Monday, January 31, 2011

So Much to Be Grateful for!!

There is so much to be grateful for! My mind is racing with so many thoughts and emotions. The past month has been a whirlwind, with sad and happy moments mixed together. There have been tears shed, but so much joy as we have watched Jessica make huge improvements! There have been many lessons learned with the knowledge that there are many more lessons to be learned. There is definitely a new perspective on the blessing of life. And then there is just the LOVE. The LOVE felt and so freely shared by others. Our family has been overwhelmed by all of the love and support we have been given by our family and friends and even people that we don't know! Thank you to all of you for supporting us on this journey with Jessica. We can't help but be filled with Faith and Hope because of the love we feel from everyone!

BFF:
Jessica and Caleb, Best Friends Forever!
Through difficult times there is always peace and comfort to be found in the knowledge of our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowledge that they know us individually and understand perfectly what we are going through and that they will provide the strength we need. Their plan is perfect even though it may not seem to be at times. Our Saviors arms are always outstretched. This picture shared with us by good friends has brought much needed comfort and peace! It looks so much like our sweet Jessica. We know that the Saviors arms and His angels are around her always!

Jessica's smile and those eyes tell it all. She has a love for life. She is strong and she will fight this cancer hard! She is a wonderful example to us all. There are other amazing little fighters that we have met at primarys, have read about, and even close friends that we know. Children are so strong! They are a strength to each other and to all of us. We have felt so much love & support from these other children and their families!


What would we do without our families! Annalise (9), Caleb (3), Alyson (7), and Jessica (4). Just hanging out before bed. Annalise & Alyson had set up "rotations" for them to play together. Jessica's brothers and sisters are a huge strength to her. Our family has been amazing! Jessica's grandparents, her aunts & uncles, her cousins, and even great aunts & uncles have been so wonderful! We would not have made it through the past month without the help of our family!



A special thank you to Mandi Gubler for starting this blog. I never would have thought to do something like this and it has been a wonderful way to share Jessica's experience with others. And also a great way for me to keep a journal! To my sisters for posting for me and keeping things up to date, thank you. I love you all! How grateful I am for a close family. A family that sticks together no matter what! I hope that I can now keep up on the blog! Thank you to all of those who have worked so hard and spent so much time in fundraising efforts for Jessica. That was something that I struggled with at first, but please know how much it means to our family! For all of the packages and notes, words of encouragement and hope, visits to the hospital, thank you! Thank you just doesn't seem to cut it, but know that we love you all!!

7 comments:

  1. Beautiful Chandra!

    I am so glad that you guys are home and doing well. You have impacted so many peoples lives (even before all of this) I love you so much lady! If you need anything please let me know!!

    Mandi

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  2. Schmitt family what a inspiration you are to all of us with your testimony and faith in Heavenly Father! We love you all and your family will always remain in our prayers! What a wonderful family you have! Beautiful children! As I look at these pictures I'm reminded of my own children and how much I love them! Life is precious and beautiful and we are so lucky to get these wonderful gifts from Heavenly Father! To have a strong family is everything:) thanks for reminding us all what's important! Jessica is strong and we know that she will win this fight against cancer, because Heavenly Father is watching over her! Sending our love,hugs and prayers:) The Bagley Family

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  3. So thankful that GOD has answered so many prayers for Jessica and your family. Give her a great big hug for me and let her know she is so beautiful. My prayer will continue daily for all of you. Blessings, Vicky

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  4. So glad that Jessica is home with her family! We are so glad to have this site to keep up with you all, even though we live next door. We love seeing the sweet pictures of your family. Know that we are here, if/when you need something and we are thinking about you every day. Hugs to all of you! Rudi and Sally Verhoeven

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  5. Chandra-know that we love you too! and your little family! You have been a strength to many of us and I am so grateful to know you! Our family continues to pray for you-even 3 year old Livi never forgets to include Jessica in her prayers.

    I am so glad that you are your family are reunited and that you can be in the comfort of your home.

    Love you!

    Rachel

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  6. Much love to you Chandra. I can't believe all Jessica, you and your family has been through. You have handled it all with faith and grace. You are such an example to me. Please know that Jessica and all your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers:)-Rachel

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  7. We love you Schmitt family! I'm so glad the picture brings you comfort, she does look just like Jessica. :) Your family is such an example to so many, of strength, courage, grace, humility, tenacity, humor, faith, love, and gratitude. You demonstrated all of those qualities long before Jessica's cancer was found, and have continued to do so even during such trying times for your family. We are blessed to know and learn from you. Love, Dickeys

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