Stacy's Sentiments

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Annual Trek to Hope

     I always struggle with my emotions this time of year.  I'm soooooo over winter.  Don't like it, don't want it, had enough of it.... bye bye cold and clouds.  But as I wait for the first signs of spring and new  life, I also prepare for an annual trek to meet babies, children, teenagers  who are also waiting for the very same thing---  the promise of new life. 

    Tomorrow, will mark the 4th year in a row I've made the trip to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis in Mid March.  I have the amazing honor of  heading up Fox 17's St. Jude Dream Home Campaign.  You see, St. Jude is where the sickest of the sick go.  It's where children who've been given no other hope turn for a fighting chance.  I've seen local children like Ian and Matthew and Cooper and Ally and Vivian and Braden and Joel spring back when all seemed hopeless.  Thankfully, that list goes on and on because of  the miracle that is St. Jude.   I feel so honored and indebted to these sweet families who've opened up their hospital rooms, their lives, their troubled hearts to spread the good news of this amazing place.  They are our hopeful warriors.
 
   At the same time, there are those who've touched my life who will never graduate, or go on their first date or get married and have children of their own.  They are Ryan, Clinton, Robert.... and unfortunately that list also goes on and on.  But that is the reason I keep going back and it's the reason so many generous souls keep tirelessly supporting the Dream Home campaign.... because the battle isn't over.

   Yes, this time of year weighs heavy on my heart.  When you get right down to it, it's really not the clouds and cold at all---   Those elements simply mirror how I feel about this reemergence of memories, of hugs, of tears, of forever good byes.  And it never gets any easier.  The only thing that makes me feel better is to squeeze my own two children and kiss them and hug them until they turn blue...  Now that's good medicine.  Then, I thank God for their health and together we pray for the new children who come into our lives each year through this trek to St. Jude. 
    The bags are packed.  Let this year's journey begin.....  a journey of more hope... more miracles... more new life....  and more blessings counted.