As I was loading up photos from a recent morning I spent with this little trooper, I reflected.  I was there to try to document a TINY little sliver of his story.  And in my visit, I learned what it can be like for mommies and daddies (and caregivers) who’s little ones are fighting BIG battles.

A few of my observations from that morning:

• Goal – keep busy toddler who’s just figure out HOW to walk, how NOT to trip on the countless cords he’s attached to.
• Goal – occupy busy little fingers so they don’t accidentally pull at necessary medical equipment.
• CELEBRATE – when one of those cords becomes unnecessary and removed.
• Goal – Divert attention from next procedure onto something, anything else… At one point Grandma used a little toy dump truck to serve him some muffin – BRILLIANT!
• Truth – Wearing grooves into the floors when taking walks around the unit (when he’s well enough to leave his room)
• Truth – Lives intertwining through the pains, celebrations and togetherness.

These are a couple of MY observations.  Mama just said… ‘I am so grateful to be his mama’.  Everything in love.

Things I noticed that morning and wouldn’t have thought about otherwise.  Things that have become a ‘normal’ for this family.  Being a parent can be a hard job… I want to acknowledge, appreciate and send so much love to all the big heroes taking care of the little heroes.  This little guy is one adorably TOUGH cookie, and he is one lucky little dude to have landed in his perfect place.  And I feel so very blessed to know him and his awesome family.

**Here’s to the hope that these photos are the ONLY memory he has of this part of his story. #suckitcancer #gogold #gogoldinseptember #childhoodcancerawareness