My Jessie journal…. Hi Sweat Pea…it’s daddy! I love you so much!!! I hope you had an amazing 4th of July. The fireworks in Heaven must be incredible. I love this picture of us back in 2011. Your tumor was stable…your were feeling ok…and for a moment mommy and I could sleep a little. I miss you so much!!!
I’m writing from my hotel room in Oregon. I have been at the Elite 11 event at Nike world headquarters. This is where we bring courageous kids out to meet some of the very best high school football players in the nation. This was our 4th year. It was so fun but so hard at the same time. The hardest part was talking to the athletes about you. I love sharing your story as much as I can but these kids were all your age. They are all going to be starting their senior year in high school. I thought to myself…one of these boys could be dating you=). That was crazy to think about. You would be starting your senior year too this fall and enjoying all of the wonderful things about finishing high school. Cancer just sucks!
I also got to meet Avery Strong’s daddy. She joined you a few months ago from DIPG. I was so honored to meet him but it just sucks being in this club that no one wants to join. I totally get it…just hard to see other parents walking around too with a soul that screams from pain but no one can hear it. Please make sure you give Avery a big hug from her daddy. I also met a family that has a little girl with DIPG but she has been able to kick it’s butt for over three years. It’s so amazing! One little boy was going to come but his doctors told his mommy he is going to be joining you soon. Once again…cancer sucks!!!
The fun part of Elite 11 this year was seeing all of the courageous kids smile, laugh and have fun. Two were in wheelchairs but that didn’t stop them…they participated in all of the drills and just had a blast. As I told the athletes…for the next hour these kids won’t think about having cancer and that is a great thing.
The best part of Elite 11 was people asking… “Are you Jessie’s dad?” It just lifts my heart when people know about you….your story…your JoyJars and your NEGU message. I will always LOVE being your daddy!
I miss you so much…love you tons more…see you in a wink! I promise!
xoxo
daddy
