Milestones

A few years ago, when I was very sick I remember having a particularly rough day. I was talking with my sister, expressing to her my deepest and darkest fears... I was so unsure about the future and If I was going to make it. She said something that has stuck with me the last five years. "Sarah, just picture Ella at her first birthday, then her big 5 year old party, and how happy you will be to celebrate her life. Think of when she turns 8 and Andy will baptize her. Picture her 16th birthday and getting her ready for her first date. Picture her getting married, and being there with her. Picture her having her first baby and you holding her or him...can you see those things? Picture you and Andy growing old together. Just take it step by step, one foot in front of the other...you can do this." I have thought of that conversation thousands of times, and it has helped me more then I can express. They are not just words to me, they are my goals. Not just with Ella, but with Noah and Andy.
This year when we celebrated Ellas 5th birthday, it was a milestone for me. We had a big celebration, with so many friends and cousins. Andy thought I was crazy for having such a big party. Ella wanted a pirate theme, cupcakes, swimming, games, the whole shabang! As I have reflected on that day, those moments... I think that it wasn't just for Ella, it was for me to. I'm so very grateful I was here to celebrate her big day...I had envisioned it for so many years, and I feel so blessed and fortunate to have made it! Now onto the next day. the next moment. the next great milestone. xoxo