Celebrate and Goodbye

It's been a busy last few weeks. 

We have certainly had our emotions run through the gamut. 

From extreme highs to the lowest of lows. 

Zoe turned another year older. 
We are beyond ecstatic that she is still with us to celebrate another birthday. 
Seven years old and a new head of hair for her. 
She's our pride and joy. 

She gets good grades in school, she enjoys playing and practicing her piano (sometimes the practicing takes some coaxing to get through), she is excelling at ballet and tap and jazz class.  We love her spirit and her drive and her compassion. 

Our hearts hit rock bottom on Monday the 6th, though. 

My friend Sue called to say that her nephew Jake, Zoe's best buddy, had passed away. 

It was news we knew would come, but it was devastating nonetheless. 
Zoe was distraught and hurt that she wouldn't be able to laugh and joke with her friend ever again.  
His Memorial Mass was to be held on her birthday. 
We asked her if she wanted to go or if she wanted to stay home and celebrate her birthday.  Without hesitation, she said she wanted to be in Chicago to say goodbye to Jake. 
This is why we love her so. 
She will have many more birthdays and she knew that this was her opportunity to see Jake's family and say goodbye to him.  
His service was one of the hardest things I have ever been witness to. 
My heart breaks for his mom and dad and entire family. 
His little brother, Liam, is too young to really understand and maybe that's a good thing. 
His parents have had to devote the last 13 months solely to taking care of Jake. 
Liam has been with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Susie for most of the last 13 months. 
He will know as he gets older what a huge sacrifice was made by his family for his brother and he will love them even more for it. 
Gigi had a hard time for the first year after Zoe was diagnosed. 
She spent much of the end of 2010 and most of 2011 at Grandma's house.  
I believe Gigi and Liam will also have a special bond, one that they will understand more when they are older, in that they are special siblings to two special people. 

Jake will forever be in our hearts. 
We think about him everyday and I know Zoe will live her life as honorably and as passionately as if she were living for two.
They always had a special bond.  
It was something extraordinary to witness.
From the moment they met, it was as if they had been friends for an eternity. 
Maybe they had been, in another lifetime.
Who am I to say or know?
She will make Jake proud and he will forever hold a monumental place in her heart. 

Forever is Forever.
Happy 7th year to my Zoe Skye.
Hugs forever to Jake Michael.  

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.

~Aristotle