| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 2:10:02 PM
My dear sisters and friends,
Please join me in celebrating my beloved daughter, Aria, who after more than 2 years has finished her chemotherapy!!!
Her last pill was taken on Sunday March 21, 2010. For the past few days, I've been going through photos and trying to recreate in a way what this past week has been like for me and my family. Coming to such an end is, quite frankly, beyond words.
For the longest time I thought I would be over the moon. People were constantly cheering for us knowing the end of this chapter was coming. I was hesitant. Others have been hesitant too. It is strange to confront something so positive and yet be riddled with a strange and unique sense of fear. We know by now that worrying about what the future will bring is a futile exercise. This lesson has been well learned after such a long time in the cancer world but it nevertheless swirls around like a peculiar breeze. It isn't menacing or intrusive but rather lightly ever present. I've never experienced anything like it.
Last week was filled with incredible highs and lows. We were so excited to celebrate her last spinal tap, her last dose of steroid and finally her last dose of chemotherapy. All of these lasts brought us closer to THE END but I would be honest if I didn't tell that every end is a beginning too and so we continue to hold our breath but we are more relaxed and we're lighter than ever.
I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to MaryJane who has provided this forum for so many of us to share our stories--the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Here we witness the trials and triumphs of life. We are able to share and see that life is also about death sometimes and the mysterious process in between. This is a very human place and each and every one of you reading my posts, writing to me, posting comments and the like have played an integral part in our success. Cancer is a lonely experience. It is full of solitude and quiet reserve nestled in this strange idea that to be strong and inspiring one must always be cheerful and positive. I have never subscribed to such thinking and instead have tried to portray my story in the fullness of my mantra--"Live True."
My love to you. My light. My Thanks. My Humility. My Awe. They are yours. ~julia hayes
DISCLAIMER: Friends...some of the following pictures may be a little graphic. I also feel compelled to say that a few have my kids only wearing their underwear. I hope this does not offend anyone as they were taken to celebrate the spontaneity of the moment. I share them with you in celebration and honor of the innocence of childhood...
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3190.jpg] [/URL]
Aria and I waiting for her Last spinal tap procedure to begin.
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3209.jpg] [/URL]
Aria receiving her last dose of big gun chemo. The photo is blurry because I was shaking and in tears!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3216.jpg] [/URL]
Sometimes we want to believe that all is fine. The end is here and we're done and it's all good. It's too hard to look at pictures like this and know there's pain involved. Aria insists on peeling away her bandage herself. It hurts and she cries but she persists. Her courage is extraordinary.
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3218.jpg] [/URL]
Cool band-aids are ESSENTIAL!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6430.jpg] [/URL]
Aria is just a kid and a goofy one too!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6525.jpg] [/URL]
Aria having a swing with her older brother Reo
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6537.jpg] [/URL]
Aria playing catch with Reo. This picture makes me cry. Last year this was NOT even possible. Aria wasn't able to be outside for long periods of time and to see her now...Well, it is just breath-taking!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3221.jpg] [/URL]
Doc, my husband drawing her LAST dose of steroid/chemotherapy medicine
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3223.jpg] [/URL]
Down the hatch for the LAST time!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3226.jpg] [/URL]
The worry. The agony. The pride. The awe. The overwhelming relief and love for this little girl came over us in that moment. This was so powerful to witness.
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6641.jpg] [/URL]
My sweet little girl with her Mama...me
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6643.jpg] [/URL]
My husband and I whispering to each other that 'We did it! We made it! Our girl is still alive!"
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6645.jpg] [/URL]
Love..
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMGP3247.jpg] [/URL]
Aria taking her LAST-LAST chemotherapy medicine!!!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6803.jpg] [/URL]
WoooHoooo!!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6629.jpg] [/URL]
There's this saying in the cancer world: "Kids can't fight cancer alone." Aria sure didn't. She had her brother and sister with her the ENTIRE time. So I made special badges for them.
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6787.jpg] [/URL]
Aria receiving her badge
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6790.jpg] [/URL]
Reo receiving his
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6791.jpg] [/URL]
Rianna was SO excited to get hers, she was jumping up and down. Oh My!! She drains me with her 3 year old ways but she is such a DELIGHT!!!
[URL=http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj265/qglayton/?action=view¤t=IMG_6813.jpg] [/URL]
A dear friend made this sign honoring Aria.
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mrsamy |
Posted - Apr 07 2010 : 08:37:19 AM
A dear friend of mine (who also happens to be the teacher I team teach with) has a six year old son who just last week finished HIS last dose of chemo, steroids and had his port out day before yesterday. I know what a journey you've been on and I commend you for all your courage! Thank you so much for sharing your story! Praying in thanksgiving for your family and strength and healing for families still fighting cancer.
