Super Nats, The Colonel, & Dr. Tart: Challenge Air!!

This is an event Natalie got to participate in two years ago and she did it again this year. It is a very cool organization called, Challenge Air, that takes kids with physical challenges and lets them fly. When Natalie did this two years ago it was less than a year after she had finished chemo and as David and I sat in the back and watched her fly like a natural & enjoy herself SO much--I must admit I was in tears. Those strong emotions don't erupt as much as they used to in these kinds of situations, but this year was just as cool and I had the same perma-smile on my face! I can't say HOW much I LOVED sitting back and listening to my girl cutely chatter away in excitement as she flew. I seriously wish I had a recording of her voice over the headphones. It was SO TOTALLY Natalie.

And just like two years ago, she was SO good at flying. This time she seemed to take delight in doing a few crazy moves that made me a touch nervous. Last time I went away thinking she would make a natural pilot. She walked away with a new found confidence in herself and dreaming big and I walked away amazed, touched, and in awe with gratitude at the possibilities of the life before her. After you have faced losing a child; there is something extra sweet in seeing your child experience life and all the amazing things it has to offer.

And of course, the other thing that always amazes and touches me is the kindness of others who give so freely and willingly of their time and resources to help others. It truly is special to be on the recieving end of so much kindness. It is something that never ceases to amaze me. Our pilot and his crew (his wife & family) were totally amazing and seriously some of the very nicest people you could meet. They are the kind of people that just make me want to hug them. Seeing the smiles on the other kids and parents faces was a real treat too. Some of these kids are in wheelchairs, some are autistic, some have down syndrome. There are all kinds of kids--but one thing that is the same is their smiles--ear to ear!! Some of these parents spend an entire lifetime taking care of their special needs children. I truly believe there will be a special door into heaven just for them. What examples of love and selflessness some of these parents are. It makes me so happy for the park we are building!!

Natalie was in heaven with this little puppy as she waited for her flight.

Such a sweet lady!!

Just exiting the red carpet. Natalie got this huge balloon because her original one somehow fell off her wrist and floated away. The balloons are their system for finding who is up next. Later she sent her balloon up to her friend Alexa in heaven.