Little Miracles

First cotton candy
(Winston - cousin)
Oh yes, they all loved the bounce house
(Kate and Rachel - cousins)
We got to run in the Little Miracles 5K while visiting in Utah this month. This race started last year, and we were happy to participate (in person) this year. The Little Miracles 5K and Carnival was set-up to raise money to build a home for my friend Melanie and her family. Mel's sweet daughter Emylie (who just turned 3!) was born with Spina Bifida and a rare condition called Arnold Chiari II Malformation. Emylie is a social, smart and happy little girl! She was quite the center of attention! It was great to watch her beam with all her friends around - she seemed to know everyone! Sweet Emylie and her family have been through a lot, and have taught those watching so very much. I just melt when I think of or see Melanie with her sweet girls, especially Emylie.
Following the 5K, Melanie (whom I have known from school and church and the neighborhood since way back in the day) and I introduced our girls to each other and it was so precious to watch the two of them: initially, Maria just wanted to detach Emylie's trach tubing, but then the two of them just kept giving each other Eskimo kisses and then Maria would give Emylie 'butterfly' kisses. When we left the Carnival Event, Maria said to me, "I go say by to my friend Mom." And sure enough she ran over to Emylie and did just that. It all made me so proud of my little girl and feel so lucky to be blessed with the opportunity of being a Mom. I am so thankful that I have good role models to look up to. I read Melanie's blog here and there, and I am just in awe at what a patient and loving mother she is...inspiring!
Hope to make it next year =)