I write this journal entry with so much emotion.  What an amazing event we attended on Saturday, November 6 at Light the Night - Dallas at Trinity Grove.   We started the week with great news regarding Peyton's MRI.  There is no sign of growth and he is still doing very well.  I am not sure that I will ever let my guard down but in this moment I will celebrate every opportunity to have good news. 

The Light the Night event was probably the most emotional we have been in several weeks. I am not even sure how to put it into words.  So many moments.   Starting with a visit from great friends. 

• Jonathan's best friend Dave Sohns, who is also a Cancer survivor, made the trip from South Carolina to Dallas with his wife (Erin) and their two boys (Jude and Declan) in order to attend this event with us.  Dave had the same Cancer as Peyton (Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) and he played a key role in supporting Peyton through this journey.  To see them bond, and share many moments at this event was priceless.  You will see this in the attached video with both of them holding a white lantern which represents survivors.   They were there for each other.  Watching Peyton embrace Dave when he saw him be emotional was a humbling moment. 

• My good friend and Co-worker, Gina Wesley, flew in from Ohio.  She has been a long time LLS supporter and this year she made it a mission to support Peyton.  She consistently sent him messages and ran a half marathon with Peyton's name on her back. To have her here by our side and to share this moment was amazing. 

• Niina Garcia,  is the mother of Omar a child Peyton met while going through chemo.  We are so blessed to have met her and her family. Especially Omar.  Last night we also walked in remembrance of his fight.   Peyton was sad to hear that his friend he met during treatment was no longer with us but he knows he is watching over him and is proud of him.  Niina and her family came to the event and to see them embrace gave me goosebumps.   

• Peyton's strength - There was a moment during the opening ceremony when Jonathan and I looked over at Peyton who was was listening to the speaker.  We saw a tear run down his face.  No words at that time needed to be said. I leaned over and embraced him and I took his hand and in that moment he squeezed it harder.  
  • Later that evening he shared that at attending the event, being with everyone was a special moment and he was glad to be part of it. 

So many great moments.   Many tears were shed some of joy and some remembering the pain.  The tears of pain were overshadowed by the joy and the many blessings we have.  We are very grateful for the family and friends that have and continue to support us.  

💚

#TeamPeyton  #PeytonStrong