Saturday, December 31, 2011

Good Bye 2011

New Years Eve day...... Wow. This year has been a different one. As we reflect on all the things we have been through. The ups and downs. The transitions. All the strange little things that have happened, all while we were wondering "why"? Why is this or that happening? Why is this not happening? Well, we know now why our house did not sell.  Obviously dealing with fixing up a "fixer" right now on top of dealing with Kayla's health would have been a little more then one family needs to deal with. I can only say thank you to God for sparing us that. We are so thankful that we will have the house that Kayla has grown up in to go home to to rest. Having her go home to a construction zone would have been unbearable. Now we know! So, if you are in a situation where you might be wondering "why?" just know that there is always a reason. Hopefully your ah-hah moment will not be so life changing! One thing I know is that cancer does not discriminate. Everyone goes through life thinking this type of thing only happens to other people. It won't be us. Well, you just never know. Kayla has had one flu her entire life (she was 2). Other then that, her health has been tip-top. We have mostly only given her organics since birth! We have done everything to give her (and Anthony) the best chance at health. Never ever eating fast food. Well, here we are on New Year Eve at St. Jude's in Memphis, TN. Here we are celebrating LIFE and the precious moments of every day. This experience has made us closer as a family for sure. We are trying to look at this time as a very special bonding time that might have slipped by if we hadn't had this unfortunate diagnosis. Maybe life would have just slipped by.... who knows. I just know we are here.

Today we got to go to the Liberty Bowl. It was Cincinnati vs Vanderbilt. We didn't really have a favorite team, so we went with the team that actually visited St. Jude the other day. Vanderbilt! It was a close game. We had so much fun! We had the nicest family behind us too. Lots of great conversation throughout the game. Kayla really liked the half time show. KC and the sunshine band played a few of their hits. It was fun! It was not so fun waiting to get out of the parking lot. We sat at a dead stand still for almost an hour with a kid in the backseat who really needed some Zofran and a bathroom to pee. Nice.












       Sorry, I know... a LOT of pictures. Some of you might enjoy them. Look at how close we were :)

Kayla's hair is about 1/2 of the way thinned now. She thinks it's hysterical. She is begging me to shave it. (especially as she keeps eating and drinking and pulling it out of her mouth) I just don't want to shave it if she is only going to thin and not lose it all. We shall see. Tomorrow is another day! It's not as bad as I thought on an emotional level. It really is annoying as it sheds. You kind of just want it gone. Strange.... it's like a teenager giving you hell. It's their way of making you crazy mad so that when they are gone you aren't as sad. Haha. I just know Kayla is beautiful inside. That is ALL that matters. Everyone in Memphis is falling in love with this little girl. She is making a lot of friends. Mostly adults. Not surprising to me at all.





Kayla thinking it's hysterical to pull out her bangs. Bald is BEAUTIFUL baby!!!!!   

Once we got back to the Target house to relieve some of those issues, we headed over to El Torro Loco for some Mexican Cuisine. Ok, it was really good! We know they are going to get to know us really well over the next few months. Finally, something that is "close" to what we are use to back in California. We are so spoiled out there. It will do... for now :)

Kayla is enjoying some sparkling Apple juice and is determined to stay up until 11:00 for the New Years celebration in NYC. We are having a lot of laughs and good memories. I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year filled with LOVE and Health! That is all we are hoping for now. Everything else just doesn't mean as much without it.

 Happy 2012 Everyone!!!!!!!!!! LOVE you all!!!!! Cheers :)

10 comments:

  1. Happy New Year's to you Annie, Denny, Kayla & Anthony! Yes, family is EVERYTHING, and we all have to remember that! The materialistic things are not important at all! I just spoke to our good friends in Novato and they just found out that one of their friends has Lymphoma and he has been super healthy and has only eaten organic foods his entire adult life, hasn't smoked or drank, so you just never know! You just have to cherish each and every day! We all have to remember that. But as I've said before, Robert and I truly have a very good feeling about Kayla and we know she will come through this journey with flying colors and will be so much stronger for going through this experience!

    Here's to a much better 2012 and good riddens to 2011! Our love and prayers to all of you!!!

    Cindi & Robert

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  2. Happy new year!!!!!! Hope its gets better for you all!! Love Krysta

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  3. Happy New Year Dehnert Family!!!!!! Wishing you all happiness and joy xoxo

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  4. You are all magic and real. No wonder Memphis is in love with Kayla and her parents. So are we. God bless every hair on all of your beautiful heads and hold you safe and strong. Thank you for your amazing grace and everything. You have changed our hearts and renewed our faith. This will be a better year. Love, Mary and Frank Hoburg

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  5. Happy New Year darling Dehnert family! Someday when you are reflecting on why this happened to your family, hopefully you will know how many people you touchedthat you touched. I know, personally, you all inspire me to focus on what is important and appreciate the journey of my life. I am truly sorry that you must be the ones to endure this challenge, but know that you are truly loved! Stay strong and I am looking forward to Kayla regaining her health in 2012! We think about you, talk about you, and pray for you EVERY day! XOXO from Ari, Mike, Ava & Jake

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  6. I think we are all learning to the true lesson to this misfortune, to truly cherish each and every breath. Never take each other for granted. Hug the ones you love tighter. Tell them you love them several times a day. We just never know what the future will bring. Kayla has had such an incredible full life. She lights everyone's spirit she meets. Everybody wants a little more of her! You guys have inspired an entire community of people and we are all fighting with you. Here's to gaining more immunity each and every day. XOXO

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  7. Happy New Year! We wish you all the best for 2012! And good-bye to 2011. - Lannette

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  8. You are so beautiful inside and out! I couldn't wait to read this post, I knew you would reflect deeply on the whirlwind of life events of 2011, but come to the silver lining of what 2011 brought you...true appreciation of life and each other. 2012 brings you AJ, he's almost there, I cannot wait for you all to be reunited. And what I hope most for 2012 is for Kayla to have health, she's killing me with the hair, who would have thunk NOT I. You are amazing parents, dear friend, I am so in awe of your strength. I love and miss you all MWAH. Happy New Year!

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  9. Yes, life lessons for sure. Not to put material possessions above anything in life, cherish the smallest moments that make up the big events and holidays, spend more time with family, reflect on life and the beauty of it all, laugh every chance you get, make it known to those you love that you love them, smile even when there is rain, because the smile will get you to the next day...life is not about your house, your car, or your bank account....it's about the people you have around you and the people you have in your heart. When we leave this Earth, the only thing coming with us is the love within....I love you so very much and I cannot wait when we can embrace what life is all about! Happy 2012! --Nicole

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  10. Our family has you guys in our prayers! We have been deeply affected by our time together at the Liberty Bowl and are looking forward to following all of Kayla's successes! Go commodores! Stay strong! The Martindale Family (Rich, Heidi, Carson, Charlie and Maggie)

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