We lost our precious lil' love to AML Leukemia on March 8, 2010. As an incredibly strong family unit, we fought this horrid disease for 2 1/2 years........only for it to come back a fourth time to finally claim Hunter's life. Zen and I are truly devastated and the beautiful light that used to brighten our days and enhance our souls, no longer exists. Our hearts are truly and forever broken. We have a long journey ahead of us, but we are committed and devoted to surviving and living our life embracing Hunter's amazing spirit. With tremendous honor, we will carry on his legacy of love, his legacy of courage and his remarkable ambition to live strong, live fearlessly and live with passion.

You will remain forever in our hearts baby love. We carry you with us every moment of every hour of every day.



Thursday, September 16, 2010

Happy Birthday to our Little RockStar



Happy Birthday Love!


You turned 4 years old today. Wow. SUCH a big boy.

I want to start out by telling you how very proud your dad and I am of you. You are a remarkable little boy and we love you so, so much. You made us realize what life is all about and we are forever grateful to you for that......our lives are now enhanced with such an abundance of love. You inspire us, you encourage us, you define us, you enlighten us. We will forever celebrate your laughter and your smile, your fight and your courage, your bravery and perseverance. You are truly our hero and we will honor your life and your valiant efforts.....always. Like your dad said - "We lived our life for you and we couldn't have asked for a better King". And a King you were. You were always so gracious and kind and loving. Always so appreciative, and gentle and warm. I can still feel your wonderful lil' arms wrapped around my neck as you'd squeeze me and love me til' no end.




There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts. Your dad and I speak of you often and remember just how wonderful you are and we can only hope that all of our children turn out with the same wonderful spirit and love for life as you have.



You are so very important to me. You are now what encourages me to get out of bed every single day and live. You dance through my mind and tickle my heart and I want you to know exactly how many times and when it is that I think of you......

I think of you as soon as I wake........every single day. I open my eyes and you are the first thing that enters my mind. I smile knowing that you'll be with me throughout my entire day, adding that beautiful lil' Hunter glow to everything my eyes take in.

I then go into my jewelry box and put on your necklace. I am never without it. I kiss it before I put it around my neck and it reminds me that you are close to my heart, keeping it safe......keeping it protected.



I think of you when I go into our closet - you used to love to play hide and seek in my clothes. There are some photos of you in there as well as Hudson Hornet and Tex. I also have your lego James and Percy next to them - I greet them all hello when they catch my attention.





I think of you when I come downstairs......one of my favorite pictures of you and dad is right on the counter and I light a candle every time one goes out. You are a constant burning flame that brightens my mornings and keeps me grounded.



I think of you every time I open the refrigerator - we have two photos of you on the front and I smooch them constantly. My lip prints are all over them!





I think of you when I see beautiful flowers......I remember how much you loved them and how you would always show me and make me take a sniff. You'd find the tiniest lil' flowers......







I think of you when I am on my laptop and using my iPhone.....you always kept them both so close and were VERY computer and iPhone savvy. You could use them both better than most adults. tee hee











I think of you when we are at the beach or near water.....you used to love to take walks with dad......or by yourself for that matter. I was always close behind.....watching you, admiring you......loving you.







I think of you when I see an amazing sunset and wonder if that's you up there dancing around creating beautiful color combinations with your groovy moves.



I think of you every time I hear this song Manhattan from the Kings of Leon. This was our theme song when you got your Bone Marrow Transplant. I love when they sing the words - "I yelp and scream......and away I ride".




I, of COURSE, think of you every SINGLE time I see Lightning McQueen and the rest of the gang. He was your absolute favorite and I'll have to say......he's a pretty cool guy - much like you.


In fact Mater is still up on the wall from your birthday last year. I'll never take him down. Every time I look towards the front door, I see him and think happy thoughts of you.




I thought of you when Ryder was born.......I remembered the day you came into our lives. It was SUCH an amazing day....one I will cherish for the rest of my life and never, ever forget.







I think of you when I take your necklace off at nighttime. It's too heavy to sleep with and I don't want anything to happen to it - it's very, very special to me. I then Kiss it again and gently place it back in my box.

I think of you when I lay my head down to sleep. I see your handprint and think of you waving hello. I always wish you sweet dreams and blow kisses up to the sky.



........I think of you always........you are a part of me. Every breath, every heartbeat and every smile.

Thank you for being in our lives and for being the phenomenal child that you are. We love stronger because of you. We love deeper because of you. We love more wholeheartedly because of you. You are the rhythm of our hearts and the strength of your love is what keeps them beating......even though there are times when they truly feel as if they've stopped. However, the thought of your brilliant smile and splendid love usually gets them going again. Such fond memories we have of you and your life.









