Alexa and Papa

I want to share with you a story surrounding Wally's death - one of many - that keeps me motivated to do this run and to raise money for LLS.

Alexa is 7 years old. Her Papa, Wally, has had cancer since before she was born. In her life, his disease is a normal part of life. It has been difficult for her to understand how serious the disease is. What she does know, is that she cannot visit her Papa when she has the sniffles. She understands that it is harder for him to do things like walking than for most people and he cannot run and play with her. She understands that sometimes he has to go to the hospital for medicine. She understands that her hugs help him to feel a little better.

Alexa also knows that her Papa would do anything for her. She loves spending time with him - whether that means watching TV, fishing, eating out or reading. And she loves his teasing and his hugs.

Recently, Papa had to go to the hospital. This time it was more serious. Alexa asked her mom if Papa was going to die and her mom was gently honest that it was a possibility. Because it was so serious, Alexa could not go to the hospital and see Papa or talk to him or give him her "feel better" hugs.

So Alexa took action. She found her "Feel Better Bear" - a hypo-allergenic Build-a-Bear - in her bedroom. Alexa hugged and hugged and hugged the bear - filling it with her love. Then she gave the bear to her mom to take to Papa in the hospital. The bear stayed by Papa's side for 4 days. On the last day, Papa went to heaven.

Alexa was heartbroken. For the next several days, she held the same "Feel Better Bear" close to her heart at all times. On the day of Papa's funeral, she placed the bear in Papa's casket.

The same day, Alexa's sister gave her another "Feel Better Bear" to help Alexa feel better. Alexa named the bear Papa and he goes everywhere with her. Alexa still talks to Papa. Even though she misses him, she tells me that he is here with her and she still feels his love.