 'Let go and Let God" but it is tough, wish I never had to be in this spot,,,

Day by Day.....