Diagnosis Day

It's Joli's diagnosis anniversary, and we are celebrating the day she was diagnosed with cancer. Today was the day when we thought we were going into Boston for a "fun family day" and instead ended up hearing she had cancer. It's both a tough day for our family and also a wonderful celebration of life! For, had she not been diagnosed at this time, we can't even think of what would have happened. So, while it's a reflective day, it's also a day of celebration.

We celebrated life with a very fun filled weekend! Unfortunately, there aren't many pictures since our camera was busted (urgh!), but we have some great videos! We started Saturday with Jorge skydiving again -- this time, he didn't pass out! Go Jorge!

Saturday night was an amazing event -- Joli gave her very first speech. Wait, no, let me back up ... Joli actually WROTE and delivered her very first speech. I was all ready to give my usual "How cancer changed our lives" speech at the Lyrics for Life event, when Joli said, "Mommy, I'd like to do the speech this year." So, while everyone was napping, Joli grabbed the hotel pad of paper and sat on the edge of the bed. I fell asleep, and woke up to ask Joli how it was going. I admit, I expected jibberish.

Then, Joli started reading...

"Hello. My name is Joli and I am 6 years old.... when I was 2, I had cancer."

Oh. My. Gosh. Joli wrote 12 pages of her speech and actually got up on stage and delivered her speech. I was so surprised! She usually hides behind my back or grabs on to my legs while I'm up there speaking. But, this time she went up there with a lot of confidence! She was so thrilled!

Later, Ken Block of Sister Hazel came up and talked about Joli - her strength and her courage. It was awesome! Seeing Joli grow into this amazing little girl (and, doing something most adults are afraid to do -- public speaking!) was the thrill of my life!

On Sunday, we celebrated by driving up to Storyland and spending the day there. The girls went on the same 2 roller coasters all day! It was such a blast!

In our hotel room taking a nap


Joli after watching Daddy sky dive! It was h-o-t that day!

Jada - she disappeared, ordered her own ice cream, licked it, and said to me, "Mama, that lady forgot my sprinkles. I'm going to go back and tell her!" Jada, ever the assertive one...

Post-sky dive
Getting ready for the jump!


So, today is Diagnosis day. Tomorrow is her "Life Day!" Yes, there will be cake.. ;p




Of course, Jada wanted to do one too....