It Takes A Village

This Sunday morning I'm at Seattle Children's Hospital thinking about my 15 year old Morgan who's in Salt Lake City. I can't imagine what it must be like for her to have me and Ashtyn gone again fighting cancer. Ashtyn used to drive Morgan to and from school. Their class schedules were arranged so that they could drive home together for lunch to have that daily break from school. Morgan is without her best friend and sister as well as her mom who has always been there for the comings and goings. Each time cancer is in the drivers seat, Morgan never mentions how it affects her but rather puts all the attention and concern onto Ashtyn. I've mentioned before, when one door closes another one always opens. I feel like not having me and Ashtyn around is a door closed on Morgan but I'm grateful for one particular door that has been opened, Utah Xtreme Cheer. You don't have to understand the ins and outs of cheer to understand the concept of family. UXC is family. While dealing with a unpredictable cancer life, Morgan has a predictable cheer family to fall back on where she feels a lot of joy. Yesterday was her last competition of the season. I was super disappointed I couldn't be there for her but very grateful she was surrounded by family. Her coach said this about the season ending. "I will ALWAYS remember this season. I will remember it not because we won everything (because we didn’t), but because of the bonds that have been made with the athletes, parents, coaches, and friends that collectively I call The UXC Family! Having a part in turning young kids into responsible young adults is priceless." I'm grateful family extends beyond blood and that I'm not alone in mentoring my kids. It really does take a village. I'm grateful for everyone who is there for Morgan, Ethan, Chandler, and Ashtyn in many different ways. Thank you for being a part of the village.