Sisters

I love this picture.  On this particular day, we were spending some time as a family at a park around her.  Vasona Park.  It was a beautiful day.  I think, actually, we were there celebrating Marcus' birthday.  The picture is now a year old, but my feelings are still fresh.

When Callie entered our lives, I knew she had a special connection with Samantha.  I felt that before we even met her.  Over the next few months, I'd notice patterns.  Callie seemed to sense certain things about Samantha that we couldn't.  In the evening, Callie would get super fussy about an hour before Sammy would have a seizure.  I didn't recognize it at first.  It was my mom who pointed it out to me, and then, sure enough, I saw the pattern.  Callie has always been proud of Sammy.  She has gone through phases of being annoyed with her (which I consider healthy), but she is one of Sammy's biggest cheerleaders.  She enjoys helping her in any way she can.  She shares with her.  She hugs her, carries her (yikes!), and kisses her.  I frequently here Callie say, "Aw Sammy.  You have such a cute little head."  In the past, when Sammy would cry more often, Callie would try to calm her by saying, "It's ok Sammy.  It'll be ok.  I'm here.  There you go."  She has always taken a motherly, or rather...a protective role when it comes to Samantha.  Though Sammy adores Callie, she most likely takes for granted how important Callie is to her.  One day she'll know.

Early on, Samantha did not like Callie.  It wasn't anything against Callie, it was the fact that there was a new baby in her mommy's arms (which I also consider healthy).  But over time, she has grown a tight bond with her big little sister.  She adores Callie.  I think it's among the few words she says, in fact.  Callie is her playmate, sister, and friend.  She gets excited to see Callie which is clearly evident as her face lights up and her squeals and laughter are heard.  And Callie loves Sammy so much, partly, because she knows how much Sammy loves her.

Pictures can only show so much.  But occasionally, when it's a really great picture, it really does say so much more than words can.  It doesn't have to be a professional picture, just a picture that touches your heart.  This is one of them for me.  In my eyes, this accurately represents their relationship.  Sammy playfully is looking off, distracted by something ~ while Callie holds her head up higher, eyes wider, looking around, watchful.  Callie sits in front.  A leader.  Sammy, full of trust and submission, gratefully and cheerfully sits behind.  Both of them are happy, though Callie's face shows her self-appointed sense of duty.

I love these girls, and I love this picture.    

Favorite

While we were in Michigan, we had some family pictures done...and this picture just melts my heart.  I think it's my favorite of the entire day.

When You Know Her

Recently, I've read two articles in two different newspapers, written by two very different people...about Samantha. 

The first article was written by a local journalist who writes for the local paper here.  Her articles are picked up and published in the San Jose Mercury News.  She's been a writer for a long time.  Though I didn't know her personally, my experience with her was very pleasant.  I was touched by her kindness and sincerity.  As I've posted earlier, her article can be found here. 

Then, just a few days later, a second article was published in The Eleight -- Leigh High School's newspaper.  This article was written by a senior who writes a column about her senior experience.  I don't know how long she's been writing, but she's talented and has a bright future.  I happen to know this journalist personally, and my experience with her is always pleasant.  I am constantly touched by her kindness and sincerity.  She goes above and beyond what others would think of as "nice," "generous," "thoughtful."  She takes after her parents that way...they're an awesome and poweful force...this incredible family.  Her article can be found here, and it's worth a read. 

There are some similarities in these 2 articles:
* The subject: Samantha
* The plug: Sweatin' for Sammy 5k
* Some back history

However, as nice as both the articles were, Ms. Sydney Black's was just so touching to me.  Why?  How is it that a senior in high school could evoke such emotion from me?  Naturally, I was touched that this person I knew had such strong feelings about Samantha...but that's just it.  Sydney knows Samantha.  She plays with her.  She helps me with therapy.  She holds her and comforts her.  She sees her every Sunday and throughout the week.  She's part Black, part Green. 

