Dance, Alyssa, Dance

To say yesterday was a hard day would be an understatement.  Brad, Sierra, and I went to the celebration of life for our sweet friend Alyssa.  She fought a long and brave battle with osteosarcoma.  On New Years Eve Alyssa left her earthly body, on to other things that we can only imagine.  I struggle with religion often, but I don't doubt that there is a place that is our own perception of perfect that waits for us after we die.  That helps a little when a loved one passes but it cannot take away the hurt and the want to have them here with us.  We have known Alyssa's family since Sierra and Laurel were very little, but we were lucky to become close with them over the last couple of years.  I would often visit Alyssa and Lynn when they were in the hospital for treatment.  Sierra and Alyssa shared a love of books.  Laurel and Lexie share a love of silliness and being center stage!  Alyssa was comfortable enough with my nursing background to sleepover at our house this past summer.  We celebrated birthdays and raising money for cancer research.  I have been blessed in so many ways to have grown close to this family.  I have gotten to enjoy Alyssa's wit and humor, to witness the very special relationship between sisters, and an amazing love among this family.  I have watched in awe as this entire community came together to support Alyssa and her family.  We will miss so many things about Alyssa.  Sierra is doing okay... processing Alyssa's death as a 10 year old is able.   The service yesterday was heart wrenching and beautiful.  Jeff rang the bell that Alyssa was never able to since her fight with cancer continued even after chemo was finished.  There were songs and dancing for the children that made us laugh as Alyssa would have.  So many meaningful words were spoken.  Among my favorite though "Live, Alyssa, Live.  Dance, Alyssa, Dance.  Play, Alyssa, Play" as well as "Live, Lexie, Live.  Live, Lynn, Live.  Live, Jeff, Live".  The strength, courage, humor, and love of Alyssa will live on in our hearts forever.  We love you all, Divers family!

Cadence dances

Cadence started taking dance class this year.  She is now to the point where she doesn't cry when I leave her, but I still haven't figured out exactly how she feels about it.  I've strongly encouraged her to stay in for the second half after seeing how ADORABLE the recital outfits are!  Great reason, I know!  But I'd really like to see each of my three girls dance, just once, on stage.  I think this might be it for Cadence.  I finally got to see what she does in class during parent observation day.  Apparently, whatever she is doing she requires the intense concentration that accompanies sticking her tongue out!

Lila and Cadence

You put her right foot in...

Again with the tongue!

Bunny hop

One of my favorites!

Blair and Zoe were CRACKING us up!  They spent more time making

 faces at themselves than dancing!

Cadence and her friends!

Laurel's performance

Laurel had her first on-stage performance!  "Shake your groove thing" couldn't have been more appropriate for her!  She had a wonderful experience for her first year of dance and although she loved it she wants to try gymnastics next.  I was a constant tryer-outer so I know how she feels.  In typical Laurel fashion she didn't have a moment of stage fright or anxiety.  When she slipped a bit during the performance she shook it off pretty well.  We are so proud of the work and effort that put into the whole year!

Laurel's favorite fellow dancer

Sassy!