Celebrating the birthday of a beautiful life

This weekend we started celebrating Amanda's birthday, which is September 9, a little early. 

On Saturday evening, we went out to ROCK with both sides of the family, plus some staff from ROCK, to place a bench that was made in honor of Amanda.  It was a special time having everyone there together at a place that she loved so much.  After the bench was placed and since we were all together, we each released a balloon in celebration of her birthday.  A card was tied to each balloon with a message asking to post on this blog if they found the balloon.  (We have already received a response back!)  Then the entire group went to Chili's for dinner.  Chili's has gone gold this month for Childhood Cancer Awareness and has a special poster in honor of Amanda.  What a special evening.
 

A special gift in honor of our special girl.

We couldn't come to ROCK without seeing the horses!

I was showing Grayson the freckle Romeo has on his nose that Amanda loved to pet.

Romeo got plenty of lovin' that evening.

What can I say....silliness runs in the family.

Incredibly blessed by our family.

Sunday morning, we participated in our first 5K, the Brain Power 5K.  We couldn't have asked for better weather for the morning - overcast and cool.  For early September in Texas - that was certainly a blessing!  Over 1400 people participated and despite the uniqueness of the event, it still was a very emotionally difficult day for me.  Not only because Amanda was not there and I had hoped that she would have been able to be a part of that day, but it was simply another reminder of what cancer has taken from our family - all day.  It was special to be there, walking in her honor, but it didn't make it any easier. 

Having said that, I did have the privilege to meet people that have followed Amanda's story and shared how it has impacted their lives.  Our daughter continues to touch people's lives. 

I am thankful that God gave her to our family so we can be a part of her amazing story.

Ready to race!

These were lined along the starting line.

Me, Lindsey, and December Baby (As Amanda liked to say)

Paula made picture buttons for all of us to wear race day.  They were beautiful.

It's amazing how entertaining a drum line can be when you are walking.....

Great friends that came out in support of Team Watson

Before Sunday, I had never met this sweet lady, Belinda Jones, but she has been following Amanda's story for over a year.  She was at the race in honor of Amanda and two other friends she has lost to brain tumors this year. 

At the end of a good day.

"Don't stop talking about me."   

Baby girl, you don't have to worry about that ever happening.