Prayer costs nothing, but is worth the most. |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 3:07:58 PM
Such wonderful news! Thank you for sharing your family photos, they say it all.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| sherrye |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 11:43:43 AM
i know of these long journeys. i am so happy for your family. may the peace of GOD that excels all thought be yours. happy days for you ahead. what a fine way of sharing. thank you sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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| delicia |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 12:17:41 PM
Congratulations. She is gorgeous. I am so happy for you and all of your family.
delicia |
| peapicker |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 11:46:41 AM
What a beautiful family you have. Thank you for sharing the pictures. Congratulations and I pray you have many, many blessings to come.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 11:39:38 AM
Julia, those pictures are so beautiful and tell such a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing your family with us and especially such a great moment for you all. You are truelly blessed.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 11:23:27 AM
Thank you Julia for allowing all of us to be a part of this wonderful, blessed journey of Aria's, and her entire family. I am at a lost for words, but my heart is full. Hugs to all of you.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| melody |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 07:34:52 AM
Julia....I just cried and cried.
Thank God.
The pictures were so sweet! What a nice family you have. Your strength, and courage and your sense of humor are truly inspiring.
Keep on keeping the chicks close dear friend.
Love,
Melody |
| barefootmama |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 07:25:27 AM
What a beautiful family you have!! Im am sitting her bawling my eyes out reading your posts and looking at the pictures. Your daughter is very brave and is so lucky to have a mom ,dad brother and sister like you all. I am so happy for you all and wish you the best of luck and health. Blessed be
Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves,for they shall never cease to be amused:) |
| Rodeorise |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 07:21:00 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your family with us.
I am rejoicing with you and only hope that in sharing with us it somewhat lightened your burden.
Congratulations and God Bless
Michele
Farmgirls for Peace
www.sissyandsisterstitch.artfire.com |
| nubidane |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 07:16:06 AM
What precious kids. & the pic of Daddy hugging Aria..wll, what can I say? |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 06:43:30 AM
This was a powerful journey. Taken by a powerful family of amazing people. Thanks for sharing the beauty of it with all of us.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 06:18:11 AM
Beautiful pictures...I still have a tear and a lump. What wonderful parents and siblings you all are and what a miracle Aria is! Praying for you all that she continues to be well. Thanks for sharing.
Why not go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is! "Mark Twain"
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
| dutchy |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 05:56:29 AM
Oh My Gosh Girl I am SO happ[y for you all. What a joy to watch these pictures and celebrate with you. Crying happy tears
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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| Marcy |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 05:50:52 AM
Julia,
I'm smiling through my tears. Thank you, dear friend, for sharing your incredible journey with us. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers since day one and I am so very glad and relieved that we can all celebrate some of the best news that I have ever heard in my life. Give that sweet little girl a hug for me and know that you will still be in my thoughts and prayers every single day that goes by.
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/
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| solilly |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 05:39:24 AM
Julia I sure could use your help in learning to put pictures on this site. Loved all your happy kids. Look at them time and again. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 05:36:12 AM
Yea for Aria! So happy for you all! Blessings,Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
Farmgirl sister #1156
www.KKJD1.etsy.com
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 04:41:35 AM
It is 7:30 in the morning, and I sit here in tears over such poignant photos and the open display of love and family and commitment shown. God bless everyone in your family, and my prayers will be that this glorious day is only the beginning of glowing health for Aria.
The photo of Reo and Aria swinging is a work of art! I can't say enough of the honesty and caring that shows in all of them. Wow and thank you!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| windypines |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 04:25:49 AM
How wonderful. Good luck to you and your family.
Michele |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 7:13:35 PM
I loved seeing the photos, Julia. I am truly so happy for you and your family. I know that your documentation of this journey will be an inspiration to others for a very long time.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| classygram |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 6:56:20 PM
Julia, I am so happy for Aria! God Bless her and keep her healty. And thank you for sharing your wonderful family with us in pictures. It was such a wonderful and blessing time to see her finally finished with this journey that she has been so brave through. Prayer's and thoughts will be with you and your family on this new, and healty journey that begins now. Give her a big HUG from me.
Blessings, Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
| solilly |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 6:19:18 PM
Great pictures Judy glad all is bright now and we all hope and pray that you the whole family Aria will never have to do any of this again. Hugs to all. Lilly
learning the life I always wanted. |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 5:54:29 PM
Cute pictures Julia! I'm so happy that Aria is doing okay, and I hope that she continues to stay healthy.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
| Julia |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 4:12:25 PM
Oh Julia, how my heart rejoices as you all celebrate. How your words rang so true in thinking back of my own journey, though our end was different. The continual waitings, and hurdles, wanting to see what is on the other side, not being able to till you take the next step. The pokes, tests, proddings...done. I am so grateful you have your sweet girlie to hug and kiss. Her courage, as well as the whole family is an example of fighting the good fight. Know I am holding you in my heart. Blessings!!!!!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440
http://www.myfeetaredirty.blogspot.com/
http://www.iglitteredthecat.blogspot.com/
http://www.glitterandgrunge.com/ (turner hill studio)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TurnerHillStudio/ |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 3:56:07 PM
Beautiful Pictures Julia!! I am soo happy for Aria! Please give her a big hug for me! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
