Onward and Upward....

 

Wednesday Februray 8, 2012 was a day to celebrate and with help from many, we did just that.  It's hard to tell it all with words, or even with pictures as so much was communicated within hearts, but I will try.  

 The day started with Emma's whole school gathering on the front lawn to cheer her on and wave her goodbye with hugs and tears and smiling kids.

 Walking toward the hospital for what seems like the thousandth time...familiar yet uncomfortable territory. 

Waiting in the lobby for her Electrocardiogram....chemo can affect the heart....

Finally our turn

 After a short break and some lunch....we now wait again at the clinic.

 The position I was in this whole year....by her side, unable to take on the treatment myself....trying to comfort her and help her to be strong.

 Last run....

 Proud of her photo....joining the ranks of other warriors in the battle.

 A surprise limo ride home from the hospital....she couldn't believe it was for her. When we arrived home, the kids all wanted to see inside and sit in the seats....they were so happy for her and celebrated right along with Emma.

 Some welcome signs for her arrival home

 The balloon surprise....it was so awesome!  

 She read some of the notes right away....the words mean so much to her.

 Soaking it in

 That's a whole lot of love and a year's worth of fighting hard represented in those balloons!

 Letting it go

 Celebration cupcakes made by Emma Kait's namesake....Kaitlin

 Reading the words

Look hard....up in that clear blue sky....can you see?  God is here, taking the burden from us as He has this entire journey.  Those are balloons that represent so much.....

 And when we walked back into our house, after all our extended family left for the evening....this was my reminder.  WE HAVE HOPE!  

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness."

Jeremiah 31:3

-Rebecca