#gabbystrong

As many of my friends and family know, our local community lost a beloved member just a few days ago.  Little Gabby Brown had just celebrated her second birthday when she lost her fight to leukemia.  Today is the day that hundreds of people, whose life she touched, will gather to say their goodbyes and celebrate her beautiful life.  But today is not where #gabbystrong ends. 

Yesterday the #gabbystrong t-shirts that were ordered arrived.  As several people lamented that the shirts came too late, it struck me that #gabbystrong does not need to end because Gabby's fight is over.  #gabbystrong is no longer just about Gabby's fight against leukemia.  #gabbystrong has shown us that no matter your size or age, you can face anything with positivity, a smile, a giggle and love.  #gabbystrong taught us that we are not alone.  Our communities have rallied around the Brown family with overwhelming love and support.  Through the power of social media, that community has grown to include all of southeast Minnesota and beyond.  #gabbystrong taught us to hold our families close and that family is the most important part of our lives.  #gabbystrong has shown us the kindness of strangers and the good people in this world.  #gabbystrong has helped us see how strong we can all be when our strength is needed.  We all need to be #gabbystrong today and moving forward into our futures, not just for the Brown family, but for ourselves, our own loved ones and those whose lives we touch. 

Today will be an incredibly hard day, for Gabby was a light in this world.  Her smile and laughter were infections, contagious and we all fell in love with her through the posts her parents shared.  There aren't words to thank her parents enough for bringing her light into our lives, but there are actions.  It is important that we know that her light did not go out.  When we keep her alive in our hearts and live our lives keeping #gabbystrong at the forefront of our actions, Gabby's light shines.  Whether your religion allows you to believe she is an angel in heaven or if she is simply an angel in your heart, Gabby's light needs to stay with us.  Let Gabby's light shine through your kindness to others and to yourself.  Let Gabby's light be there to lift you up when you are struggling or get your own bad news that seems insurmountable.  Let Gabby's light be there when you want to give up and you need to remember that you can keep fighting.  Let Gabby's light be there when you need to be strong for others as Gabby's family, friends, and community were for Gabby.  #gabbystrong means you've got this and you keep fighting.  #gabbystrong means never giving in.  #gabbystrong isn't just about Gabby, it is about all of us. 

Keep Gabby's family in your thoughts and prayers, not just today but every day.  Part of their fight is just beginning.  And always, always remember, together, we've got this.

#gabbystrong