What a week!

Dearest Maddie,
What a week! Last weekend you and Josie had a sleepover with Grandpa and me, we had fun! We played, cuddled, sang, oh the things we did! You and Josie had a blast playing with the boats, ducks, and other toys in the bathtub!

Tuesday was a rough day, there was a serious mishap at the clinic causing you to be admitted to the hospital last night. This has been very scary, Daddy and Mommy will tell you about this another time.

Wednesday was your 10 month old birthday, how did you get so old? Before you know it we'll be celebrating your 1st Birthday! Start thinking about what you'd like for your birthday. Here's a tip, you've got everyone wrapped around your little pinkie, so think BIG! Most 1 year olds get blocks, books, toys, etc. I peg you as a hi-tech girl, given how you like to play and chew on my iPhone. What about an iPad Touch? Talk with Uncle Joey about this, don't forget to ask him about your pony!

On to the fun...cuddling, playing, laughing, tickling, eating, these are things we love to do. On Thursday, I introduced you to macaroni and cheese. You inspected and tested the texture by squishing macaroni between your fingers. It seemed to meet your approval since you ate a few bites. I admired your grace as you conducted the taste test, no big messes, obviously a sign of your intelligence and highly developed skills.

After the macaroni and cheese, you tasted my special apple juice cocktail brew - apple juice diluted with water. You loved it and guzzled a few bottles Thursday afternoon, this was good news since you need to watch your potassium intake. Imagine that, not even a year old and watching your potassium! You and Stephen, or as Josie calls him "Stevie", had a nice visit. He gently kissed you as you sat on your Mom's lap, of course there was a photo op, you have lots of them, not surprising, after all, you are quite beautiful! Now that you were done with the food inspection and photo op, you were on to other important tasks. Once again, you explored the family room, carefully rearranging the DVDs and books. You were mesmerized by the spinning fan blades, smitten by the sound of music, and content to cuddle.

Your appreciation of God's healing grace was evident as you instinctively dipped your finger into the bottle of Holy Water from Lourdes. You exhibited unparalleled spirituality and reverence as you dipped your finger into the Holy Water and as once more, I taught you to Bless yourself. Lots of miracles are attributed to Our Lady of Lourdes and the Holy Water from that shrine. Expect a miracle, Maddie!

My heart soars with each snuggle, Eskimo kiss, and of course, our sleepover. God blesses me enormously. As I witness your grace and determination, I see the miracle of life and am simultaneously reminded how fragile life is. I am indebted to HIM for the gift of you, for your example, and your fight to beat this cancer. I'm thrilled that Josie, you, Grandpa, and I had fun last weekend. Many more blessings and lots of fun is in store for you! So, get well soon so we can get on with the fun! You've got lots of family and friends eager to be with you, play with you, each of whom Praise God for you!

This week's emotions spanned the spectrum from fun, excruciating pain, terror, and disbelief. God is at the center of it all...despite all you endured. HE is constant. We praise HIM for blessings and beg HIM to heal you and relieve your suffering. Family and friends are on our knees praying for your healing and giving thanks for the gift you are.

I love you, precious Madeline!