This weekend we have our niece and nephew while their mom and dad participate in the 90 miler in the Adirondacks.  This morning I woke up to three little voices talking and laughing in the bedroom while drinking my coffee in the living room.  I immediately smiled and had a feeling of happiness.  I loved hearing that, but also realized how much I missed Gracie at that moment.  I wish I could hear that every morning or at some point during the day between her and her brother, between her and her cousins, between me and Gracie.  Childhood cancer stole these moments from our family.  So today in honor of all the children who have fought their battle and in honor of all the children that continue to fight their battle take some time today to really enjoy and treasure a special moment with your child.  If they are crying, whining, bored, fighting remember that this is part of childhood and there are some parents who would do anything to see or hear this again.  Heck, it’s taken me about 3 hours to write this little paragraph as the little ones in the house need me to make breakfast, ask a question, break up a fight, control a meltdown, change a diaper, play or just give a little hug- and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Be AWARE and take ACTION!!!