Monday, January 4, 2010

3 years later...



Happy Monday everyone! Well I am sort of back into the swing of crafting again, but with this weather my craft room stays at about 40* if I'm lucky. Brrrrr!
No worries though as today I wanted to pay tribute to our 5 and half yo DD Maali. It was 3 years ago to this day that she was diagnosed with cancer of the eye. Here we are 3 years later, loving every minute of her curiosity and energy!
In 2007 Maali had 6 months of chemo, major neurosurgery, and numerous weeks in the hospital with her daddy (our other hero). Today she is completely cancer free. God blessed us with the best doctors at Children's Hospital in DC; He also gave us a patient, forgiving, and easy spirited daughter who nodded understandingly throughout her treatment.
This year holds so many wonderful events for our family, including a new prosthetic for Maali, her Kindergarten graduation, and a possible stint as a flower girl for my sister's wedding (no date set yet...).

Today as we celebrate our daughter being cancer free, I am reminded that the world, whether through God given or prosthetic eyes, should be seen with positive vision. ♥

Love and Aloha to you all!

15 comments:

Melissa Craig said...

Definitely cause for celebration! You are gorgeous Maali!!

Sheri Gilson said...

Today is definitely cause for huge celebration!! You are adorable Maali and getting so big!! (((BIG HUGS)))

Auntie Sherbear

Rhonda Miller said...

Joni, I had now idea. My youngest daughter (now 17 months old) was born with retinoblastoma. She did the chemo for 5 months, which did not work, so she lost her right eye in May. So far we have seen no other signs of cancer. I so happy to hear that your little one has been cancer free for 3 years and that she will be getting her new prosthetic.

Hugs,
Rhonda

Kelly Mahany said...

What a fabulous story and proof that our God is amazing! I am so happy that your daughter has remained cancer free for three years!! Certainly cause for celebration and rejoicing!!

Maylee said...

Hi Joni, what a wonderful celebration. Maali is so beautiful! May God continue to bless your family.

Hugs~
Maylee

Rachel said...

CELEBRATE!!!!!! What beautiful gifts God has given to you Joni... Thank your for sharing them with us!!!!!! She is too precious for words, send her over here to Aunt Rachel... you will only miss her a little ;)

Rosette said...

Hiya joni dear!!! maali is such a beuatiful girl who has the most awesome parents she can get!!! you are an amazing person, and I'm sure god is part of your family all the time. Rock girl, as you have always done.. and a biiiig hug and kiss to Maali for me :))

Anonymous said...

What a great celebration for your family. Maali is a little beauty and I am so happy that she is cancer free. Praise God for great things!! You are an inspiration!! HUGS

Gabby said...

Awwww Joni...may God bless that gorgeous little girl and your whole family. That is a GRAND reason to celebrate! HUGS to that cutie patootie Maali!

Unknown said...

Whoo Hoo! Give her a squeeze for me!

Darlene said...

WOW ... what a blessing to be celebrated! Maali is beautiful and I can tell by the smile on her face that she's a very warm, fun-loving child!! God Bless her for staying so positive through such an ordeal ... something an adult would have trouble dealing with ... let alone a child!! How wonderful that modern medicine can help her to lead a normal life!! God be with you, Maali & your entire family! I will keep you all in my prayers!! HUGS

Tammy said...

She is beautiful Joni and I'm so glad she is cancer free! What a fantastic day to celebrate Maali's strength and courage.

Give her some BIG hugs from me.

MiamiKel said...

JOni, what a sweet and wonderous post! Big hugs to you and to Maali, undoubtably a little angel with her beauty and poise and such a lovely mama she's got by her side. Blessings to you at this milestone and to the journey ahead! x0x0x0

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful reason to celebrate; i can't imagine what you've all been through, so glad to read that Maali is cancer free, she looks to be a very beautiful happy girl. God obviously blessed her with courage and spirit, and amazing parents.
Luv to you all
Suzi
xxx

Roxx.T Barnes said...

Congratulations Maali & family! God has surely blessed your family.

Roxx.T