"Celeste has to have emergency neuro [brain] surgery tonight." How do you cope when you have just been told your daughter has a tumor and she doesn't know about it? How do you put on a calm face for your precious child? You just do. I was emotionally exhausted before I even stepped into her room, yet adrenaline and focusing on what needed to be, done kept me marching on. Armed with her Pooh Bear, blanket, and Winnie the Pooh movie, Celeste waited for her surgery. Now, looking back, I don't know how I was so strong to watch them take her away, my baby girl. Little did I know that 500 miles away another family was going through similar experiences and we would become each other's lifelines through our most difficult days that lay ahead. Laura and Laurie share their story of: • Friendship and inspiration • Struggles and miracles • Joy and sadness • Love and loss Their narrative provides a sense of hope and teaches us how to find needed strength and courage. It is a guide and support to any parents faltering under weight of the horrendous news that their precious child has been, diagnosed with a life threatening illness. It reminds us all of the fragility of life, the necessity to remain present in each moment, and how to find perspective in even our darkest hours.
