Daddy's girl

As you know Lans I could never get on the same visiting schedule as your daddy throughout your cancer ordeal.  I have been so sad I wasn't able to capture in pictures the bond the two of you shared. But alas, aunt Wendy to the rescue.  She found this gorgeous picture of the two of you at Bubbys 86th birthday party.  I think it captures well how you would light up when he was around.  Such a special bond!  And those matching eyes are to die for...

Aunt Wendy delivery!!

Here are a few other pics your loving auntie sent over:  

This photo was taken in Tucson, September, 2007, in healthier times.
These three cousins, Ilana, Hillary and Jessica, have always been
inseparable!

Becca, here's another photo, taken that same day [as the photos below], of Ilana and SOME of

the women who loved her "all the way to the moon and back!"
(Pam---one of the most incredible women I have ever met!, Hillary and
Christopher, Aunt Wendy, Bubby, Ilana and Aunt Joni).  These photos
are grainy, due to poor light conditions and a less than groovy
photographer)!  Wendy

Here are 3 photos I took from when
the family got together at Fine Fittings, after Matthew was born,
June, 2009.  Would that I had a photo of Arnie and Ilana.  I will
continue to search my vast collection of photos.

 What a bunch!  :)

Matthew's birthday . . .

Matthew got another birthday party with Aunt Joanie and Aunt Wendy too!  Such a devoted loving family you have!!  

And these boys. . .there are no words. 

Always on my heart

Sweet Lans, it's been too long since my last post.  I have officially started nursing school at the very same GCC you went to.  Each time I go to school there comes with it a memory of you.  When I walk in the courtyard I think of your graduation ceremony. When I'm studying for what seems a lifetime I think, "Lans did this too."  Memories of a vital you and then others come when we talk about neutropenic precautions and peg tub feedings always reminding me of the strain your poor body endured - I'm always left with in awe of you and your fighting spirit.    

Gone but not forgotten!

Message from your sweet mama: 
A couple of weeks ago Arnie was at Mayo Arrowhead for an appointment.  Little did he know the receptionist recognized him as Ilana's dad.  She. Motioned for him to come over and she turned her computer screen around and showed him the blog that she follows continuously.  Needless to say it made Arnie a little teary (what a shocker)! What a kind and lovely thing she did to share this with him.  It means so much to us!  I too have known Joanne Kaiser for many years and she is absolutely adorable!  Thank you Joanne!  Ilana may be gone but not forgotten!

Happy birthday Matthew!

Marina and Pam organized a darling party for Matthews birthday!  It is always so fun to see Hilary and your parents and we got to meet Marinas good friend Eric too!  It was great to be together to celebrate 4 years of this sweet, crazy kid!  

They misspelled Matthews name so marina got $3 off - love that bargain shopper! 

The theme of gifts was guns- nerf, water and bubble guns did not disappoint!  

Grandpa loves on your baby boy!!

This chubby ball of love and his pretty mama!!So much fun!!

Rachel's wedding

Again, some of these might be repeats . . but I love them just the same so here we go. 

You had just had your 5th or 6th round of chemo, but you wanted to go anyway. . to get away, to support Rach.  In La Jolla, CA you enjoyed yourself on this beautiful night quite a bit.  And you looked so beautiful.. .

And then more pictures at their AZ reception as well. 

 And this is how I try to remember you. ..