Your shining personality and infectious giggle captured thousands of hearts all around the world.....that's quite an amazing accomplishment. You continue to inspire people, encourage people, and bring people together......you've made such a difference in this world. You made a lasting impression and I want you to know that you are thought of every single day by so many people that hold your precious spirit in their hearts.......my little love, the heart stealer. You will forever be our little rockstar, a legend......the boy who stole our hearts and made us cry.



We will celebrate your life all day long......and for all the days to come.




This is one of my favorite videos to remember and I want you to know that today I am helping you blow out YOUR candles. I've made a wish and I hope with all my heart.....it comes true.




Your famous jam......I loved, loved, LOVED the way you'd show off your perfected dance moves. Sooooo original. Always ready for MORE.




I thought you would like to see your favorite scene from Cars - Lightning and Mater tractor tippin'. We must have watched this a million times. It still makes me laugh.




And of course, I had to include "Mater and the Ghostlight".....another favorite. I can still hear you giggling when mater finally sees the light. tee hee.

79 comments:

  1. Happy BeLated Birthday Beautiful Hunter...

    Your mom is right ~ you stole so many hearts!!! You are loved and you are missed by so many people. Tonight when I get home I will let my little love have a yummy cookie and we will think of you.. BUT for that I want you to visit your mom tonight in her dreams!

    Your stranger friend
    Kayla

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  2. Wow... Lenore, your words never cease to bring tears to my eyes and a huge lump in my throat. Yet somehow, I feel so joyous at the same time. Joyous that the Lord gave you your precious little love for the 3 1/2 years that you had him... I cry every time I come to your site, thinking of how he is not with you in physical form... but when I read your words, I realize that he is so very much with you in spirit.

    Thank you for sharing your precious little love. He, and you and Zen, and little Ryder, have placed an indelible mark on my heart.

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  3. Happy Birthday dear Hunter. Your spirit brings us joy!

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  4. Happy Birthday Sweet Angel Hunter!! <3

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  5. how absolute beautiful....happy birthday little guy, your mom is sooo right, you are truly amazing and you make me love my little ones even deeper, you help me love and have faith in people in general, you remind me of all the beauty in this world... you are a true angel Hunter!! LOTS of love for all four of you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER!! KA-CHOW! :)

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  6. Happy Birthday to dear, sweet Hunter. Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us, Lenore. You are held in the hearts and prayers of many.

    Sending love and light to you, Zen, Ryder and Hunter.

    Juanita

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  7. Happy birthday, Hunter! :D Many blessings on this special day! I hope you're doing your jam up there in the clouds, making the angels laugh, hee hee! I think of you and your family often. Muah!

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  8. Hope your day was wonderful, Hunter! You and my Nephew, Erik, who you already know is in Heaven with you, share the same Birthday! When I saw this from Mommy yesterday in my inbox, I thought "WOW" ... Erik and Hunter are going to have a Beautiful Day and make Heaven even more Beautiful! ~ Big Love and Peace, Sweet Sugarpie! ... And love to Mommy, Daddy and Ryder, too!

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  9. You are both the bravest Parents any child could ever ask for, Hunter is so proud of YOU, as he watches over Momma and DaDa, and Ryder. This Birthday tribute was just so moving.

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  10. WOW!! Same as my husband's birthday. What an amazing child you have. I'm so happy he was born. Never met him but he has changed my life and the way I look at everyday things. Love and blessings to you all.

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  11. Corrin Crone Phillips - Oh beautiful Lenore, I just read your last two posts. I know there nothing I can say other than I love you and thank you for sharing. I got an email from a from a girlfriend of mine who happened upon your blog after reading a comment I made. She said that she would forever be grateful to you and Hunter for making her a better mother to her two little ones. Your impact has affected so many, in such different ways. You have a gift. I love you!

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  12. MaRia Duran ‎((((( Lenore )))))
    Sending you lots of love, you're a beautiful soul and I love you.

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  13. Natasha Munkittrick Allen - I hope happy memories find a place in your hearts today. Wishing your angel a happy birthday and you hugs as you celebrate the life of your beautiful boy. ♥

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  14. Wendy Parker - Sending you a virtual hug :)
    Love you so so much my love!!

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  15. Missy Nelson Langtry - I hope you are doing alright today. I can't imagine how you and Zen are feeling. I am so happy that you have Ryder to help. He's a doll!

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  16. Christina Rodis Burleigh - Sending you all my love today Lenore! Love and strength. Oh and laughter which you have brought to so many people. I'm sending you some of that too. Be strong and kiss little Ryder for me!

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  17. Cindy Young - Sending you a BIG fat hug today! Love you lots and lots and lots and lots. XOXO

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  18. Carlina Terrana Womeldorph - Thinking of you and you sweet angel today. I we welcome our new blessing by chance today, I'm certain he will hve 2 angels to ensure his safe arrival!

