A Little Peek of Our Christmas

I only picked a few pictures.  I took a ton!  This Christmas to me was more special than ever.  The older I ge,t and the things that happen throughout the years, the more special I find family time to be.  They let my Mom out of the hospital Christmas Eve, so she was able to be here.  Also spending alot with David's family that are all in from out of state.   Both Christmases were fun and glad to be able to be all together.  Here are just a few pictures.

 

 

 Such a ham.

 Mr. and Mrs. Claus stopped by. (her babysitter and her husband)

 Bryce got Kaylynn a babydoll. :)

 Look what I found!!

 I'm a country girl! Gotta have my John Deere!

 Grammy got me a bike!!

 Brooke got one too!!

 Daddy taking me for a spin!

 Uncle Jimmy got me a giant Minnie Mouse!

 Dad and Mom.

 Aunt Tonya reading to the girls.

 Hugs for Julian on Christmas day!

 Opening gifts.

This is one of my favorite pics.

Mom and Dad.

 Everyone eating!

 Mom's blanket that my sister got her. Made at Walmart photo center! All the grandkids pictures.  (She cried on this one) It turned out really nice.

 Julian is Great Pap's boy!

 Your ice cream cake is good Uncle Jimmy!

 Brooke and I. (I toook this) :)

Julian just loves Pap!

Best Christmas Gift Ever!

Today they let my Mom out of the hospital.  Her white blood cell count was at 1000!  So they left and went on their way to Hershey to keep her appt with her Doc there.  Best Christmas gift ever!  We have alot to be grateful for this year!!

Update on Mom

After a long week in the hospital, as long as she doesn't spike a fever or anything, they are gonna let her go tomorrow!!  Can't think of a better Christmas present! Her white blood cells have been doubling everyday and they want them at 1000 and today they were at 800. So good news!!

Mom's Back in the Hosptial

Please pray for my Mom as she is admitted back into the hospital.  Right now she is here local at Williamsport.  Sat night she started with the fevers and throwing up.  It's now Tuesday and it's still happening.  They changed up her anti nausea meds, but they aren't helping it.  Her fever was 100.2 when I was there tonight.  I just feel so bad for her!!  I personally (clearly I am no expert) think it's her chemo side effects.  She's ok for about a week, week and a half the BOOM! Fevers and throwing up.  This happened the last time, but then got the flu and her PIC line had an infection.  I hope she feels better in the next few days.  I know she wants to be home for Christmas more than anything! Prayer Warriors, I need you! Thanks!!

In Memory of Sandy Hook Elementary School Angels

I found this on Facebook and I cried my eyes out reading this! And trying to read it to David!  When did I become so emotional? More than likely when I became a Mother.  My heart breaks for these families.  God Bless all these familes!

 

 

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled wit...

h such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA (my hometown)

 

 

Christopher James Hecknauer

December 4, 2012

Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Save |

On Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, Christopher James Hecknauer, 32, of Williamsport, was declared cancer free by his Lord and Savior! Chris' final days were spent at The Gatehouse with loved ones by his side.
Chris was born on Sept. 30, 1980, in Muncy, Pa., to James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station. Chris was a 1999 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and a 2001 graduate of Antonelli Institute, Glenside, Pa., where he received an associate degree in photography.
Chris married Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer on Oct. 8, 2005, at Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station. Anyone who met these two could not deny that God created them for each other. Chris and Steph were the proud parents of two Rottweilers, Bad Bad Leroy Brown, 12 and Eva Marie, 6.

