Tonight after we said our family prayer, Casey polks his head up (he usually wonders or makes noises during our prayers, but tonight he was really still and even stayed on his knees) and says, “can I say the prayer” Just like that. And then he did. He said that he was thankful for this day and named each member of our family. Then he whispered something and closed the prayer. It was more than I could handle. This sweet boy. What a miracle he is in how far he has come! We were told when he was diagnosed (almost 3 full years ago!) that he might not ever talk. After his prayer he saw me crying and came to me and put his arms around me and took the palms of his hands and wiped my tears away.
Before this I was thinking about Shelby and how grateful I am that her cancer is gone. I’m a little slow. I know it’s been gone for a while, but it really hit me tonight what a wonderful blessing that is- and that she is, in my life. I found a song about her. I don’t know if she’s ever heard it, but I’ve put it in my playlist…it’s called ‘tough’ by craig morgan. Here are the lyrics (there are some that don’t quite work, but you get the picture) :
Tough
She’s in the kitchen at the crack of dawn
Bacon’s on, coffee’s strong
Kids running wild, taking off their clothes
If she’s a nervous wreck, well it never shows
Takes one to football and one to dance
Hits the Y for aerobics class
Drops by the bank, stops at the store
Has on a smile when I walk through the door
The last to go to bed, she’ll be the first one up
And I thought I was tough
Chorus
She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough
We sat there five years ago
The doctors let us know, the test showed
She’d have to fight to live, I broke down and cried
She held me and said it’s gonna be alright
She wore that wig to church
Pink ribbon pinned there on her shirt
No room for fear, full of faith
Hands held high singing Amazing Grace
Never once complained, refusing to give up
And I thought I was tough
Chorus
She’s strong, pushes on, can’t slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough
She’s a gentle word, the sweetest kiss
A velvet touch against my skin
I’ve seen her cry, I’ve seen her break
But in my eyes, she’ll always be strong
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough
Lexi Mag 
Now you made me cry! You girls are all a little tough. I think strength must be in the genes. Your dad and mom were/are pretty tough too. A little bit of reliance on the spirit helps strengthen that fight, too.
Thanks for sharing the story about Casey. It put tears in my eyes. What a special moment for a special boy!
I remember that night when we first were getting to no one another and you told me about Casey and how you were taking him to get diagnosed. And now look at him. Miracles do occur and I am so thankful to have people in my life who remind me of that. It takes a special mom to raise special kids. And one more thing….I have to agree with Nancy…strength of character must run in your family because Shelby isn’t the only one who exhibits strength…you too are one pretty tough girl.
Way to go Casey! It really is a sweet moment and i love that he wiped your tears. Such a sweet boy!
Wow Lexi! I can only imagine how that must of felt as his mommy! What a special moment!! He is doing so well, and I love the pony in his hair too! Just to echo what some have said, I am amazed at the strength you have in many ways….your spiritual strength, your physical strength….You are a great example to me! I love you!And thanks for sharing this great experience!
Lexi, I do not have you on my blog. WHy is that? I must be a flake! (not a question) I do not have your e-mail, why is that? you should give it to me and I am going to look at some other e-mail and see if I have it from someone else.
sheesh, boo. make me cry y eyes out! i’m so proud of casey and so touched by that song. I’ll say it again – your trial is so much bigger and harder than anything I ever faced. You’re amazing.
You’re absolutely CRAZY shel. I don’t think there’s any way to compare CANCER to anything else. Watching you deal with that with so much grace has taught me to be a little less grumpy about what’s going on with me.
PS- I fixed the dumb playlist to have the song at the top.
Lexi I love that story about Casey. He is the sweetest boy, I absolutley love him. I really think so much of his progress is because of your guys’ parenting. When I stayed over there I was so impressed by your love and strength.That song for Shelby made me cry. I’ve only known her for like a week, but I could see the strength she has. She’s incredible.
He is so amazing. i love him. i know the lord and his amazing parents are doing wonderful things for him! i love you all, pass around hugs for me. and know that until you bring that amazing family back to utah me and casey will be begging you.
I love Casey! I love that he prayed alone. I love you and how strong you are. You have had your fair share of trials and you are AWESOME boo. I love you.
I loved this post Lexi. Thanks for all that you shared.