My Wish

I turned on the news this morning and heard confirmation that the remains of a child found in Florida last week was indeed that of missing toddler, Caylee Anthony. I haven't really been following the news related to her case, but each time I hear about it, I am sickened. I don't understand what could cause somebody to kill any child, let alone their own. Worst to me, is the fact that her mother felt so little remorse about what she had done that she could carry on with her life, as if nothing had happened. She went about her day to day activities, with no change. There are pictures of her partying, arrests for her passing bad checks, and report upon report of her going out and laughing with friends. How could she do these things as other people searched, hoping to find a child she knew to be dead. It's disgusting, heartbreaking, and why I am glad I do not always stay up to date with the current news.

I've been reading a book called "Notes Left Behind." It's the story of a 6 year old girl, Elena, who was diagnosed with brain cancer and lived only 135 days. In those days she accomplished more things then I could hope to in a lifetime! Her story is one of hope, told through the eyes of her parents. Knowing their child was terminal, they still remained calm. They didn't desperately seek a cure -- they sought peace, and spent the time they had left with their daughter, helping her achieve a lifetimes worth of dreams. Despite this book keeping me in constant tears, I haven't been able to put it down. To read a positive twist on something so bleak is refreshing. I've seen similar stories first hand over the last two years, none that have ended this happy. What a wonderful tribute on her parents part to Elena's life.

It seems strange to me that two situations, with virtually no connection, both sit equally on my mind. Two sets of strangers, at totally opposite ends of the parenting spectrum, have shaped my primary resolution for the coming year. I want to continue spending all of my time that I can with Gracie, but more then that I want to use that time to make sure she knows how special, and loved she is. Gracie means absolutely everything to me and despite longer work hours beginning this year, and more school then ever before, I want to make sure that she is not short changed. I know these next few months especially will be challanging, but I look foward to making more pink baked goods, and attending as many tea parties as Gracie hosts to make sure that she understands that she is what matters.