Saturday, June 18, 2011

A Wish Come True

This isn't the post I meant to write today. It's better. In fact, it's probably the happiest update I've ever had the pleasure of writing.

If you've been reading Life With Bellymonster for awhile, you might remember how hard it was for me when Matthew started Junior Kindergarten in the Fall of 2009.

Matthew was so tiny and so lost until an older boy took him under his wing. That boy was William, Sweet William and I will always hold a special place in my heart - and our home - for him. With his quiet grin and smiling eyes, the then 6-year-old boy was the sweetest part of a bittersweet time.

A short while later, I discovered that the little girl I called "Pinky"(because I only ever saw her in pink on the schoolyard) was actually William, Sweet William's sister.

Her name was Isabelle. She was 8. And she had cancer.

In the two years since, I've befriended William and Isabelle's mum, Erin. I don't see her as much as I'd like to, but am always pleased when I do. We sort of burst into each other's homes/lives every few months and spend two or three hours laughing or crying as we catch up.

Sometimes, we do both.

In any case, Erin is an amazing woman and I am deeply honoured to call her my friend. She is funny as hell, cheerful even when frazzled and calls it like she sees it. I admire her strength, am in awe of her grit and truly believe that God chose the perfect mother for Isabelle and William. She is their doctor, their nurse, their best friend and a fierce advocate on their behalf.

For her - for all of them - I am ecstatic to pass along some amazing news:
Isabelle is now officially cancer-free and today The Make-a-Wish folks were waiting for the Lemke Family after school, with Isabelle's wish hidden behind a tarp.

Her wish for a camper trailer had come true.

And the tarp?

Was pink.

And you? What's your wish come true?

12 comments:

  1. Awww...such a fabulous story to read. God bless the Lemke family. I can't even imagine being in their shoes during her cancer diagnosis, treatment, etc. I remember reading about William and his sister in earlier entries. Thank you for sharing this wonderful update!!

    My wish is for my Sean. <3

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  2. It is entirely my pleasure to share their story. It really puts life - and all of its stuff - into perspective, doesn't it?

    xo

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  3. I am so happy for you, for her. She is most likely honored to call you a friend, as well.

    Brena

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  4. I don't know if she's as much honoured as "stuck" but I do make her laugh, so...

    Thanks for the happy, Bren. And for popping by!

    xo

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  5. LOVE THIS! I have tears of joy in my eyes. I have a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age 2. That girl is cancer free and she is almost 11! Every day is a gift and these miracle children remind me of that.

    Congrats to them! God bless. :)

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  6. Love this post! So happy for the family. With all the bad stuff we are bombarded with daily it is nice to see that sometimes good things can and do happen!

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  7. I love that you all love this story as much as I do. It reaffirms my belief in miracles.

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  8. I began to feel oddly uncomfortable reading all these wonderfully nice things about myself and children BUT that is what makes you SO AWESOME!! You do a great job making other people feel good and I am TRULY HONOURED to be YOUR friend!!! And yes you make me laugh but I laugh with you not at you!! LOL You are great Liz and God does work in mysterious ways and has brought us together and that I will always be grateful for!!
    Erin

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  9. Ah, yes: uncomfortable with my oversharing and laughter. The foundation of a wonderful friendship! LOL!

    That God. He's so wise.

    xo

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