it was one year on tuesday, june 1st, that arielle was first diagnosed with cancer.  what a difference a year makes!  we had a visit with the surgeon the same day and she was given the “all clear” to go to washington dc.  we also discussed a little when she would be removing her portacath.

it was not so long ago that we were all so scared for her, but here is she is, one year later.  she is graduating from 8th grade tomorrow and is getting ready to go to washington dc next week.  i can’t believe that she has spent nine years in st. anastasia and high school is around the corner.

it has been a difficult year full of challenges.  just in the past year, she has had to endure more than many and has smiled and persevered through it all with grace and beauty.  i’m getting sentimental just thinking about it.  we are all so very proud of what she has accomplished.  her future looks bright and she is really excited to begin another chapter.

hmm … but first, maybe i can convince her to have a normal summer and behave like a normal teenager for a change … responsibilities can wait a few months.