Little Lucia: 6/1/18

"I am sure there are those that feel some sort of sympathy, but I can assure you that all we see in Lucia is a blessing, in so many ways."

I was texting with my cousin Mike last week because his dad, my uncle, is battling cancer, a cancer that he has beat for the last two years, and now that cancer is back and it is winning. My uncle Dennis says he wouldn't trade his experience for the world. The people he has met, the experimental treatments he has received- if he can help the research he will- he knows his life is in God's hands and he has not wavered with sadness, fear or faith since being diagnosed-"anxious to see what God has in store" he would say, all with a smile. He has even kept his sense of humor. It has been amazing beyond belief. This same uncle has been so supportive since Lucia was born and it is because of Lucia that we became close. My dad and Lucia have always had a special connection and he sees the absolute treasure that Lucia is and what she brings to our lives, so it wasn't a surprise to have his brother, that he is so close with, feel the same. For the last 7 years, since Lucia was born, my uncle sends texts messages, shares updates with his family and they pray for Lucia. His granddaughter, Mike's daughter Cori, prays for Lucia every. single. day. I've seen and talked to some of my cousins, but not much as we live in different places, have our own families... but getting that text really got me. Mike and I were texting so I could see how my Uncle Denny was doing and he shared how they all feel about Lucia. I feel a closeness with their family that I didn't realize I had. They all feel her blessing and how much she has brought to our lives, all of our lives. Mike's text went on to say " I look forward to the day in heaven when our entire family can gather around her and listen to the sweet sound of her voice as she dances in the flowers and sings praises to the ever loving Lord that placed her in your care." I wasn't able to respond right away as I was so moved and filled with emotion. Thank you Mike. Words can't really express how much that text meant.

My uncle has always called her our little missionary and oh how I have loved that and believe it.

Uncle Denny surrounded by family last week

He planted this tree when it was just 4"!

Thinking about not having my uncle in this life to share texts on occasion and receive words of encouragement and love all cradled with his genuine smile will be so missed. With his journey and faith and love of life he has shown so many how HE is a missionary! He is seeing his life on earth flash before his eyes as so many do. Cancer, months to live, experimental treatments, traditional and non-traditional and so much prayer. He has lived two years past what was expected but it is still not enough. He smiles, he jokes, he prays, shares stories and lives his diagnosis with so much grace. Thank you Uncle for being such an example of faith and trusting in God plan. Thank you for being our missionary! I know one day Lucia will be able to run up to you, give you the biggest hug and do everything Mike said and more. You have been a fighter, a rock to your family, even on your hardest days and I know you will be until the end. Miracles happen and no one is giving up on you being here for some time to come, but as you would say, it's all in God's hands, and I know that is true.

I also know you will always be with us and watching over Lucia. Thank you Uncle Denny for being a great brother to my dad, uncle to me and great uncle to our little missionary, our bird. We love you, aunt Peggy and your whole family and are so thankful for all of you being on this journey with us and seeing the blessing that Lucia is! We feel it and our precious little Lucia feels it too.