Still Thinking About Texas

This will stick with me a long time. What a priceless gift to spend time with these exceptional families! I will be forever grateful for so many precious memories in one weekend. Some memories are unique to our group, some to the host family and the rest to the Dallas area.

Sleepyhead

My Little Snuggler

A good name for her

would be Roomba

Proud Nana

G'Ma Practice

Beautiful Pond

filled with frogs

No need for

a sleep machine

Excellent Food

No shortage of Queso

South Fork Ranch

with the original JR

Proud City

6th Floor Museum

Sobering Experience

The Grassy Knoll

The Holy Grail of Burgers

Caring Host

Gracious Hostess

Indelible Moment

One of the moments I will NEVER forget from the entire weekend. This sweet young man reached out to me. My job was to sing to him as he played this little piano. When the song had no words, the cow would dance. You must know, my singing has never been this appreciated. I felt like a star! Everyone in the room was fortunate that the piano didn't play New York, New York but I didn't grow tired of "Jingle Bells" or "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" either. We laughed, we giggled and we connected. This young man is smart, loving and a treasure. At the age of 18, he has defeated the odds beyond measure. What a precious moment for me. Thank you for letting me share it with you.

Always,
Hope

A Few Things I Learned On My Visit To Texas

Last week I had the privilege to fly with The Princess to meet several other families who share the same genetic disorder, Emanuel Syndrome, as our little girl. I knew it would be fun but I never guessed how much each one of these kiddos would burrow even deeper into my soul and teach me things I think everyone should know. Here are just a few of them.

Life Is Better When...

you smile.

laugh,

 hold hands,

allow others to support you,

surround yourself with love,

allow yourself to be held,

 love others freely, 

take time for a facial, 

 spend time with

quality individuals,

make time for friends

that understand you

and always remember your friends at home.

Always,

Hope