"Even if God is giving us just a small miracle, I'll take it!"

Rowan's sweet friend Jalene's condition started to deteriorate today.  She started falling down and having small seizures at home.  She stopped being able to keep her balance or even walk on her own.  As the brain tumors grow and multiply, this is likely going to continue to happen.  They are not sure how quickly things will progress.  All they can do is make the best of each day, and as her Mom says "enjoy her".  Let me tell you, they are doing a phenomenal job of that.  They are two of the strongest parents I have ever met.  I admire them, while my hearts breaks for them at the same time.

Rowan really wanted Jalene to have her finished butterfly hand print picture, and her Mom said we could come over tonight.  I made their family dinner, boxed it all up and headed to San Antonio with Rowan, the shepherds pies and the artwork. 

I tried to prepare Rowan for how she may be feeling, and told him that she may just be resting or sleeping.  I warned him that we might just have to show the finished picture to her parents and leave it for Jalene to see later, when she was feeling better.  He said ok, and then asked if he should hug her or kiss her on her forehead is she was asleep...I cried softly for the rest of the drive.  Such a sweet, caring, thoughtful friend he is. 

Thanks be to God, Jalene really perked up when we were there.  I was overjoyed to see her standing, and even walking slowly, although unsteadily, on her own.  She smiled when we showed her the shadow box with her hand print butterfly in it.  She traced the butterfly body with her little finger and immediately noticed the sparkles (I used a glitter modge podge to seal it after I painted the sky and the body of the butterfly).  Rowan was so happy to present it to her.  It is a moment I will never, ever forget.

Jalene's Mom and Dad loved it too.

But then her Mom, Jen, asked me about the one they did together, the one with both of their hand prints.  I told her that I had kept that one at home for Rowan and I.  She asked me to send her a picture of it at least.  (Luckily, I could do better than that though:) I had actually had a couple mounted pieces of artwork made, that were made from pictures of both of the butterfly hand prints.  My plan was to donate them to the silent auction coming up next weekend, with the proceeds to benefit their family.  I had decided on the way to their house that I was going to give one of the ones that was made from just Jalene's hand prints, to her grandma and grandpa there at the house.  Now, I decided to give the one made from both kids hand prints to Jalene's Mom.  They look so beautiful as a set.  I was so happy to be able to do it.  And they were so grateful in return.  

We all agreed that they would look precious side by side on a wall in their home.  I promised to have more made for the auction, because I just know they have lots of family and friends that would love to bid on priceless art work made by this little angel, Jalene.  I was so grateful that I had brought the ones I already had made (for the auction) with me.  That was definitely a God send, and now they were in the hands of the people who needed them and deserved them most.

Sweet Jalene and Rowan hugged each other again before we left, and I was able to capture some of my favorite pictures yet of these two angels.  I was so glad we made the trip in to see them again.  These are memories I will carry with me forever.  On the ride home, I realized that it had just as powerful an effect on Rowan...

,

When we got in the car, I said "Oh Rowan, I'm so happy she was feeling okay tonight, aren't you?".  Rowan said, "I bet she did it for me, because she knew I was coming to see her."  I laughed and said, "You think so?".  He thought for a minute and said, "Well, it was either that, or God was giving us a miracle.  And even if it is just a small miracle, I'll take it."

That pretty much sums it up...  

We continue to pray for a miracle for Jalene and her family, a BIG miracle, but will continue to appreciate and "take" each and every small one we can get.  

I hope that this story helps you all focus on what is really important in life...

family, friendship, love and faith.  

I hope you appreciate the small miracles in your life, not just the big ones,

 and as for the people in your life, please...enjoy them!  

Thank you Jen Salinas for showing us how to do this.

And thank you Jalene, for showing us how to live, and fight, and inspire...

Continued prayers for the entire family.