And it's made me think: what happens when we get to know people?  For me, I become more invested -- especially if I like ya -- and more attached.  I feel more deeply.  An article about a situation/story/or little girl can be touching.  But when it's written by someone who knows her...when you know her...it's just so much different.  And...that's made me think.  Don't we all have someone in our lives that we just wish people would take the time to know?  We think when you get to know her...if you'd just take the time to know him like I do...you'd see.  You'll fall madly in love with my little girl when you know her.

Anyway...just some thoughts swirling around the 'ole noggin tonight.  I'm feeling very grateful for my friends, and for strangers, who already are falling in love with Samantha...and I sincerely hope that they'll all get to know her on a different level one day.  Possible?  Probably not.  But a mom can still hope.

My Girl

I'm grateful for days at the park, for days when we're together as a family, for days when you are smiley and happy.  I love those days.  And I love you.  You'll always be my little girl. 

Sweet Moment with Samantha

I've been looking for this picture for a long time now. I haven't been able to find it. This was taken a few years back. Just days before Samantha had her craniosynostosis surgery, our friend, Jeff Allen, took some family pictures for us. He's a fabulous photographer and you can see some of his work here. (Plus he has an awesome wife.) He got a good family picture for us, but this was my favorite picture of the entire day. I am so self-conscious that it's hard to get a picture of me in the moment. I'm always so worried about my big nose or uneven smile...(I know I know...I need to work on that...blah blah blah...be confident...blah blah blah). So, because it's not-so-easy to get an in-the-moment shot, there was just something about this picture that is so precious to me. It is that instant...that sweet moment with Samantha...when I'm just talking to her and being her mom...protecting her from the cool March air. I love this picture.

Jeff, I'll always love you for capturing this moment for me. Thanks.

Thru the Tulips

I was asked to share our story on Thru the Tulips. Feel free to check it out.


Also, this month my friend, Maren, has invited several friends to share "How They Do It?" How they survive their various trials. She extended the invitation about a month ago, giving time for them to think and properly write down their thoughts. They all have been so touching to read. If you have time, it's worth going over to read these inspirational stories by such amazing and strong, faithful, incredible women. I feel like I've been made better by just reading their stories. It's worth the time.

Beautiful

Samantha,

You are beautiful. Sometimes I'm able to catch you in a moment and see how stunning you are. Your lips are a bright rosy red that really make it look like I apply lipstick to you hourly! But they are gorgeous. Your skin has beautiful coloring that becomes deeper shades of golden brown as the summer progresses. You tan just like your Great-Grandma Boal. Your hair is a unique honey brown that lightens up blond with silver highlights. After your surgery, when your hair began to grow back in, the geneticist said she had never seen hair that color -- so silvery blond. During the winter months, your hair is a soft honey color and people regularly stop me to tell me how much they love your hair. I've had a few people, in jest -- I hope, say they wanted a hair sample to take to the salon. Your blue eyes are magical -- they're piercing. People stop me all the time to comment on your eyes. They are striking and gorgeous. Part of it is that your eyes really are a beautiful shade of blue, but it's also that your eyes tell us the things you can't say. Through them, family, friends, and strangers can all see that you are so much more than the palsy, the cramped muscles, and the smaller head. You are determined to succeed. You are secure with yourself and those you love. You are fun and love to laugh. You have a sense of humor and look for joy in life. You are compassionate towards those who care for you -- understanding that we're all in this together and sometimes it's not so easy.

You are amazing. I love you so much. You are an angel.
Mommy

19 Months

Samantha dear,

I found these old pictures of you on Grandpa's computer. These are from 2.5 years ago when Callie came home. You were only 19 months, and so so darling.

I love you baby girl. Thanks for being a good girl for me today when we went to Walmart. And wahoo! We found shoes for you that will fit over your braces...who would have thought that $5.00 shoes from Walmart would be the best fit so far?

Love you to pieces,
Mommy

Flowers in Her Hair

Look at that crazy whispy hair! During breakfast, Callie brought you a flower, just because she loves you.