Latest Events of Tacey

It has been a busy past few weeks. This week-end was especially busy.

The Construction Science department at Texas A&M started construction on Tacey's clubhouse. Michael and I had been discussing for a long time trying to build some sort of playhouse for Tacey to have a safe place to play outside. It is not safe for her to be in the direct sun for very long. She also needs some boundaries at times.

Michael and I don't have a lot of construction skills, actually NONE! We asked if some students at A&M would like to help us design a playhouse. Before we knew what was happening, a gentleman in Houston supplied all the materials, the students were designing and construction began! The gentleman in Houston is the father of a 15 year old boy who is a 2-time cancer survivor. His whole family jumped at the chance to help another cancer fighter. In fact, we got the opportunity to meet the gentleman, son and extended family members this week-end.

Michael thinks the new clubhouse, as Tacey has designated it, will make a great doghouse for him when he is in trouble. Tacey wants to move out there to live! She has also already scheduled several different club meetings with all of her friends. The part I loved best was that the students were constantly thinking, having to modify, undo, redo, adjust, etc. The problem solving was so great. As an educator, I was thrilled to see the learning that was happening for them. That is the best kind of learning! They are going to work on it some this week and then finish this week-end. The department head of Construction Science has been here for the whole project. He deserves a big pat on the back, too! It constantly amazes us that we ask for help with plans and so much more comes to us. How do we ever thank everyone who has been so generous to our family???? Another great thing that has emerged from this project is that the group has started a fund so this type of project can be done for a special child each semester!

As if we didn't have enough excitement in our lives, we are headed on vacation in TWO days! Tacey is being treated with a special trip to Disney World in honor of her valiant fight against cancer. We are approaching the 7th anniversary of her diagnosis. We cannot believe it has been seven years! At times it seems like it has been so much longer and at times it seems like it has been such a short time.

When Tacey was 5, we went to Disney World with the Make-a-Wish foundation. I think that is why Tacey chose Disney World. It comes down to comfort. She will be able to visualize all that we are experiencing based on her previous experience. In some ways, she will be re-living the other trip. I think that means a lot to her. Of course, I am thrilled to escape to Fantasyland for a few days!! In fact, I think I am going to like it so much that I may never want to return to Reality!!

Be watching for photos from our vacation and the finished clubhouse.

Love to all of you! Thank you so much for your prayers!!!!!