Yesterday we got to celebrate the life of a little girl named Taylor. She was 11 years old and endured way more than anyone should ever have to endure in her lifetime. We met Taylor's Mom and Dad while we were in the hospital with Pax. We actually shared the surgical suite with them. Taylor had just had her 4th open heart surgery...it was supposed to be her last, but a couple days after she got home she developed a life threatening infection and was admitted back into the hospital and put on life support. She stayed there for almost 2 months. Josh and I decided to make their family our first family to adopt as part of our developing foundation, which we still have yet to name. A portion of the profits from the shirts that we sold would go to them to help with bills while Taylor was in the hospital. We also tried to take them food once a week and just provide general support and love to them. This past Friday a benefit was scheduled at their church and Josh's band, Manifest Destiny, got to play at it and we also sold shirts there. Unfortunately that morning Taylor went home to be with Jesus. (The benefit did go on and there were a TON of people there. Taylor's family was hugely blessed.)

I was so struck by this family and so touched by the life of this little girl that I had never "technically" met before. In the weeks that she was in the hospital I felt like I carried her in my heart so I was heartbroken when I learned that she had passed. Yesterday though, I learned all about her and her life and what she stood for. She lived life so incredibly full. Probably a lot fuller than most of us will ever live. Her life was full of joy and laughter. She was told she couldn't play sports or do physical activities, but she played pretty much every sport there was. She greeted each day with singing and smiles. After leaving the funeral yesterday I was so moved. I realized that we need to live each day with more joy. She could have chosen to be down and out about her condition, but instead she chose to be happy and live her life full. I need to wake up each morning with a smile on my face and joy in my heart and a song on my lips. I have so much to be thankful for! 

If you're reading this please take a moment and dwell upon what you have to be thankful for. Do your best to live today with a smile on your face and a song on your lips...even if you sing badly. ;)