[Aaa]

*

Some days I sit and laugh when I remember my college days.* I have some pretty great memories running around with roommates, laughing about nonsense, creating chaos, baking treats (or buying them) at 2 am, sharing secrets, imagining our futures, playing silly pranks, practicing makeup tricks, (and yes, I went to class too), etc.*

*

I have been thinking a lot about one of my past roommates a lot lately.* Her name is Katie.* And she and I were crazy together.* We were both tall (our roommates called us the twin towers), both laughed a lot, and both loved to stay up late talking about our day/love interests/neighborhood gossip.* We often laughed about nonsense.* And made fun out of boredom.* And ate goat cheese (and chips) late at night.* We had a lot of random fun.

*

*

(Pics are from 2003-2004)

*

*

She and I have been through a lot together.* And she was even there on my wedding day.*

(I can’t find a real wedding snapshop of us together right this second…..but here’s a random one of us chatting by the stairs.)

*

She has been such a dear friend to me.

. . .

*

*

When Katie had her second baby boy a little over a year ago, they found out that little Dylan was born with a surprise.* They call that surprise his “lucky leg” (like ‘Finding Nemo’).* Dylan was born with a condition called called Fibular Hemimelia and Congenital Short Femur.* And because of that condition, his left leg is about 30% shorter than his right one. (He has no fibula in his lower leg and his femur bone is shorter.)

*

Here he is as a tiny baby.* His foot from his full grown leg is on the left and the foot from the shorter leg is on the right.

* *

*

*

Dylan has otherwise been growing perfectly well.* And is increasingly curious and independent.* Oh, and he pretty much has the most gorgeous set of blue eyes/lashes I’ve ever seen.* (Except his older brother has a darn beautiful set too!)

* *

*

*

That little leg has made a fighter out of of this now little 13 month old boy.* He has some serious fire in his blood.* Check him out cruising on his lucky leg.

*

*

*

*

And it’s because of Dylan that I have been thinking a lot about Katie lately.* Well, and her whole family.* I just know she and her husband Bryon have a lot on their plate.* And worry a lot about little Dylan.* They have done a lot of research, asked a lot of questions, and prayed many prayers……and have decided that it would be best to amputate little Dylan’s leg.* They know that he will have a much better quality of life, using a prosthetic leg.*

*

*

*

*

Little Dylan is all set for surgery for this Wednesday, January 11th.* Yay.

*

Katie and her husband Bryson have been really optimistic since having baby Dylan.* They know all things happen for a reason and they have a lot of faith that all will be well with Dylan.* But I know they have bad days.* And I know they worry.** So if you have a moment, please include Dylan (and the whole family) in your prayers.* And if you aren’t the praying type, please send good thoughts and well wishes their way.* They would appreciate it.

*

*

I just love that little Dylan……..and I love his momma dearly!

So I just had to share a little piece of their story here.*

And share my admiration for this sweet little 13 month old boy.

*

*

Best of luck Dylan!*

Our prayers are with you kiddo!* Can’t wait to see you cruisin’ around on your NEW lucky leg!!**

. . .

*

*

If you want to read more about Dylan and his leg journey, Katie writes a blog all about him here.*

(And if you want to ask Katie any questions, I’m sure she would love to answer them.* She’s become an expert on this topic!!)

*

Tweet