Hope Link Halloween

Last night was a very special night.  Not only was it the night we were able to dress up and go door-to-door for candy, but it was also the night of our annual Hope Link Halloween Party! 

For those who don't know, Hope Link is the non-profit we started for families whose children suffer from rare, serious and undiagnosed disorders.  We are a tight-knit group, and for the last three years, our family has had the privilege of hosting our dearest Hope Link friends for a night of food, fun and fellowship.  We trick-or-treat in a group, in a parade of wheelchairs and equipment.  We must be a sight, for sure! 

I admit that this is one of my MOST favorite nights of the year with our Hope Link Buddies.  It's a night when we can all celebrate like typical ('normal') families!  We can all dress up and not worry about seizures, feeding pumps, alarms, diapers, etc.  No one notices; it's not a big deal.  All we notice are the cute costumes and the amazing ideas parents come up with in decorating their child's wheelchair!  It's super fun. 

My eldest Princess was of course missing last night.  It blows me away that it's been a year since we celebrated trick-or-treating with Ellie Kate!  She was a cute NKH Bee last year, and she had picked out a Hello Kitty Halloween t-shirt for me, which I once again wore yesterday.  Last year she LOVED trick-or-treating with her friends, and she even went to a party at her teacher's house!  Really and truly, how has it been a year since then?  

This time of year is usually busy with me planning a birthday party for Ellie Kate. This year is a little different, although I'm still planning on Ellie's behalf!  Hopefully it will be something we can do every year from now, in honor of Our Girl.  I will ALWAYS celebrate Ellie Kate.  

Ellie's birthday is December 4th.  We will be celebrating her life during the month of December, and on this day in particular.  We won't be doing something big or special on the day that she went to be with Jesus; instead, we will be celebrating that beautiful day on which she was born.  I invite you to join us.  Mark your calendars and watch for more information!  

• We will have a party at OU Children's hospital, benefiting children who spend time in the hospital like Ellie Kate did while she was there on earth.  
• We will have ways for you to give in Ellie's honor.  
• There will be Ellie's Acts of Kindness, and you can love recklessly and practically in her honor. 
•  There will also be a little get-together and balloon release at Ellie's Spot on the evening of December 4th.  

Time goes by too quickly, Friends.  Life is but a blur!  Surround yourselves with loved ones.  Love others well, intentionally, purposefully.  Give yourself to God and recklessly love the world around you.