Day + 1038 (for my hero Lexi)
I red a bunch of Thanksgiving updates - including our own - and everyone said the list of things they are grateful for would be too long to write. While the Bihn's have a ton to be grateful for - here is a very partial list.
We are most thankful that Dakota is still with us. While tomorrow is promised to no one - you can imagine how that saying rings true to the parents of a terminally ill child. We are most thankful to be blessed by every day we get.
We are thanful that Bailey is so exceptional in such an abnormal situation - she has come a long way since we started this journey.
We are thankful that our family, friends, and ever expanding community are so supportive both financially and even more importantly emotionally
We are thankful that the Browns season is almost over - they have taken a year off my life!!!
We are thankful that the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation has raised over $700,000 for Tay-Sachs research. We are significantly impacting this battle!!
We are thankful it is now Christmas season - it is the happiest time of the year!! (See our trailor park like front yard ;-) )
We are thankful for the fabulous soccer parents on both of Bailey's teams. They are fun, they are supportive, and we feel so normal at a game. Plus the added bonus that it is about Bailey for a change - although Dakota gets plenty of attention off the field. (As a side note Bailey's two soccer teams played each other today. Bailey played for the Bulldogs against her Xplosion team. Bailey played very well, but her Bulldogs lost to the All Star team that is Xplosion. The game was very fun and the Xpolsion team showed exceptional sportsmanship. I didn't think I could like these kids more - but now I do!!)
We are thankful that are lives are filled with so much love and laughter. Not a day goes by that we don't laugh - and when Dakota laughs, everyone laughs. She can change your mood with a smile, or a kiss, or just a look. She has powers I do not understand.
We are thankful that my brother Tim allows me so much flexibility at work to manage the foundation and persue the Cure.
We are thankful that Julie is so skilled at tending to Dakota's many and every changing needs. Normal doubt creeps in - but she works though it and ALWAYS does what is best for Dakota (and Bailey and I).
We are thankful that Dakota is cared for as well at school as she is here at home. We could not ask for a better set of teachers, aids, and therapists working so tirelessly to help Dakota. They'd all agree to be paid in Dakota smiles if they had to be.
And finally (although this is far from an all inclusive list) I (Ken) am most thanksful that Dakota has helped me find the purpose to my life. I believe I know why I am on this round rock - other then to prevent pizza overcrowding.
