Blue Eyed-Giraffe Lover

What a weekend of mixed emotions! I spent Saturday with Jenny - celebrating the upcoming birth of Maggie and celebrating the life of sweet Allie (http://www.scotthousehold.com). How is it possible for me to miss a child I never met? My heart aches for my friend this week. Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of Allie's passing from Acute Myeloid Leukemia - she was 3 days shy of reaching her 9-month birthday. I miss Allie because I miss her for Jenny. You know how you share your kids and your friend's kids? Always keeping up with what's going on with everyone's families? It hurts me so that I didn't and can't share in Allie. But Allie is very much a part of my life and of my family's life. Jenny talks about Allie all the time - I KNOW Allie because of Jenny's stories. So, yes, I can truly miss her even though I never met her in this physical world.

Saturday was Jenny and Larissa's baby shower at Dana's. Larissa lost her precious Taylor 4 years ago in November. She is now expecting her first son, Luke. Her first child since losing Taylor to the same cancer that took Allie. Fate was sealed for these two women, both of their daughters passed away in the very same hospital room 3 years apart. I am so proud of these two! They have taken their grief and now help other families who are dealing with the same pain they experience. They formed a foundation supporting families with child diagnosed with cancer. Heroes for Children....because Allie and Taylor are the heroes for the children that are battling cancer after there own battle. (http://www.heroesforchildren.org) The baby shower was unbelievable! There were about 45 people there! Jenny and Larissa opened presents for an HOUR! Can you imagine? Oh, but it was so glorious! A few moments of joy mixed with tears....it was bittersweet. Jenny got a frame from Annie that says "My big sister is my guardian angel." How beautiful - very touching! Also, between all the people and presents...tv cameras! Jenny and Dana (http://www.caringbridge.org/tx/sameisenberg) are filming a documentary about friendship. Those two have a bond that NOTHING can break! It's so precious to see their connection! I adore them both!

Saturday night we joined Jenny and Andrew with their family and friends for a BBQ. It was a time to be together, to strengthen each other as they face such a painful anniversary. It was a good time. Jenny rented a jumphouse for the kids....it was PERFECT! She thinks of everything! She knew the kids would be bored if they didn't have something to entertain them and that the parents would have to leave early. She truly amazes me! After some delicious hamburgers, we joined Jenny and Andrew at Allie's tree. Jenny spoke (big surprise that Andrew kept quiet!). She thanked their families for their support during their rough year and a half. She thanked those who have come into their lives in the year since Allie left. Tears were flowing. But it was precious.....the strength and love there........