Father's Day 2011

This Father's Day was one we will all remember.  June 19th, 2011.  Father's Day and the day Lucy was admitted into St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for her first round of Chemotherapy.  We like to think of it as the day that Lucy started the next phase of total healing. 

(I love the way Lucy is posing here.  She had no idea what was about to happen to her in the next few hours.  So innocent, so sweet.  And if I look as if I have been crying, I have.  ALOT!)

Erik's family was with us the whole week before and we soaked up all the time with them that we could.  We love our cousins so much and they were a great distraction for Lucy.  On Father's Day we tried to stay focused on the positive and enjoy time with family and friends.  To be perfectly honest, though, it was a horrible day.  There was a cloud of gloom hanging over the house and I cried off and on (more on than off) all day.  Everytime I would look at Ella or pick up Jack I would start crying.  It was so hard to think about being absent from their lives for the next 4 months.

(Once again, crying all day)

We grilled hamburgers and spent time outdoors.  The ice cream truck even came through the neighborhood for the first time this summer. 

I can only imagine what Erik was feeling on his special day.  As a Dad I know he feels as if he is supposed to be able to be the hero in every situation.  Yet, he is completely helpless when it comes to Lucy's illness.  Nevertheless, he is the most wonderful dad and his children love him to pieces.  He IS their hero in every aspect.  As far as they are concerned, he does no wrong.  I love him so much and I am thankful that our relationship has only gotten stronger during this trying time.  I do think it is a testament to not only our marriage, but our friendship as well.  We were friends as we dated for 5 years before we got married and it is our friendship that keeps us going.  That and some undeserved blessings from God (patience, empathy, unconditional love).  I am honored that God chose me as Erik's wife and I the mother of his children even before we were born.  God's plan is truely perfect.  I love you Erik and happy belated Father's Day. 

During this time of Lucy's illness I have been keenly aware of the emotions that my parents and Erik's parents live with everyday.  Not only are they grieving the illness of their granddaugther but they are also having to watch helplessly as their own daugther and son suffer and experience indescribable heartache.  This whole experience has solidified my belief that you will never, ever grow too old to want to take care of your children.  I just want to say thank you to both of our fathers for being solid rocks during this whole experience.  I have seen my dad and Erik's dad show such raw emotion that at times my heart breaks for them!  Our moms have obviously been the same way.  Thank you Pops and Grandpa for being wonderful grandfathers and fathers.  Erik and I feel so blessed to be yours!

Here are some more pictures from Father's Day.....

My baby brother and Jack

Lucy and her Grandpa

Lucy and her Pops