I cannot even put it into words how proud I am!!

​Today was a one of a kind, kind of day.  I am speechless by the amazing love and support that we have gotten from Lemont and the entire country.  
 
Today I had just gotten to Indiana to visit my Grandma in the ICU when I got a phone call from Lauren Petty NBC news.  She said we heard about your story and are planning on attending Lemont High School today and would like to speak with you also at 12noon.  It was shortly after 10am and we had just drove on side roads through this horrible ice storms to see my grandma all the way in Indiana. There was no way I was going to make it back and honestly It was really important for me to spend at least a little time with my Grandma.  So I got her in touch with April Rita the wonderful person that began this #EllieStrong Campaign in the first place and then contacted my mom that had Ellie and asked if Ellie would meet with Lauren.  Ellie agreed and that was the story.  Crazy to think this happened so quickly.  I got home and my Mom told me how incredibly impressed she was and my sister told me how she cried the whole time.  I have been really good lately and have held myself together like a rock.  Well not tonight.  I cried when I watched Ellie on the news.  I cried for so many reasons.  I cried because I was so touched by the community and schools and by the outpouring love, I was also cried because I was so proud of Ellie, and proud to call her my own.  I also cried because I am heart broken.  Heart broken that she is going through this.  
 
Tonight Ellie and I where sitting in the kitchen and Ellie said mom “why is god giving our family so much right now, you know, you have MS, Great Grandma is in the ICU, Grandpa has cancer, and me.”  I thought for a second and responded “Because we are lucky, we are lucky because we have the best support system in the world.  Many people do not have the love and support like we have.  God knows we can handle whatever he throws at us because we have family, friends and awesome people helping us along the way” I have always hated the saint god will never give you more than you can handle because I have always felt like he has way out done himself with our family.  But for the first time tonight I realized that we got this we have thousands standing behind us and supporting us. What an amazing feeling.  Today was a good day.  Even though it was hectic and I had several moments of wondering what is going on with my life.  At the end of the day just watching Ellie on TV and thinking how darn lucky I am.  It was a good day.  All the yucky stuff can go to the waste side because nothing can tarnish this day.  
 
I also was opening and doing bills and Ellie said to me “Mom, I need to get a job so I can help you.  I have to be sixteen right?”  I said “Yes” before I could say anything else she said “Ok when I am old enough I will get a job and help you with the bills” I feel like Ellie has matured light years since her surgery.  Crazy awesome and so proud.  
 
 P.S. We had a viewing party of my little star at my moms house last night..