Update 10/18/26

     I've been thinking for a while about what I wanted to say, and I'm not sure any words can hold everything I feel.  But I want to try, because all of you deserve to hear it from me.  The past few weeks have been the hardest of my life.  There were moments when I didn't know what was coming next, and moments my family didn't know if I'd still be here.  Through all of it, you showed up.  You prayed for me you, thought of me, you reached out to my mom and dad when they needed it most.  You carried them when they were carrying me, and I will  never forget that.  Laying in that bed, I learned something I don't think I fully understood before:  I am loved.  Not just told it, but surrounded by it. Every message, every prayer, every kind word reminded me that I'm wanted here and that I have something to fight for.  On the hard days and there are still plenty of those, that's what keeps me going.  I'm home now.  The road ahead is long, and it wont be easy.  But I'm here.  I get to wake up, see my family, and keep going.  That's a gift I don't take for granted, and I know how close I came to not having it.
To my mom and dad and to my whole family:  thank you for never leaving my side.  To everyone who held us up:  thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I love you all more than I can say, and I can't wait for the day I get to see each of you, hug you, and thank you in person.

With all my love and gratitude,
Bailey