September 11th

Sept 11th is a day that we all remember as a tragic day. It's one of those days that you remember exactly where you where and what you were doing when you heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. I was just up for the day headed in to work early and for some reason decided to turn on the news. I never turn on the TV in the morning so I have no idea why I decided to that day, but I did. Then, we watched in awe as they rolled the footage of the first attack and were shocked to see the live feed of the second. It was a terrible and tragic day and one we will never forget. Few things happen in life that leave such an impact on a person, and rarely do multiple major experiences happen on the exact same day.

A few years ago Sept 11th took on a whole new meaning for us. Chloe and I waited nervously in the middle of the night at the ER, trying to find out what was causing her so much pain in her arm. At first they couldn't tell us what the lump was, but deep down I knew. I just didn't want to admit that cancer still lingered in her little body. She had already been through so much. Chemo had ravaged her at 4 years old and left her frail and struggling to get healthy again. Wasn't that enough trauma for one little girl? Then everything changed in a matter of seconds. In just 4 words, the. cancer. is. back. Life changed tremendously that day and I'll never forget it.

Somewhere between Dry Creek and the top of Balls

Lucky for us, there is one great thing that happened on the 11th of September. Years before any of the tragedy, little Spencer was born. Twenty Eight years ago today Spence came a little early and gave mom and dad a scare. He was premature and fragile for several weeks. We all worried and prayed for him that he'd be able to come home. Finally he did, and he's always been just as determined and scrappy as he was as an infant, fighting to get out of that hospital incubator. It's nice to celebrate Spence's birthday on Sept 11th because as you all know, he really likes to get out and ride a dirt bike or do something fun. Today Spence, Josh and I decided to celebrate early in the AM with a little ride up in the hills. There is something special about being high in the mountains on an early fall morning with wildlife busy and the sun rising on the peaks and fall leaves. Only thing that would have made it better is if the rest of our fam could have been there. We enjoyed a couple of hours of no responsibilities, then rode back down into reality. Happy Birthday Spence.