My beautiful, beautiful boy....

Who would have ever known that Elijah would have come out of a bone marrow transplant with so many unexpected surprises in store for all of us. He is so happy....so smiley....so adventurous...so silly. He feels good..better than ever. Maisy's make a wish trip was filled with fun for Elijah...and he loved every minute of it. It was a re-do of his own trip...only this time he felt well enough to enjoy it.

We spent so much time speechless..watching him live in ways he has never lived before. He swam...he hadn't been able to be submerged in water for a year and a half. We watched him wanting to snuggle, to tease, to play with his brothers and sisters. He discovered roller coasters..and loves them.  As soon as he saw indoor skydiving, he couldn't wait for his turn.

In order to participate in indoor skydiving, you must wear a special suit, ear plugs, goggles and a helmut...each of these used to be insurmountable barriers for Elijah to participate in things that he wanted to. He just couldn't get past the sensory issues he had with all of this. But, he wanted to skydive. And he worked past his struggles, his fears. And we could barely hold it together watching him. We all were so near tears...so filled with emotion...didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Each time I see these pictures, I get choked up...I am soooo very proud of him. I am so humbled by the God given spirit of courage and strength he displays each day. He is a new boy. He is a survivor. He is ours. And we could not be more thankful that we have been chosen to walk this rough road with him these past years. He is a beautiful, beautiful boy...