Between the two of us we probably send this exact text to each other anywhere from 50 to 100 times per year. Sometimes we send it when one of us is having a bad day, sometimes it's sent because one of us glances at the clock and feels like sending it but most of the time it is sent as a simple reminder. For us the sending and receiving of this text reminds us just how fortunate we are to have our oldest daughter, who was born on November 11, 2004, with us today.
At eight months old our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Nueroblastoma, a form of cancer that affects roughly ten percent of all childhood cancer patients. As individuals and as parents the experience impacted us more than words can ever describe and to this day, nine years later, it continues to shape just about every aspect of our lives including: who we are, how we parent, where we spend our time and what we do for our children. However, 11:11 takes on a special meaning each and every fall because its when we do the bulk of our fundraising for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization committed to funding childhood cancer research.During the months of September, October and November we raise money by participating in an annual 5K race called the Lemon Run. Our team, aptly named Team Payton, is made up of our family and friends who know Payton's story and who are committed to helping raise awareness and funds to help find a cure, or at least answers, to the mystery behind childhood cancer. It's because of this that each fall I am reminded of four important life lessons:
1. The gift of life is an incredible yet delicate opportunity and every moment should be celebrated and embraced.
2. There are individuals in our lives, both family and friends, that make a difference in our lives and no matter how hard we try there simply isn't enough ways to tell each one of them how important they are to us. However, letting them know every now and then is important.
3. Children deserve every opportunity to experience life to the fullest, free from worry and illness and we should work hard to give that to them.
4. Life isn't easy and is often frustrating, irritating and sometimes even depressing but there is always hope and there are always people willing to help.
I suspect that 11:11 will always have significance for us because it reminds us of our experience, to always have hope, to give back when possible and to always appreciate the people that mean the most to us.
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