Katie was discharged from the hospital on June 21st last year but was not released to return to WV right away. During that time, my brother and sister-in-law were in Cincinnati for an outdoor concert featuring O.A.R. and Train, and Katie and I were invited to join them when they ended up with two extra tickets. They had introduced Katie to O.A.R. previously and she already had a few favorite songs. She was so excited! After being stuck in a hospital, often confined to one room, for over 10 weeks, she was more than ready for a little adventure. We went shopping that day so she could buy an outfit to wear; she then spent a long time on her makeup for the evening. We did not realize quite how far the walk would be from the car to the amphitheater and, although Katie's flip-flops looked really cute with her outfit, they were quite impractical. With nearly all the muscle in her legs atrophied, she was having difficulty not tripping on those flops with every step. She ended up needing carried, piggy-back style, by my brother as I carried our blankets and bags.
She had an incredible time at the concert - laughing, singing, and people-watching! I heard a new song that evening that plays on repeat in my head sometimes. Drink up by Train. It makes me think of that summer. Now, some of the verses would not really pertain to the memories that I have attached to the song, but, like Katie told me occasionally, "Mom, you don't have to analyze everything for a deeper meaning." Can't let this moment, this moment slip away 'Cause things like this don't happen to us every day So take this moment and put it in a glass If you want a sip, I got memories on tap Drink up, drink up Write your name on a cup Drink up, drink up Write your name on a cup One evening in early July, just a few weeks later, Katie was finally home and Chad and I were walking through our neighborhood after dinner. We were talking about how to parent in this season of cancer when he said, "What if our goal isn't to raise a responsible adult for the future? What if our goal becomes to enjoy our children as a gift for today?" This probably does not seem like a profound statement, yet for two people who tend to plan and set goals and not always live in the moment, this was a huge realization. That one thought changed the way we parented that summer (and maybe forever). We really enjoyed our kids in the following months. We said yes a lot more. We ate a lot more Dairy Queen. We laughed and talked. We slacked on the chore list and dropped the nagging. I'm not saying we didn't discipline or expect them to participate in the household, but we became less concerned with teaching responsibility and raising adults and more focused on enjoying the now and being present. When we received the last minute opportunity to vacation in Florida, we did not do so under the weight of our normal vacation budget. We ate out, rented kayaks, drove go-karts and bought lots of ice cream! I told Chad, "We can't always spend like this on vacation." He responded, "Maybe not, but we are going to this time." A comment that was so out of character for Chad, but so in line with what God had impressed on him. Oh to always be able to listen to the Spirit like that! I am so glad we lived like that for those months. We wrote our name on a cup and drank up every moment. I truly believe that because of that one statement and conscious decision on our part, Katie did everything she wanted last summer. She had no "should have's;" nor do I. Since then, we haven't given up on our family budget or let our kids live without responsibility, but we have let some of that approach carry over into our lives going forward. The laundry and dishes still need washed, homework still needs completed, bad behavior still requires consequences. But I can't let this moment - this moment - slip away, 'cause things like this don't happen to us everyday. Drink up.
18 Comments
Erin gress
5/2/2018 11:02:55 pm
How blessed Katie was that you gave her wonderful times and memories,in the midst of being sick.You allowed her to "drink up" and enjoy her life instead of always thinking about her cancer.You gave her reason to smile her beautiful smile.I will think of Katie every time I hear this song,but not a day goes by that I don't think of her.❤🙏
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Sam & Amy
5/3/2018 04:57:49 am
Oh Wow, what a story to think about! This is a lesson for us ALL!! We need to live as though it’s our last day and appreciate all the blessings he provides! I wish that I would have known Katie, but through her story she was always positive facing each challenge. Not sure all could accomplish her challenges with such a positive outlook. For sure with Jesus on our side all things are possible! “Drink up” for he is alive through us as his his spiritual blessings flow if we allow him to use us!!!!! Thank you for this post!!!! God Bless the Cobb Family!!!!!!!!
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Kim Jarrouj
5/2/2018 11:31:52 pm
What beautiful memories! One thing as parents we often take our time for granted with our children. You have been blessed to make sure you savored every moment you could & I can tell you did with the vivid detail you use to share your memories & moments with all of us. You should really consider writing books. You have a true gift. When I read your posts it is like I am there feeling everything you describe. God bless you.
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Jeanette Raynes Capocefalo
5/3/2018 07:35:58 am
You guys are so right. I have learned this with my own battle with cancer. Some things aren't important like they use to be. Think of you guys often. I try to Drink Up every day . Bless you!
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Gypsy
5/3/2018 07:56:32 am
Blessings to all with love.
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Stephanie
5/3/2018 08:51:11 am
Oh my this made me smile and cry at the same time. I’m I’ve raised my girls and they are moms now but what a lesson to be told! I could be that over thinker too! Maybe we all need to take a look and see if we are being being too “parentally correct”. Thank you for sharing Katie and your family with us. Someday I would love to meet you guys. Prayers that your words will change lives in Katie’s name!
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Searra Halstead
5/3/2018 08:56:41 am
You write the most beautiful, heart felt blogs about your daughter. Your writing just takes me back into your memories. May God continue to use your family and bless you. Much love in Christ.
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Lisa Courtney
5/3/2018 09:58:20 am
Your heart felt blogs are such a great testimony and blessing to all. There were many moments I wish I hadn't let slip away!!
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Donetta
5/3/2018 10:02:36 am
You all remain inspirational.
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Summer Bailey
5/3/2018 11:05:20 am
What an amazing memory. I think we all need to start living in the moment.
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Beth A Kutcher
5/3/2018 03:26:28 pm
Thank you! I so needed this.
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Whitney Cox
5/3/2018 03:41:01 pm
Love this!! 💜
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Tim n Bev
5/3/2018 03:41:46 pm
What beautiful thoughts and comments. You are all still I’m my thoughts and prayers daily. 🙏🙏🙏
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Carissa McBurney
5/3/2018 06:19:59 pm
This is the most beautiful post! Thank you for reminding me of the importance of enjoying your children.
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Diane Lett
5/3/2018 06:48:39 pm
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Robin gatens
5/3/2018 08:05:13 pm
Love reading your stories prayers hugs an love your are wonderful parents.
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Shelli McMillion
5/3/2018 09:35:53 pm
Beautiful!!! Inspiring!! Special!!! Smart!!! Love!!!
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Deby Deno
5/4/2018 01:47:37 am
I’ve been so touched and inspired by each post that you have shared with us. I admire the strength and courage that you have shown to your family and to all of us with everything you have gone through and continue to face each day. This story of summer is a beautiful reflection of Katie and in general Life itself. We must make the most of every single day good or bad, enjoy not only the big stuff but savor the little moments in between and “Drink up”. I’m so happy that you had such a wonderful summer with so many special memories with Katie and that you will also have so many more wonderful summers to spend with your family and create so many new memories to share as well. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you....🙏
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