For the Love of Ivey

Thank you to everyone who wished Ivey a very happy 20th birthday. She was absolutely giddy with those who sent her recorded messages to listen to! Thank you for knowing her so well and the way into her heart, your voice…….even when I have to text you to let you know she now wants “The Wheels on the Bus.”…and you send it Brooke Ann ! She can be a bit demanding…. It has taken a village, you are our village. Thank you. For Matt and I, we celebrate her every year with gusto. This year it felt even more so. There is an emotion, a quiet accomplishment, a semi-checkered flag, maybe an exhale of sorts. There are no words. Just emotions. Matt and I are in a small club no parent ever wants to be. Specialists all trailed off in those early years with the words … maybe she will survive until childhood. Heavy to know- to not know. We were told Ivey’s first day of life, she most likely would not make it through the night…that night turned into a week…a year….into childhood…then teen years...

The tale of Ivey’s shoes and Disney. It’s a tale as old as time. It’s a tale you’ve kinda heard. It’s legend. Full of hero’s chasing down the princess to return her shoe. Very similar to Cinderella. But different.