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  19. Plain Jane - love to you and your family on this day. every day in fact.

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  20. Amy Radford - Happy Birthday to your precious ^Hunter^. Thinking of you today... if there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. ♥ Hugs to you.

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  21. Peggy Morgan Davis ♥♥ xoxoxo Thinking of you all today...sending you love!

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  22. Christie Fisher Bechler - Happy, Happy Birthday sweet boy!

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  23. Amy Green Zimmerman - Happy Birthday Hunter!! Every step I take I will think of you!!

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  24. Tyler Anne Kaltenbach - Happy birthday Hunter! You are my inspiration!!!

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  25. Kerri Lantieri - Happy Birthday Hunter!

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  26. Rosemary Schieble Cortinaz - Happy Birthday Hunter... many HUGS to your beautiful family too!

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  27. Leahanna Reid - Happy Birthday Hunter!

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  28. Samantha Tino - Sending you lots of love and strength.

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  29. Ann Audley Ralston - Happy birthday Hunter. Remember, there are lots of people holding you, Mom, Dad, and Ryder in their hearts.

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  30. Jill Metz- Happy Birthday, Hunter. You and your family are in my heart today, especially.

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  31. Randi Tucker - Happy Birthday Hunter!!!!

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  32. Kim Montelibano Heil - Happy Birthday Hunter!! And love to Lenore and Zen. Warm thoughts and hugs all the way from San Diego!

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  33. Meghan Duncan - Happy Birthday sweet Hunter!

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  34. Priscilla Tallman - Happy Birthday little angel!

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  35. Tami Sullivan - Happy Birthday sweet guy!!

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  36. Linda Fernandes Bryce - Happy Birthday to you Angel Hunter!! U r loved and thought of every day!

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  37. Liza van Arsdale - Love and warm birthday wishes to beautiful angel Hunter. May you know peace and wrap your loving arms around your mommy and daddy and brother. You live in our hearts forever.

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  38. Guislaine Pickering - Thinking of all four of you today!
    And LOVE the tractor tippin' scene :)

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  39. Filomena Musolino - happy birthday angel hunter xxx

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  40. Suzanne M. Cross Davis HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER...HAVE HAD A SMILE ON MY FACE ALL DAY! ALONG WITH A FEW (MANY) TEARS! JUST WATCHED YOUR XMAS VIDEO AGAIN AND CRIED AND CRIED. YOU ARE JUST SO AMMMAZING!

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  41. Jody Ferlaak - Thinking of you. Praying for you. And hoping that Hunter is having an indescribable party in Heaven today! It's so hard to want him back and wish him here with you and 'celebrate' without him. But I'm so glad he was born into your life and spent time in your arms and then wrapped his around you when he gave you hugs. Now his memory and spirit fill your heart forever.
    I send love your way today and often as I think of your life journey and those touch along the way. xoxo
    Happy Birthday, dear Hunter!

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  42. Brooke Lynn Fergus - This was a bit sureal --- My Nephew's birthday, who went to Heaven due to Leukemia, SHARES HUNTER'S BIRTHDAY ... !
    Happy Birthday Hunter - I know Heaven must have been having a Beautiful Day! ... Made more beautiful by you and Erik! ... BIG LOVE SUGARPIE ... xoxo

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  43. Morgan Brasfield - smiles and tears. happy birthday hunter!!!

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  44. Vikki Jensen - Happy Birthday little man! Woke up thinking about you today. Knowing it was your birthday. Celebrating you today!
    Beautiful post Lenore, a very special tribute to an amazing little boy! Sending you my love today!! xoxoxo

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  45. Anna Perry - Bless your sweet, innocent heart Hunter...today on your birthday, tomorrow and always. You are a mighty force, a beautiful light, and an ongoing inspiration. You live forever, we love you forever.

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  46. Debbie Pflueger - A beautiful post and an inspiration - it makes you remember that true love is eternal. Peace and strength to you from us all.

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  47. Janet Melton Byrum - this is my favorite part!
    We will celebrate your life all day long......and for all the days to come.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUNTER!! xxxoooo

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  48. Jennifer Lea Cheatle - GOD BLESS!!

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  49. Christina Rodis Burleigh - Happy Birthday Hunter.

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  50. Jenna Briola - Happy Birthday Hunter! Lenore, we're now officially Oregonians!

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  51. Kelli Zook - Sending lots of love and hugs your way today. What a beautiful sunny day...thanks Angel Hunter for sending us sunshine on the last day of summer!

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  52. Jordan Rennaker - Lenore, I love how you incorporate so many pictures into your blogs! Love to see Hunters smiling face! He is adorable! :) Sending lots of love and thoughts your way and wishing Hunter a very Happy Birthday!!

