A VERY Special Birthday

Over the last few years, Paige has followed a little routine for her birthday.  Since I'm usually back at work, she enlists my husband to help bake and decorate her birthday cake.  One year they created a giant peace sign.  Last year's creation was a minion (from the Despicable Me movies).  The cakes always look--and taste--great, and Paige enjoys the extra time with her dad.

Today is August 11th--my girl's 14th birthday.  A bone density scan replaces cake baking this year.  The intense chemo Paige has received over the last four days means movies and board games at home while she recovers.  No birthday shopping or dinner out--and that is just fine with me.

She smiles for the future,
for she knows who holds her future.

You see, just seven months ago we received news that no parent ever wants to hear.  Your daughter has cancer.  With those few words, our world was changed forever.  Goals.  Priorities.  Everything.  Getting Paige healthy and well again--that was the new goal.  Praying and doing everything we could to make sure she would see many more birthdays--that was the new priority for our family.

This journey has had its ups and downs--that's for sure.  It is a long road to travel, but we are getting closer to finishing the tough stuff.  Completing IV chemo and getting into maintenance is a few months away, but I can already see a party in the planning!  Of course, Paige will probably insist on baking the cake--I don't doubt it for a second!

This year's birthday, while low-key due to Paige's treatments, is nonetheless a very special birthday.  My girl is here with me.  She is in remission and cancer-free.  I think those are pretty amazing gifts, wouldn't you say?

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!   2 Corinthians 9:15