For the last 2 1/2 years of living here, I've always dealt with and struggled with all the things we miss out on by not living back in the states. It's a very hard place to be when you want more then anything to celebrate a birthday, go to a wedding, attend a funeral, be with friends and family during both good and trying times. I've had to come to the place where I've accepted not being there, and have tried finding ways to still feel apart.
You all know our friends, The Carpenter's, and you know their story. They were able to participate in Keep the Beat Heart Walk in Houston to raise awareness and funds for those who have CHD. I was so sad that we weren't home to walk with them, that I had the idea to have our own Heart Walk here in the KSA. Steph and I planned a big fundraiser style walk where we accepted donations, sold t-shirts & pizza, and asked all those on our compound to come out and support Susie and Darrell and to remember Cade and Addi. Our goal was to allow whatever donations from the walk, t-shirts, and food to help Susie and Darrell as they prepare for their next journey in having children. We were incredibly amazed and humbled by the amount of love and support we received from our community. People who have never met the Carpenters were eager to donate and offered up their thoughts and prayers for them. The night was a huge success. We raised over $3,000! Simply amazing!!!!
Everyone met at our rec center at sunset and we made the walk around our compound alongside a beautiful beach! It was the same beach that we met together and remembered Cade and Addi and got to say our goodbyes to them, since we weren't home when they passed away. The entire walk I kept remembering those precious kids; their laughs; their silliness; their caring hearts; and their loving personalities. Not a day goes by where we don't think about Cade and Addi. We miss them so much.
