I am so excited to introduce you to a very special young lady…a very special friend…Julianne!
Let me tell you just how I know this sweet chick…her mom went to school with my sister, and the story goes a little something like this…
Barbara, Julianne’s mom, and my sister, Kay, are friends, and they went to school together. Kay is a few years older than me, and once I got older, she used to tell me how her friends always wanted to play with me when I was a baby…when they would come over to hang out with her {{I think this may have annoyed her just a teeny tiny bit}} 🙂 . She also likes to say that when I got a little older that I would “bug” them by knocking on her door wanting to play. Oh, yes, sista, I remember this!!! But, what I remember is that she would lock her door so I couldn’t go in. And, I remember that they would be taking a NAP when I wanted to play!! So wrong…about as {{wrong}} as it maybe is for me to tell you that she is TEN YEARS OLDER THAN ME!!! 🙂 Heehee….bet you didn’t know that one day that little girl that kept “bugging” you would have a blog and love to write about you on it, now did ya??? Just so you know, we are close as can be, and I love her sooo much…she’s always been the best sister a girl could ask for!
Now, back to Miss Julianne…fast forward after all those years, and now Barbara and Kay have their own sweet children. I have been planning to write this post for some time now, and I think the timing couldn’t be more perfect!! Julianne just celebrated her 12th birthday this weekend!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIANNE!!! I hope you had a “tealightfully” FABULOUS celebration!! 🙂
This birthday is more than just an ordinary birthday celebration…it is a true celebration of Julianne’s beautiful life and her health. In 2009, Julianne was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, a type of cancer that occurs in less than 3 people per 1 million population. Julianne initially underwent surgery and then began radiation and chemotherapy treatments. When my mom told me about her diagnosis I immediately began praying for her and following how she was doing through her CaringBridge page. I cannot tell you how she touched my heart! Each time I saw a new picture they had posted I instantly noticed her SMILE! She has the most beautiful smile! I just thought about all the things that she was going through, and how more than anything…it was her smile, her sweet spirit, her FAITH…it was all of these things that I thought of when I thought of her name.
I thought of what a FIGHTER she is, what a sweet sister she is to Caroline and Charlie (above), and how many lives she was touching on a daily basis. From reading her CaringBridge pages and her mom’s messages, I learned that this is Julianne’s favorite verse:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9b)
Julianne and this verse became an inspiration to me…sometimes when I was having a rough day or concerned about something, I would look over and read this verse. It was because of Julianne that I printed this verse out and have it on my desk. It reminds me of her…
FAITH
DETERMINATION
STRENGTH
INSPIRATION
SMILE
and, so much more that she represents. I’m telling you…this 12 year old chick is rather amazing!!
Back in May of this year, we went home to go to Dillon’s graduation {my newphew}. After the graduation, my mom came over to me to tell me that there was someone there that she wanted me to see. It was Barbara, Julianne’s mom!!! It had been a long time since I had seen her, and I was so excited to find out she was there. And, guess who was with her??? Yes, Julianne!! I was thrilled to know that I was going to finally have the chance to meet her in person! Why, she pretty much had CELEBRITY status as far as I was concerned! 🙂 We chatted a bit at the school and then all headed out to dinner so I had the opportunity to have my picture made with her then. I’m not so crazy about my picture (top photo), but Julianne looks beautiful so I just had to share our photo with you! What fun it was to meet her and see that SMILE in person!!! She is just as sweet as I had imagined!!
That’s why I know she is going to be a best friend “forevah” to sweet Teddy!!! Word is that Teddy just joined their home! Oh, a furry baby!!! Julianne, Tucker and I are so excited for you and Teddy!!!! You two will have the best time together!!
Julianne’s mom wrote this on Julianne’s CaringBridge page in her birthday post, and I just wanted to share it with you because I just love it:
“She arrived with a WONDERFUL disposition. As soon as she began speaking, she gushed about flowers being beautiful, about having FUN, about loving parties, and the list goes on. Even as a toddler, life was just one party after another. And she couldn’t wait for the next one to start!”
And, she truly resonates this kind of personality! Her SMILE warms your heart instantly, and that sweet disposition lets you know that she is the kind of girl you call a “friend for life”!!
I am tickled PINK to tell you that all of her scans have been clear and that Julianne is cancer-free. And, I just ask that when you are saying your prayers that you will remember this SMILE, this sweet personality….Julianne…and, that you will pray that she will stay forever cancer-free!
Julianne, you have touched my heart forever, and you truly do give me strength and inspiration when I am dealing with something difficult or unsettling in life! And, I know that you do this for so many people…thank you for sharing your story with us…thank you for sharing a part of you!
Christmastime is the perfect time to remember some of the many wonderful organizations that help those that are dealing with cancer or other illnesses. CaringBridge is a beautiful organization that helps those fighting these battles, and you may read more about it by going to CaringBridge.org.
We all love yummy recipes so I was happy to find out about the “Special Collection of Holiday Sweets” by The Sweet Spot Candy Bar (stop by and say “Hi” to Carrie on The Sweet Shop Candy Bar’s Facebook page, too). This is a collaboration of several party ladies that have come together to share some of their favorite recipes as a way of giving to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital…
“As party ladies, we are blessed each year to design/plan parties for beautiful, healthy children. At this time of year, we’d like to take a moment and help out the children who have not been so fortunate, and need our help the most.”
This is an awesome opportunity to help a great cause! This cookbook is $5 in The Sweet Spot Candy Bar’s Etsy shop, and once you have purchased it, you will receive a link so you may download the file. I couldn’t wait to order my copy, and I assure you that you will not be disappointed. I’ve already “tagged” several recipes I want to try! And, I’m thinking John won’t complain about being a taste tester for a few!! 🙂
Many thanks to Julianne and her family for sharing these sweet photos with me. I just wanted to share her SMILE with you. I hope she will inspire you just as she has me!!
2010 Copyright Ann-Margaret’s SpecialTea Shoppe
Please do not copy/use text, photos, or images (graphics) without permission.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!