This little warrior child of mine turned SIX YEARS OLD the other day.

Never thought I would get this kid a GUN. First Nerf Rite of Passage on the morning of his 6th bday.

Swimming in the river just below Snoqualmie Falls, WA, July 28, 2025 with my birthday boy

Being with my son is the most profound teacher of my life. Watching him grow and evolve is incredible. I can see how his spirit was just as it is now from the very first minute I met him, felt him, knew him. He is a powerful, creative, inquisitive, loving person - he loves adventure, nature, and Pokemon. He is so brave, so wise, and so whole-hearted. He loves deeply and purely, knows what he does and doesn't like. He loves to lead and explore. Today we walked all the way down to Snoqualmie Falls in the hot summer sun. My chemo treatments make me very dehydrated and weak in general, so I was so grateful to be able to keep up with him, to carry him when he was tired, to clamber across rocks and dive into the water just as we always do.

He is my favorite traveling companion and my whole heart. I am doing my best to raise him to be empathetic, to be a helper, a leader, and a kind teammate.

I am dreaming of many more years together, and feeling like each moment is truly precious. I’m so grateful that Gavin is my guy.

Thank you to the village that helps me raise him - you all know who you are. We love and appreciate you SO SO much.

Onward!!! To many many many more years of lessons, laughter, and adventures. Please don't let this cancer take me from him.