Hannah's Very, Very Special Day

Hannah is our "number three", our third girl. From the moment she was born with just a little bit of that beautiful red hair, and unexpected pretty, pale skin, we knew she'd be different than her two older sisters. We would soon find out that it wasn't only the way she looked that was different. She had the cutest, raspy voice and she was very well known for it. People would ask her questions over and over again just to hear it. Her personality has always been very unique. Conversations with Hannah are always very interesting, memorable, and very entertaining. It has been this way since she could talk. One of my favorite things about Hannah were her "camels" and "dragons" she would carry in her little two year old pockets. She would bring them out often and carry them around in the palm of her hands and "show" everyone she met. They were as real to her as anything.
.
In 2000, when Hannah was one, she became even more special than we knew her to be. Every once in a while we would notice something strange when she would wake up from sleep. We weren't sure what it was. Soon, we would notice it lasting longer, and then it would happen in the middle of the day. We would soon find out Hannah was having seizures. Hannah was diagnosed with epilepsy that same year.

.

From the time she could talk, she has always said that she had a "special head" and that sometimes it made her do "the funny thing." Hannah came to know medicine, hospitals, and doctor's offices quite well. She amazed us all with what seemed like hundreds of appointments including MRIs, EEGs and various blood tests. She always insisted on watching the needle go right into her arm and actually see the blood fill the tubes. She always amazed the nurses and technicians by her strength, but not as much as she amazed her family. She was, and still is, our hero!

.
So, this year, when we heard that there was going to be a bike ride for epilepsy, and that olympic gold medalist Kristen Armstrong was leading it, AND it happened to be on Hannah's birthday, we couldn't believe it! However, that same day, at the same time, was not only her last soccer game, but also her team party. She had a choice to make. I don't think she thought for more than two seconds. She just could not wait to be a part of this special event!
.
What an exciting morning! It started of course with the always anticipated birthday couch full of Hannah's favorite things, then off to Hannah's big bike ride.
.

.

.
The Mayor of Boise welcomed the small crowd, explaining this was the 2nd annual Ride for Epilepsy, and that it would become bigger and bigger every year. The four children with epilepsy who were going to ride were recognized one at a time in front of everyone. They received their own special gold medal that Kristen Armstrong placed around their necks! She even led the crowd in singing a special "Happy Birthday" to Hannah!

.

.
.

.
Then, with Daddy right by her side, Hannah rode 11 miles through Boise, on her 9th birthday, for a cause that is special to her.
.
Those couple of hours when it was just Hannah and Dad, will never be forgotten.
.

.

It wasn't easy for Hannah! She had to use some of that strength she is known for to get her up the hills, and through the eleventh mile. We were all so proud of Hannah, but possibly not as proud as she was as she came around this last corner, and saw the crowd and the Finish Line.
.

..
..
.
It was her own event. It was her big moment. It was all about Hannah.
.

.
.

Later that evening, Hannah had her first "official with friends" (Hannah's words) birthday party. Pajamas, pizza, pumpkin decorating... she was so happy!

.

.
.
I don't think Hannah could have had a more fantastic birthday. From the moment she woke up, all the way to celebrating with aunts, uncles, and cousins the next day, it was definitely one she'll always treasure.
.
.
We sure do love you, Hannah Beth. You bring such joy to our lives, and to all who know you - the way we know you.