That was the Sunday that Mark Newmiller's daughter, Ella, first showed signs that something just was not right. On Monday, she went to her doctor. On Tuesday, April 29 (one year ago today) doctors at UNC Hospitals told the Newmiller's that their 5-year-old daughter had an inoperable brain tumor. Odds were against Ella living to see the start of kindergarten in the Fall.
A lot has happened in a year: Ella had a birthday fit for a Princess; visited many doctors, specialists and holistic healers; friends held fundraisers for the family; prayer circles were formed; donations were made; Make-a-Wish fulfilled Ella's wish of a Disney experience and best of all, a miracle happened...Not only is Ella still with us, but her tumor has stabilized and her report for today said she "looked like a million bucks." Whether it has been the recent medical help she has received in Boston or the power of prayer, Ella has turned a corner and we all continue to pray for her and her recovery.
And speaking of Sunday, this past Sunday (the anniversary of the discovery of her illness) Ella ran in the Race for Grace and played in her piano recital.
It was all I do to keep my composure as I watched that beautiful little girl smile as she sang and tinkled the ivories with her mother, Renae, at her side - beaming wider than any other parent on stage. Mark took photos and beamed as well. Two proud parents aglow in a miracle before them. I smiled big too watching Ella play, but then it hit me.
I fought back tears as I realized it had been exactly a year since Mark, our Little Braves and I came home from Sea Gull that Sunday afternoon last year as many do, without a care in the world. We waved goodbye to Moose and Double D, stopped at the Neuse on the way down 70 and then unloaded the Pilot at Mark's house, not having a clue as to all that waited for us in the coming year...
How-How!
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