January 15, 2009
Here is the latest picture of Noah! He is preparing for round 4 of Chemo.
December 3, 2008
November 29,2008
I can't believe that November is almost over. Time is just flying by. The past 3 weeks have been a whirlwind in our family. We have received very upsetting news about my nephew, Noah Smith. He is my twin brother's only son, who is 4 years old. Noah was diagnosed with Satge IV Neuroblastoma 3 weeks ago. This is a very rare form of cancer found in children. The common symptoms mimic a cold, resulting in a high number of cases that go undetected until the cancer has progressed, and spread throughout the body, as is the case with Noah. Here is a website we have built in order to keep everyone updated on Noah's condition. Please feel free to sign the guest book for them to see. We would ask for your prayers during this most difficult time.
~Sincerely,
Carri
October 27,2008
October 23, 2008 marked the one year anniversary that our dear Madison went to live with Jesus. It's so hard to believe, time has flown by so fast. It's crazy to think about it. We only had 757 precious days with our daughter. (I'm like my dad, I did the math) I mean, can you even imagine? Wally and I actually discussed this on last Thursday... would we have done anything differently if we knew we would only have that short amount of time with Maddie? I mean, I wish she had gotten her nails painted, she would have loved that. I wish she would have been able to get her ears pierced...she would have loved that too...she was such a girly girl. But when we really thought about it, we are just so glad that we have no real regrets. We never missed an opportunity to tell Maddie how much we loved her. Her bothers both adored her, and she knew it! There is not a doubt in our minds that Maddie knew she was our precious angel.
Everyday though is a stuggle for us. Especially her birthday that just passed on September 26th...she would have been three, and then the anniversary of her death, or her "Heaven Day". Oh, for the most part I think we hide it well, but it is a daily decision to get up, get dressed and get to work. It would be so easy for us to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves, but the thing is, we have a responsibility... to God, to each other, to our children who are still with us here on earth, and to EVERY parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend etc... to get the message out about Furniture Safety. I'm amazed every time I hear a story about someone, who told someone, or is who is a friend of someone, who has heard Maddie's story, AND has strapped their furniture. That is the most important part, the strapping the furniture part. Everyone thinks this story is a sad one, but not everyone thinks it is important enough to do something about it. So when I hear that another family strapped their furniture, I can't help but think that Maddie's Message is working, and I'm so glad! It's very dangerous to think, "This won't ever happen to us" It can. Please learn from our mistake!
Wally, the kids and I would like to thank all of our friends and family for their unwavering support during these past twelve months. We couldn't have made it through without each of you! We are truly blessed to have you all in our lives!
We Love You,
Carri, Wally, Tyler, Alex and Ellie Grace
October 23, 2008
Please see the most amazing poem written for me by my niece, Isabella, in remembrance of Maddie on her 1st Heaven Day.
It Seems Just Yesterday
A year means many different things to different people.
A year can mean another birthday come and gone, holidays passed, new beginnings, even endings.
But a year for us marks a year of remembrance, remembering our Maddie.
One year has passed much too fast.
It seems just yesterday I fought Taylor to awaken Maddie from her precious dreams.
It seems just yesterday we swam in the pool together.
It seems just yesterday, so how can it be a year?
It seems just yesterday because I have kept my memories close to me everyday.
They will never fade away.
It seems just yesterday I held her close, but really it was just yesterday a little white butterfly crossed my path sparking every memory I have.
Yes it’s been a year of tears, memories, and the smiles that follow them.
It’s been a year, but it seems just yesterday.
In loving, sweet memory of Madison Daley Funk, our Maddie.