Miss Kalista - The Grace of a Sick Child

Yesterday I took a "ME" Day and experienced the second epiphany of my life.  It was profound and has changed my life.  I am not able to write of it yet, but will.  Just wanted to let everyone know where I disappeared to and that I'll be back in the morning .. posting like crazy ...

Today, I spent the most gorgeous day with Mikki and my 4 grandchildren.  They came to Des Moines to attend the recital of their cousin, Miss Victoria.  It was my good fortune to spend most of the afternoon with them and, following tonight's recital, they are returning home.  Our 3-year-old Kalista has chemotherapy in the morning.

At lunch, Miss Kalista looked at me and, out of the blue, said, "Grandma, my hair is thin." I told her, "That's ok .. mine is too!"   I smiled at her and touched her hair, told her how pretty she is and said, "I Love You!"  She said, "I love you too, Grandma."  It was a special moment of sharing ...  

I stand in awe of this beautifully sweet child as she speaks calmly and matter-of-factly about her thinning hair and getting rid of the "bugs in her blood".  She lost two comb-fulls of hair today that filled the palm of her mother's hand.  She accepts this in stride and her candor is surprising, yet refreshing.  In her vulnerable state, she shows grace, summons strength and exhibits courage and understanding far beyond her years .. and yet maintains the innocence, playfulness and curiosity of a child.

This special moment, between Kalista and I, are the moments that live in our hearts forever.   She continues to be my inspiration ... and there is no faction of my life that is as difficult as the ones she faces day after day.  I am truly blessed.

PS - Oh .. and they got a new puppy .. his name is Rocky!