November 5, 2015
My Jessie Journal:: Hi Sweet Pea…It’s daddy. I can’t believe it’s been 46 months since I last held you…kissed you…and told you I loved you. I hate cancer so much…it takes kids from their families and leaves a continuous tidal wave of pain smashing at their hearts, minds and souls with little time to breathe. Just this week I’ve talked with three families that have kids fighting. They all were scared and wishing I could throw them a life preserver that would take all of their pain away and return them to “normalcy”. I so wish I had that power but I don’t and I can do is listen, encourage and pray for them.
I will see many more families this weekend at Relentless Detroit. It’s an amazing event that unites world class power lifters to compete for courageous families. These athletes are incredibly powerful and they lift massive amounts of weights to set world records and raise money for families. It’s the coolest thing ever. You would love it Jess. I will get to share your story with everyone and also encourage families to NEGU. It’s such a honor to be part of Relentless. I love that word…reminds me so much of you and every courageous kid fighting…you are all relentless! I love this picture of you holding that NEGU sign you made at the Saturday Market.
I will also spend some time with families that have kids with you…that is always the hardest…it’s crazy how we can just look at each other and communicate without words…we just “get” it and understand the depths of pain. Last year when I was there I met one of the sweetest girls that is now with you…I can’t wait to give her parents hugs. I know my words won’t takeaway their pain…but I hope for a moment I can soften the edges. I believe with all my heart that pain in live is inevitable…but misery is optional. I live with a forever lasting pain in my soul but I have to choose (like you) to be better instead of bitter. Bitterness leads to misery and I don’t want to live that way…if I did then I would never experience JOY in my life. I want JOY in my life so I can share it with others!
Well it’s time to board my flight sweet pea…I’ll soon be 30,000 feet closer to you! I fly through Denver so I will go to gate B 23 and think about the time I heard you had cancer…it’s a painful place but it’s a place that I feel you.
xoxo
daddy
