Three years ago today, we lost Tommy to DIPG.

It feels like the blink of an eye and a lifetime.

As the mom of a child in heaven, I bounce between the past, the present, and the future.

I long for what was and dig up memories that give me both joy and sorrow.

I appreciate the present and the gifts we have. Watching our daughter grow up and surrounding ourselves with those who continue to lift us up.

I look ahead to the future and reuniting with our sweet boy.

On this angel-versary, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to those who have stood by us through this journey. To those who continue to ask how we’re doing, attend our events, donate their time and money, and recognize that – while we may look okay on the outside – we will never be fully okay again.

We do recognize a need to want to do something in the face of tragedy, and there are things you can do. Attend our annual RunTough for Team Tommy, give to The ChadTough Foundation in Tommy’s name, or run a race in his honor.

Each of those things brings us joy and gratitude and pays it forward so the next family dealing with DIPG may have a just a little more hope.

Today we are missing our sweet Tommy. His laugh, his jokes, his giving spirit. We are also loving him in this moment just as much as we did when he was right next to us, and we can’t wait to see him again.

Thank you, Team Tommy Army Strong, for all of your love and support.

– Amanda