Grace Bunke

On March 26, 2003, our lives were forever changed when we met our wonderful and beautiful daughter, Grace. On August 1, 2014, our lives were once again changed when we learned that Grace had a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. After several months of knee pain starting in May, followed by physical therapy all summer to treat what we thought was simply a dislocated knee cap, we discovered that it was something more serious. On the Sunday following her diagnosis, we sat together in our church holding hands as a family and listened to a sermon entitled "No Worries!" On that morning, we were reminded by Dr. Randy Mickler: Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Worrying does not add a single hour to your life. (Matthew 6: 25-34). Grace lived her life on the front row throughout her initial diagnosis and treatment and each subsequent relapse. Sadly, at 1:18 PM on March 25, 2018, she took her last breath on this earth. Grace was 14 years old. She is greatly missed but rather than leaving a huge hole in our lives, Grace left us with so many meaningful and funny and inspirational memories and experiences that our lives overflow with joy and love and peace and hope. Even in her absence, we feel her presence. And that is because Grace taught us lessons that will last into eternity.  She taught us how to truly live, how to believe, how to hold onto hope, and ultimately how to die. She inspired countless individuals with her smile, positive outlook, and front row spirit. We are all so thankful for knowing and loving Grace Addison Bunke.