Today has been one of those whirlwind kind of days. Absolutely packed to the gills – thankfully, with good things. Much of today was our normal life and activities coming back online. Seeing a routine begin to form is more of a blessing than I can adequately describe. I’ve always been a spontaneous kind of girl, I never thought I would be so happy to see normal!
One thing that continues to bring me joy every day is watching Kayleigh’s legacy grow. Messages from people that let us know that her story has made a difference in their lives. People stopping to let us know they have been praying for us. Seeing purple KB stickers on cars around town and not even knowing who is in the car. Knowing that while Kayleigh isn’t with us right now, that no one has forgotten her. I think as her mother now, that is my worst fear – that people will forget her.
Losing Kayleigh to cancer was horrible. But seeing how that one little light caught the world on fire – that is dumbfounding. I never could have imagined the impact her life would have. Now, Tim and I want to keep her legacy growing. Yes, I am writing her book. I also am doing some devotion writing and guest blog posts in the future. I’m looking forward to sharing just how good God has been to us through all of this. His mercy, grace and peace are sufficient and so much more.
We are also in the process of setting up the Prayers For Kayleigh Foundation. The goal of the PFK Foundation will be to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research – specifically DIPG. This is the most direct way for us to make sure the money raised goes directly to research. We need to find a way to stop this vicious disease. These babies and their families deserve long, full lives. Not 6-9 months and a 0% survival rate.
Not long after Tim and I started tossing the foundation idea around we heard from a good friend that they were planning a Kayleigh 5k fundraiser here in Hartselle. To make the event little more special it will be held on May 13th. That will be the one year anniversary of her DIPG diagnosis. Not only that, but it would have been her 8th birthday. What a great way to celebrate.
But in true Kayleigh fashion, the idea continued to grow. Since it’s her birthday it seemed only appropriate to have a shindig to celebrate. So, Saturday morning we are going to have the Prayers For Kayleigh 5k and Fun Run, then Saturday night we are going to have a concert! I can’t help but smile. My little diva would be seriously pumped. I hope she has time to look down through the floor boards in heaven and get at least a glimpse.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming days. I really didn’t intend to let the cat out of the bag yet but I’m too excited not to tell. Besides, who better to share good news with than the people who have stood with us through all the hard times? If any of you or someone you know might be interested in helping us sponsor Kayleigh’s special day, please send us a private message here on the page or to our prayersforkayleigh@gmail.com address.
It is going to be an awesome celebration. A time to remember our baby, and work towards saving other families babies. As I think about the future these verses are a perfect fit…
1 Samuel 12:24
24 But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.
God certainly has been wonderful to us. We want to continue to faithfully serve Him, telling everyone we come in contact with just how amazingly He has blessed us when you would think it is impossible to feel blessed.
And as we get excited about the future we must remember to keep our eyes on what is most important. Our relationship with Christ. This PFK Foundation has the potential to help make a difference. But our first priority is to the Lord.
Romans 12:11
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜
I’m quite certain if Kayleigh was here she would be riding around like this. My favorite part is what isn’t pictured. The person that had been pulling her wagon before this pic was none other than Dr. Vic Wilson, our Hartselle City schools Superintendent. Pretty awesome superintendent don’t you think?. Talk about riding in style – but then again, that’s just SO Kayleigh.
