When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind. -Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind 

Abraham was excited to go to school today because he gets to be the stop watch keeper in PE. Never a complaint materializes about his legs or his balance or his inability to participate in a scooter relay race. He’d rather focus on the positive.

One Year Ago Today, only two rows remained on his proton treatment chart. This photo illustrates how in his seven years, Abram had already left bits of his childhood behind to battle for his health. His chart stickers say sweet little boy, but his eyes say wise old man. 

Responsibilities make adulthood harsh. Still, the need to plan for tomorrow is legitimate; otherwise, we could end up homeless, hungry and desperate. What is sometimes forgotten is that unless we ARE homeless or hungry or desperate, there are plenty of joys surrounding us: our home, a good meal, laughter…

If we confuse a loss of innocence with a loss of worth we make a self-deprecating error. We mistake what we went through for who we are.  In reality, living through harsh times doesn’t make our lives ugly or inferior – it makes them gutsy and purposeful.

Peace, hope, and strength…