The good in a brain tumor

Two years ago I never imagined I would be sitting her telling you that in many ways Emma's brain tumor was the best thing that ever happened to our family I would laugh and call you crazy. (I probably would have added one or two words in there but I wont put them here, in a family friendly blog.

Anyway our lives have been so enriched and touched and are just better because of what we have had to struggle through in the past few years. Sure monetarily life probably isn't better, I was going to go back to work 2 years ago, and again this fall when we were told we were back in chemo. But we have met so many wonderful people and have learned how truly amazing people are.

Last year we came up with over 100 people that we never would have met if Emma did have the brain tumor, and countless things we got to experience. I want to touch on just a few of the things that we experienced since that fateful day in 2007.

One of the things from that first year that stands out in my mind is the Kim Pope Memorial Ride. It is a Harley Ride that is done yearly for a child suffering from a brain tumor. It was a really fun day with Emma and I riding in the side car, in front of a mile of bikes. I still get chocked up picturing that line of bikes behind us. Through this ride we met some amazing people who are very giving and we still see/talk to them today. I don't think any of us could ever truly put into words what their friendship means.

This past summer we got to go on a Make A Wish trip. It too was truly an amazing experience that will get an entry all of its own. Let me just say We can never go back to Disney again because as Jim says "MAW ruined Disney for us" (this is because they took such wonderful care of us and we didn't have to wait in line and...lots of special care)

Our most recent on occurred this week. Some one a while ago mentioned this organization to me called "Friends of Jaclyn" It is an organization where they pair up sports teams with kids who are suffering from brain tumors. Well I had been contemplating signing Emma up for a long time and last week decided just to do it. Well they already found someone for Em, as a matter of fact the team was 'waiting' for her to sign u.(well not her but someone) We are so excited about this and cant wait to meet with the girls in a few week.

Allie's blanket project is another great thing that came out of all of this. It is growing by leaps and bounds, we are getting all kinds of people who are wanting to help. She is showing a strength in talking about it to her teachers and peers. In this she is teaching all kinds of kids that kids get sick and the joy in trying to make them feel better.

I would be lying if I said I was glad she got this Tumor but yet when I think of all the people we met and things we have done because of it and how much better our lives are I can tell you there is good in brain tumors.