S. E. Library Christi Thomas Family Night

Shayla with a phenomenal children's librarian - Barb!!
Barb asked me to bring a photo of Christi which she placed on an easel to the magician's right side. She publically thanked us for making the evening's event happen and she fought back tears explaining that it is hard to believe it's been two years. We agree. Sometimes it seems like yesterday she was sitting beside us giggling. Other times, our heartache is so great it seems like it's been many lifetimes since we've held her in our arms, packed her lunch, told her to put her clothes IN the laundry basket and read books with her. As I ran into a friend tonight at the grocery store (a friend with a mother who has been given about six months left to live), she told me that this life time is so short and that in God's Kingdom our time together will go on forever. My prayers are with Stephanie and her family. That's what keeps me going!

Last night's magic program of the "Christi Thomas Summer Reading Closing Night" was wonderful. The magician did a fabulous job - incorporating books and tricks. There were an amazing 75 children who signed in for the small library's program! Amazing! Shayne whispered to me at one point, "Christi would have loved this!" I responded, "As a 9 year old, definitely. I'm not certain about now, as an 11 year old." We would like to continue to help the library's summer reading program again next year. Christi was all about reading!

Happy "Angel" Birthday to Manny, sweet Olivia's older brother. Manny, a victim of childhood cancer, would have been 28 today. He died at the age of 14 in NYC. As Olivia shared with me: 14 years here, 14 years there. So sad! I pray Stephanie's words to me today are true and that eternal life is waiting for us on the other side when we can be rejoined and rejoice with our loved ones!