I've been holding onto this set of pictures for some time now. I have have written and rewritten the words a dozen times, trying to find the right thing to say to get to the core of this story. You see, being close to a story gives you a different perspective; it makes you see details differently. It has you looking deeper, which can be both a difficult and beautiful thing.
On the surface, it is easy to see that this story is about love and support. It is clear that a community came together and that good times were all around. The finer details are more hidden gems. Hidden gems of the soft and quiet ways those people come together to love. Over two and half years ago, at the age of 7, our friends' daughter Keira was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. While I hate everything about that sentence and what it has meant for their entire family, I am forever thankful God brought this family and little girl into our lives. Our lives have changed in amazing ways because of them. After growing close to them over the last few years, we have seen that families facing cancer have an intense and incredible strength - because quite honestly, they don't have any other choice. And through a simply awful time, there comes an outpouring of love and support - from family, friends, the community, and even complete strangers who all become a vital part of the journey.
A few months ago, our community came together in the name of that love. Our local O'Charley's partnered with the family to hold a pancake breakfast, where our fire department and the family's awesome friends with The 501st Legion came along for support. It was all the most amazing thing and I loved every minute of it. Words seem to not be what this story is needing, so I will just let the pictures speak for themselves. If you'd like to know more about Keira's journey and keep up to date with her story, you can follow it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keirastrong/. I hope you enjoy.
Until next time,