We are just returning from yet another fantastic vacation to Disney World. John and I joke about how when we were dating, we looked forward to traveling the world when we had kids- taking them to the Caribbean, Mexico, all these exotic places- and yet, we are on year #5 of going to Disney! We will probably be that weird old couple that goes to Disney without any kids, wears matching t-shirts, rides Dumbo and Peter Pan and all the other kiddie rides.
For several months leading up to the trip we had been praying for a little girl named Mary Evelyn King. When I was pregnant with Jack and Anna Grace I remember little Mary Evelyn (then just 2 years old) on a prayer list with cancer. Her name stuck with me because I thought Mary Evelyn was one of the most beautiful names I had ever heard (you know I love my double names!) and that particular name was at the top of my list with all 3 pregnancies. Mary Evelyn went into remission and was cancer free for 5 years. This past January her cancer came back, aggressively. Just a few weeks ago- her family took her to Disney world with her cousins and family- they even stayed at the same hotel we were going to be staying in. As I was looking through her pictures, it struck me hard that we were about to go on the same vacation as the King family- with all the cousins and grandparents, yet without the fear and pain of a dying child. My heart just ached for the King family- I cannot imagine...
When we were driving down to Orlando on Friday I got the text that sweet little Mary Evelyn had passed away. It changed my whole attitude for the trip, and I spent most of my time thinking of the King family, praying for them, and giving thanks to the Lord for all our our blessings. The small things that might have been bothersome on this trip, like whiny kids, plans that didn't work out, the heat, crowds, etc, didn't seem to matter at all. We were together as a family, making memories that we will never forget.
Now, go hug your kids.
I can't figure out how to turn these pics.
Now turn your head this way...
The cousins! Thank you Lord for letting us have these fantstic memories! Can't wait until next year!
