Today is a big milestone that Ila Jean is not here for. Her class is graduating high school tonight. Today we had the pleasure of meeting up with her best friend from Kindergarten and First grade. This sweet girl still keeps Ila Jean’s memory alive.

Cacia was such an amazing friend to Ila Jean. It was a week or so before Ila passed that they had their last sleepover. Ila had been wanting to see her best friend and missed her so very much and couldn’t wait to have her for a sleepover. Ila was going through palliative radiation and her little body was just tuckered out. They were sitting on the couch together and Ila fell asleep around 6:30 that night, despite trying to stay awake to have fun with Cacia. This unbelievably sweet little girl just melted my heart. I told her how tired Ila was from her treatment and that she just couldn’t stay awake, and I asked her if she wanted me to call her mommy to come and get her. This little angel said, “No thank you. I just want to be next to her.” My heart. Just the sweetest moment that will stay with me forever. She sat there with Ila Jean until she was tired and then they both slept the night. I told her mother the next morning when she picked her up and we were both in tears. These two little girls had a very special bond.

That bond is still there. Cacia has grown into a lovely young woman and decided a long time ago that when she grew up and graduated from high school, she would make Ila Jean a part of this big day. As you can see in the pictures, she has put Ila Jean’s pictures all over her graduation cap. Such a beautiful act of love and kindness. I know when she walks across that stage tonight, she is accepting her diploma for Ila Jean too. As her cap says, “WE DID IT!”

Cacia, we love you and cannot thank you enough for keeping Ila Jean so close to your heart and her memory alive. We are excited for your bright future as a teacher, and we know God has a plan for your life. Thank you so very much for including us on this very special day.