the Brave Hearted Princess

My world was lit up by a young girl I met as she was skipping down the hall. As she passed me she turned her head to look at me and I gave her a quick wave and a smile. When our eyes met, that was all it took for me to see she was a special young lady.

She illuminated with a glow. A presence of great strength was seen past the tiny frail body of hers. Her eyes and smile sparkled when she said hello shyly as we made our introductions. I was truly captivated as her Father told me her story.

For the day was a very special one for Lexi. She was swimming for the first time since a long battle with cancer. It was her celebration to mark the end of her chemo treatments. Her story was of a fight that no one should have to endure. A life threatening battle. Despite the extreme pain and sickness associated with the cancer and treatments, she persevered. Nothing stopped this young lady. Her Father was beaming as he talked about her bravery and how proud he was of her. Boy did he have a right to brag about his little fighter!

She was so happy as she pointing to her head. Her blonde hair was beginning to peek out. As I gently ran my fingers across it, I couldn't help but think of how she didn't need it. She was so gorgeous without it. For her beauty ran deep.

She is a true heroine. One who fought battles daily with courage and strength. Through perils of sickness, severe weakness, needles, and tests galore.

Thank you Princess Lexi for skipping down the hall right at the perfect moment! Our talk was way too short, but in that brief encounter you made an impact on my heart. Life is short and all so fragile. No matter how bad a situation may seem, never lose faith. Always keep hope alive, finding the courage and the inner strength to press on. She might have been tiny in stature but on the inside, she is a warrior with a brave heart full of dreams and wishes. And my wish for you Lexi is that all of them come true. You are a true princess!

Want to help children with cancer? Visit Cookies for Kids Cancer. 

Find out how Lexi inspired me.  
The Kind Hearted Princess and The Mighty Spirited Prince,
my first children's book!

For more inspiring stories, you may want to read The Greatest Gift of All, The Forgotten Ones, Through a Child's Eyes, Hope is Alive and Well in Austin!, and The "Flowering Bridge": CommUNITY at its Finest.