Hoping for a cure.

Could this really be my first post of the new year? Where have I been? Busy, that's for sure. Honestly, I finally got around to taking down my Christmas decorations just last weekend. I was kind of putting it off, kind of dreading it, and kind of just wanted to leave everything up until next year.

But all good things have to come to an end, and suprisingly, I can actually say that this Christmas was good. It was good to be with family, it was good to see the look on our children's faces Christmas morning, and it was good to have our annual open house. In fact, that was great! Traditionally, our family hosts an annual open house as a time to get together with loved ones, to eat yummy food, and to just enjoy the holidays. This year was different. We decided to turn our open house into something that could honor my dad, that could spread the word about the American Cancer Society, and to raise money to fight this awful disease.

As a means to accomplish all of this, we created our first ever Tree of Hope. Our guests had the opportunity to purchase a purple snowflake ornament in memory or in honor of a loved one affected by cancer and decorate our tree with it. I was amazed at the outpouring that took place (especially considering the downpour that was taking place outside!) We had over 75 people attend and raised nearly $700 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event!

This is why I had such a difficult time taking down "Christmas" at our house. Because I knew that every single ornament on that tree represented someone who was and is deeply loved. Someone who will never be forgotten though time may pass. Someone who should have been there this holiday season.

So as I tucked away each ornament I thought about how each of those people heard the words, "You have cancer." How every year more and more people will face this awful reality and how we are getting so close to a cure. A cure that I know can and will happen. And I thought about how awesome it was to have this Tree this year. To give everyone the opportunity to remember, to give back, and to heal. I know it was healing for me and I hope that as we continue to have our annual Tree that others will find healing in it as well.