Article Photos

Christopher James Hecknauer

Chris' employers included Weis Market, Williamsport; Wal-Mart, Montoursville; Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Montoursville; and Integrity Building Systems, Milton.
Some of Chris' favorite activities were rooting for the Phillies, traveling, going to car shows, hunting, watching rodeos and listening to music. He had a love for ice cream, buying clothes and seeing how long he could grow his beard. Chris was proud to be able to watch his three nieces grow into beautiful young ladies that prayed for him continuously. He was a member of Fairlawn Community Church, Cogan Station.
Chris is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Smith) Hecknauer, Williamsport; parents, James and Joanne (Kile) Hecknauer, Cogan Station; paternal grandmother, Florence (Coney) Hecknauer, Muncy; maternal grandparents, Robert and Jean (Robbins) Kile, Hughesville; in-laws, Daniel and Cindy (Ranck) Smith Sr., Montgomery; brothers-in-law, Daniel Smith Jr., Allenwood and Corey (Amanda) Smith, Williamsport; nieces, Arlie Kay, Emily Rose and Sydney Marie Smith; several loving aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as amazing friends, Pastor Steve Halstead, Williamsport, Matt Mitchley, Ashburn, Va., Jared Polin, Philadelphia, and Greg Cazillo, Downingtown.
Chris is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Carl Hecknauer Sr.; great-grandparents; an aunt and an uncle.
Chris' Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at Fairlawn Community Church, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, with Pastor Steve Cutter and Pastor Steve Halstead officiating. This event is to celebrate the amazing life that Chris lived. Please come wearing something you think Chris would enjoy - Phillies gear, camo or more traditional attire if you prefer. Contact the church at 570-494-0414 with any questions.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fairlawn Community Church, c/o Stephanie Hecknauer, 353 Pleasant Hill Road, Cogan Station, PA 17728 to help with expenses.
A heart felt thank you goes out to the numerous people who have supported and prayed for Chris over the years, his Oncologist Dr. Khalil, the staff at the Geisinger Knapper Clinic and BP8, and the amazing people at The Gatehouse.
Chris fought his battle with cancer for almost six years. The strength and courage he showed was unbelievable. He was a true warrior. Through it all, he clung to his faith, family and always kept his sense of humor. He hopes that you do the same.






***
I went to his celebration of life.  It was an awesome way to honor the life of someone you love!  They played music and we sang his favorite songs. The had a sermon on suffering...it was an awesome way to pay tribute to your loved one.  They had pictures all over.  I finally got to hug and talk to my dear friend, Steph. His wife and my friend since the 8th grade.  I told her she is a bigger person than I. I don't know if I could have done what she has for the last 6/7 years of constant care.  They got married Oct 8, 2005 and by Feb 2006 they discovered the cancerous tumor on his face.  I told her I haven't forgot about them.  I know it's been so hard over the years to get together because of how Chris was feeling, but I have prayed right along with them all this time.  I told her all the "firsts" are some of the hardest days, but she will get through.  Take it a day at a time, a minute at a time.  She is the type of friend where you don't need to talk everyday, or for long periods of time, but you know they are always going to be there.  And you know when you do talk it's like no time has ever passed.  She has helped Chris through this awful disease with such grace and faith. She was there for Chris all this time, but he was also sent to help save her too.  Her faith has only grown stronger in God since she met Chris.  She loved out loud, even though they may not have known it. And her abiding faith and loving bond has spoke volumes! You are both such an amazing couple. You both have been an inspiration and example to me!  Chris is walking with Jesus in Heaven, in a new body, and probably cracking jokes. :)  I pray for strength, comfort and peace for Steph and their whole family in the coming days, weeks, months..., as Chris was also an only child.  Love you all! ***








 

The Trumpet's are Sounding in Heaven Again!

Heaven gained another Angel yesterday. This was one of my oldest, best friends Steph Hecknauer's status about her husband Chris on Facebook today.

 ~ On Sunday, Chris was declared cancer free. Our prayers may have not been answered like we were hoping, but our faith in God makes this a joyous time. He WON his battle! The only thing that died yesterday was the cancer. Chris is alive and rejoicing in Heaven.... I love you babe. See ya later. 

 

 

What an amazing couple. An amazing love and bond they had with each other. Faith in God that was unwavering through the last 7 years of all they have been through. True example of love, compassion and christian living. They will never know how they both have impacted my life by their example!! Although they hurting and their hearts are breaking, I know they are rejoicing too!  Chris was also an only child. SO I know this is very hard on his parents too.. Praying for them all to have Jesus wrap his loving arms around them!! Love you all!!!

Update on Mom

Mom went back to Hershey Thurs for round 3 of chemo.  They started it at 9pm that night. Should be done with this round by Tues.  She is getting fevers with the chemo, but just so they go away after they stop it.  She told them she doesn't have anyone to stay with her at the Hope Lodge this time, so they are "supposed" to be working with her to be sending her home to do the follow up care here at home.  So, hopefully no complications like last time and she get home for Christmas!! :/