Today I went on what I called my gratitude tour. Rose wanted to go with me so we waited till after school. Randy, Rusty's brother also went with us. We took treats to the oncologists office, cancer center and fire department. They were all just doing their jobs but the care and compassion they had for us meant more than they will ever know. 

Rusty's oncologist is more than a doctor to us. We have a bond now and I hope he will be in our lives as long as possible. His nurses and staff have been amazing. I will truly miss seeing them. 

Rusty spent several months going to the cancer center on a daily basis. He bonded with the staff there. When I started taking him to appointments they already loved him so they loved me too. They were always ready to spoil him as soon as he walked in the door. I always felt good leaving him in their hands. 

Rusty was diagnosed just a month after buying our house in Helena. God had a plan in our move. We were closer to doctor appointments and the hospital. It also meant that we had a fire department that would sometimes be only a few minutes away.  When he grew too weak to get up and down the stairs safely they were always just a call away. Yes they were just doing their job but the kindness they did it with was above and beyond. 

All these people have made a mark on our lives. I am trying to take that positivity into this new world. 

The calls and texts just checking on Rose and myself have warmed my heart. I have never been great at returning them and that's even more true now. I do appreciate every one of them. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and feel free to check on us. 

Rose has handled this so much better than I could have ever  imagined. There is something about the simplicity of being a 4 year old. She lives in the moment and doesn't overthink it all. She gets sad at times but she doesn't let it cover up her other emotions. She is so much stronger than me. 

❤️Valerie 

We are collecting stories or memories of Rusty to put in a book for Rose so that she can continue to get to know her Daddy. You can send them to my email. vrwebb10@gmail.com