Well folks, I think this may just be my last blog. Kaden is no longer "Our Littlest Man". He is taller than me, in film school and graduated high school with honors. Again, he never ceases to amaze us. He, who once was a 26 week micro preemie, to a 3 year old on hospice and a g-tube just to eat, to a 5 year old fighting for his life again and a g-j conversion, to a 7 year old diagnosed with Autism and a breathing machine, to an 8 year old trying to figure out life with all of his medical complications, to an 11 year old who couldn't regulate his body temperature and play with his friends outside, to a 12 year old who just lost his house in a flood, and then his brother to heart failure, to 15 year old still struggling with Mitochondrial Disease and everything else previously mentioned while masking and trying to keep up with his friends on stage, to a 16 year old with his first blood clot that could have been fatal, forcing him to quit Krav Maga, to a 17 year old with his second blood clot, to an 18 year balancing it all to the best of his ability..... to the young man that we see today, made it. Now, are all of the medical diagnoses gone? No. Is the Autism gone? No. Does he still need medication and doctors and this and that and blah blah blah? Yes. But he handles it all with grace, humility, and a good attitude. He's learning how to "life". He's learning about "adulting". He's learning about TRUE friendship. And that is what I witnessed last night. Kaden's graduation was amazing, to say the least. Every single person there showed up. Not physically, but emotionally for my son. His friend-group understands him, and he understands them. Like a puzzle, they all fit together, and they had so much fun. It's not often that he has that much energy to really get out and do a lot without relaxing the next day. So, a message to each of you.... Harrison, you bring comfort in a way that most young men can't understand and always make him smile. Annie, backstage at every show, you've been there as an anchor. Millie, you make him giggle and you "get" him. Olivia, your kindness radiates, and you've always included Kaden in everything. Sean, you've always been an ear to listen, and we all need that. Jupiter, your compassion and love are of great comfort. Amelia, your loyalty, kindness and confidence have been consistent, and you bring joy in even the darkest of times. Elminnay, your bright smile makes him smile and your honesty and integrity keep him grounded. A.J. you've been there since the beginning and have been his constant through all of the bad. You know the really bad, and you're always there. And last but certainly not least...E. Oh honey, you've been so loyal, loving, patient, kind, and all the things a best friend should be to my son. So, to all of you, I thank you. From the bottom of my heart. And to the friends that couldn't be there, I know you are special to Kaden as well, or you wouldn't be someone he calls "friend". Family, you've all been an integral part of Kaden's life and I'm grateful for all of you. My friends, family, his nurses... everyone that played a role in the care he has needed. Now, Alyssa, thank you for stepping up as his chosen sister and an ear to listen. We love you! Brandon, we miss you dearly and I'm so happy you were able to watch your little brother graduate! Oh boy.....Kylee- God Himself made the perfect siblings for you and you for them. I can't imagine this journey without you as Kaden's sister. You have your sibling code and have been through the unimaginable. My parents, you've been the glue that held the family together and shown love even when our world was falling apart. Brian, you've been the father that held it together better than any father, I could even possibly imagine with a life like ours. You stayed and fought for our family through what felt like hell and high water. This has been our life, and we did it! He made it! Now Kaden- You are a fighter. You are strong. You are special, and brave and loving. You are loyal and the best friend anyone could have. You are talented. You make every day brighter. You are funny, and resilient. I don't know how you've kept on marching through everything you've been through, but you did, and for that... I respect you and look forward to years to come. I'm so grateful to be your mom, Son. I love you the most times infinity, whatever you say, I win.
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| Graduation |
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| The Family |
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