Yesterday was the Celebration of Libby's 17th birthday and fundraiser for Make a Wish and Cook Children's. We decided during the dark days of the NG tube that we would focus on celebrating and giving back to the places that have made such a huge difference in our lives.
In the last 12 months we have had Botox, IVIG treatment, two skin biopsies, MRI's, XRays, consults, lots and lots of blood work, two feeding tubes and tons of therapy. Libby asked to donate her beautiful hair to Locks of Love and she did. Oh, and we went to the Western Mediterranean for her Wish cruise, which was a special kind of
Blessing.
There have been some days and nights that were so dark and scary that crawling into a hole and hiding was a viable option in my mind. At least one of the diseases they tested her for is untreatable and fatal, she was negative. We've had side effects and had to change meds mid stream due to huge emotional changes. I have fallen asleep praying more nights than I can count.
All of this and we've had immense joy. Just when I feel that giving up is all that is left Libby will giggle or ask for a hug. It really is an attitude of gratitude.
It is because if the roller coaster we live that we decided that Libby would give back to her friends, family and other sick children.
We planned the food in December not knowing if Libby would have her feeding tube out or not. If she got to have pudding, we would all have pudding. Thus, a pudding bar!
Including our sweet princess butt! This is her serving. We served brisket, mashed potatoes, salad and yummy rolls. The focus was on the pudding. 
On the left are part of the donations and on the right are Libby's gifts. I am proud to say that she was happy with her gifts and excited about all the donations.
If one kid smiles because of these donations then we will consider our efforts successful. We are truly blessed beyond measure! (We will deliver all these at our next appointment, so we can still take more items!) All donations together I'd estimate several more hundred dollars for Cook Children's. 
This was Libby last night after the party. Thank you to everyone who came to share in our celebration. Although there have been some dark moments, there is always joy. Gratitude.
Aunt Judy hanging out with Miss Libby. Special hugs for Judy and my aunt Beverly for their donations. And for the amazing Mariah who I admire and love more everyday.
These girls have been Libby's friends since we arrived in Happy. Micah, Beth and Rachel have been and are a great blessing in Libby's life!
The beautiful Cassie Foster painting that we auctioned off for Make a Wish. The winning bid was from our amazing friends, Kim and Jeff Davis. They gave the painting to Libby and it is already in her bedroom! Their winning bid and other donations for Make a Wish totaled over $400! All will be given to Make a Wish under Libby's name to try to give back for her amazing trip!
The amount of items people brought for Cook Children's patient services is also overwhelming!
Today we will do very little as yesterday wore Miss Princess and myself out!
Here is the list of items Cook Children's has on their wish list.
http://www.cookchildrens.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/giving/ChildLifeWishList.pdf
The local chapter of Make a Wish will
be getting our donation as soon as we can arrange it!
Wish.org
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