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  53. Daphne Brogdon - Vivien's bday as well! I know how much you are missing him today. big hug

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  54. Karrie Danhof Hendrick - In honor of you and your family I know exactly what I will be wearing today! Happy Birthday Iron Hunter!!!

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  55. Codi Kodama Lloyd - What a special day for such a special young man! Your words are incredible & I wish nothing but sweet memories & smiles today! Happy Birthday Hunter!

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  56. Sierra Montgomery ♥'s.

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  57. Corrin Crone Phillips - Thinking of you and Toddy today...allow yourselves to soak up all of the love. We're sending it over in buckets.

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  58. Kristine Hendershot - Take care of yourself today Lenore! What a bittersweet and hard day for you and Zen! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Zen, Ryder, and all of your family and friends today!

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  59. Diana Alcaraz - Happy Birthday Iron Hunter

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  60. Emily Perry-Tresser - You are a Fall Equinox baby!! I will be looking at that amazing Sunset/Moonrise tonight, and I will be thinking of your sparkly face,Hunter! Wear some cool shades! It will be pretty. xoxoxo

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  61. Natalie Guerrera Edgell - Happy Birthday Angel Hunter! Your life will be celebrated always. Have fun up there in the fields of gold on your special day!! xoxoxoxo

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  62. Valerie Gogol ❤❤❤❤CaChOw!!!!

    ❤.•*¨*•♪♫hApPy•*¨*♫•*¨*•❜4tH ❥bIrThDaY ❛•*¨*•♪♫•*hUnTeR*♫•*¨*•.¸❤

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  63. Brande Jackson Happy bday- little man - been thinking about you and your family today!

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  64. Kristen Eppolito - Happy Birthday little man... did you get the kissies I blew up to heaven today for you?? Oh I do hope a cloud or a birdie did not intercept them : ) Xoxoxo

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  65. MaRia Duran - Happy birthday angel in Heaven, you are missed... always on our minds and forever in our hearts. Say hello to Jesus for all of us until we meet with you again. Love you! ♥ :)
    -Ria

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  66. Melissa Donaghu - Happy Birthday Hunter. You've have stole many hearts. We all love You!

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  67. Masha Fetisova - Happy Birthday baby love!

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  68. Andrea Herbst Stepien - Kisses up to heaven for you, Hunter, and prayers for your amazing family...Happy Birthday, Little Man!

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  69. Allyson Levine - Happy Birthday little man. We miss and love you SO much. Thinking of your wiggle allll day today! xoxox

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  70. Niccole Helm Wollam - Thinking of an amazing Angel and his family today. Hoping the rest of Heaven's crew threw an amazing party!

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  71. Mixed Marrow - Today marks sweet angel Hunter Zen Thawley's 4th birthday...keep his family and new baby brother in your thoughts and prayers.

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  72. RickandCourtney Fowler-Kelly - I whispered a lil prayer today, asking everyone up above, to sing your Angel Hunter a Happy Birthday song, and give him all your love!!! XOXO

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  73. Matt Nolan - You showed so many people what real courage is, and blessed your parents with pure love. Happy Birthday, Iron Hunter.

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  74. Gina Theodore - Thinking of you and your family. Happy Birthday Hunter!

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  75. Tony Tringali - Happy B-day Hunter!

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  76. Kristin Smiraglia Travis - Happy Birthday Hunter... Thinking of you and your amazing parents today.xoxoxoxo

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  77. Stefani Sucic - Happy Birthday Hunter Zen--what a celebration you must be having, and we all are too. Shooting stars and moon-beams, hugs, and as you already know sooooo much love little bean.

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  78. Amazing. Amazing that your little man could make such a difference is so many lives. Amazing that you have the guts to relive every moment and share it with stranges, the good, bad and ugly. Amazing that the world continues to turn even though a critical and perfect part is gone. Amazing that you continue to lift yourselves up each day and continue the fight for Hunter.
    He is an amazing guy. Always has been and always will be. He is changing the world, through you and through your words. Thank you for sharing him. Thank you for sharing your darkest moments so that ours may seem brighter. It's a crappy cop-out and I wish we didn't have to know such heart-ache to understand such bliss, but because of Hunter I kiss my kids more and work less. I snuggle with them when they wake at night, not try to hurridly get them back to sleep. I enjoy popsicles and let the juice run down my kids's faces. I dance more and sit less.
    Hunter did not live and die in vain. His life and his light will shine in so many hearts.
    Happy Birthday Hunter Zen.
    -Kris Lewis

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  79. I laughed so many times while reading this post. It was as if Hunter's smile and light came through your words and into my living room, lifting me up a bit. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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