Before and After Shots

Family Photos

Of course I can't post new family pictures without including one of Christi. Therefore, I'm posting this one taken in Washington DC after the Egg Roll at the White House, April 2004. Photo by "Flashes of Hope" - providing free photos to families of children with cancer, what a blessing!

Shayla's braces go on this week; therefore, we decided to have our famiy photos taken. We hired one of my awesome former colleagues - Lisa Rombach. It's always hard to do "family" things knowing one of us is not here, but Lisa made it very easy on us! I taught beside or across the hall from Lisa for 15 years. She was Christi's first grade teacher (for ten days) then Christi was diagnosed with cancer and Lisa so kindly came to our home to tutor Christi until we packed up and moved to NYC. Lisa was also Shayla's first grade teacher during that last, terribly rough, year of Christi's life.
I'm so sorry to have dumped on Lisa like we did time and time again during Christi's battle, but she is absolutely amazing and we're thrilled she's now a photographer too!
If you're looking for a wonderful, efficient, organized and inexpensive photographer (and a wonderful person) check out Lisa Rombach photography. You won't be disappointed! (LINK ABOVE IN RED)

Olivia's 5th Christi Thomas Run

That amazing Olivia was at it again! Despite her own challenges, she was out there running to raise money for Kids Cancer Crusade today and we are so grateful to have a beautiful friend. THANKS, Olivia!

She wrote:

Dear Friends,

Today was the 5th Annual Christi Thomas Memorial Run. I can't say I did as well as I would like-- the severe humidity and my nagging back injury-- made that a little difficult, but with your incredibly generous help, I was able to raise $1,145 to date for Kids Cancer Crusade in honor of the ever amazing Christi Thomas. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Because of you, KCC can continue to send care packages to children with cancer, support their families, hold events for the children and their families to come together and just have fun, honor the many children that have lost their battles, and raise awareness for this important cause. Because of you, we can continue to honor Christi's legacy.

Thank you.

Love & hugs,
Olivia

PS- There is still plenty of time to donate, if you would like: http://www.active.com/donate/christirun2011

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you so very, very much kind and thoughtful bloggers! We made it through the day. The morning was very, very rough. After Shayla went to school, I went to church and then to a coffee shop where I walked in with tears gushing. The poor guy at the counter must have thought something terrible just happened, but I said, "I'm ok. My daughter died 5 years ago today at 9:00 and I just walked over from church." It was about 9:30. He kindly asked for my name so he could pray for me. How sweet! Once again Christi's journey had reiterated my belief that God's people are good and really come through during hardships!

Shayne met me at the coffee shop where we stood, clung to each other and cried and cried, then we picked up Shayla and took her to her first appointment for braces which will go on next week. Shayne and I went to Sandusky for lunch at a restaurant we had not been to for about 20 years (Margaritaville) and then we did some shopping at the mall. That was totally out of character for us, but that's what we wanted to do - something we would not normally do, something that would not remind us of Christi. (The long walk on a new bike trail was out of the picture due to the poor weather and very dreary day.) Besides, our hearts were already breaking that quiet walk made have been too hard. In the evening we attended Shayla's school's Open House and had a wonderful time talking with all of her amazing teachers. We are so lucky to have her alive!

I think it's because Chrsiti was so loved it hurts so much. We wish we could hold her in our arms and hear her little giggle one more time. Thanks for caring, sweet bloggers! I will soon attach a picture of Shayla with her braces; it's hard to believe Christi's little sister is 12 years old and looking so grown up!

My deepest thanks to my sister and the Grants for the gorgeous yellow floral arrangements that were sent. They are lovely - thank you!

The Many Beautiful Faces of Christi Thomas (1997-2006)

Please keep watching over us Angel Christi, as so many watched over you! We miss you more today, on the 5th anniversary of your death, than ever!

All our love, Mom, Dad and Shayla

Christi's 5th Angelversary

The day we've been dreading (the 5th anniversary of Christi's death) will be here tomorrow. Shayla will have a morning appointment to be fitted for braces. Shayne and I will do something, but we've yet to decide what we will do. I don't want to go to the cemetery; it's so hard and I know she's not there but in a much better place. We miss her terribly!
I was thrilled when Shayne's cousin sent me these two pictures a few weeks ago. I'd not seen them before, but I remember that family event. She told me Christi was not feeling well that day and I can now see that in these pictures.
Be well, Christi and FLY until we are together again!

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is always a tough one for us: childhood cancer awareness month (oh yes, we're aware!), diagnosis (9/11/02), death (9/19/06). My deepest thanks to the amazing Jennifer for creating this awesome photo and for sharing it with me. Thanks! I absolutely love it (and miss that beautiful girl so much)! THANKS!