rerun.

Man, although I have epically failed to write about things of late.....there have been some major happenings in the lives of The Henderson's.

I feel almost guilty for slacking.....but then again, I have barely found the time to take a shower lately...

The end of year craziness of the school year seemed to begin my cycle of crazy the last few months, as it does with most mothers with school aged children.

Paysen completed the 2nd grade...he excelled in most everything this past year...learning so much about himself and what he loves to do...

Parklen finished Kindergarten.  He didn't just get by, he didn't barely get through....he did well. He excelled... He learned.  Now, when you get through with Kindergarten, there is a little thing known as Kindergarten Graduation.... A milestone that many parents treasure.....and kids celebrate...

I knew for a few months that Parklen would not be able to participate in the graduation.  After all, there would be kids there..... and kids are what Parklen is not quite ready for.  I had cried a little about having to miss seeing him up on stage with his classmates, singing the songs and receiving his diploma.  After the tears, I accepted the fact and tried to think of other things.

Parklen was gifted with a great team of teachers this year. They worked together to make Parklen a part of the day.  They didn't just accept that he wouldn't be able to participate..They called him at home with the iPad and his home bound teacher held "him" on her lap through out the entire program, even carrying him up in front of the crowd to accept his diploma.  He sat on our couch and watched it all happen.... and although my heart felt a bit heavy at the site of him here and them there, I couldn't help but feel grateful for him getting the chance to be involved.

Each day he grows in strength....
It could be he is growing because he eats more than any one other person in this house....
Or it could be that he is growing because of his brothers amazing gift......

Paysen had the opportunity to give again.
And trust me when I say this, It fills my heart.

It wasn't bone marrow this time,
they only needed blood....
I say only, as if an 8 year old giving a bag of blood is no big deal...
it was.

Paysen was so brave...he never shed a tear through out the entire process...
He smiled,
he tried to hid his nerves,
and he braved through....

 The moment that the needle left his arm,

he released a giant bundle of stress, in the form of tears.
He cried for a long time...

Probably a combination of relief, built up stress, and medication that he had taken to calm his nerves.
but he cried.

And neither his parents, nor Parklen or any other person could calm him down.....

He needed time,
and orange juice.
and cookies....

I hope so badly that one day, these pictures will speak to his heart the way that they speak to mine.
Because they tell a story,
A story of a purpose....
a purpose greater than ones self.
A purpose of giving...
of being brave,
of being a hero.

I fully believe, that it is not easy to be Paysen...
he carries around with him an immense responsibility.
He has witnessed countless hours of hardship with his brother...
he had learned how to care for him,
when he could not care for himself.
He carries with him memories,
memories of times when he thought Parklen would die,
The things he carries....
they are heavy.

But my GOD, that kid shines.
He shines a light that is so bright....
He is so special.

After a week in Denver for him to donate the new cells, we headed home to begin our summer vacation....

It was a whirlwind of a first month....
Traveling,
Cabin staying,
Wedding watching,
Swimming,
Camping,
Fishing,
Dirt,
water,
bugs,
bunnies,
food and fun....

And although, I am sure that I will post more extensively on some of those things...
it feels good to write out a bit of a rerun of the past few weeks.