Is

On the way to the cemetery today, Lydia said "Mommy, can I run around with my sister?".  When we told her, no and that Raina was gone, Lydia simply asked "Why?".  I didn't know how to explain it to a two-year old so I said nothing.

In hindsight, I don't know how to explain it to myself either.  No matter what system you subscribe to it always comes back to that question.  Not just death, but life.  It's piercing and painful and hollow, that question...  "why?".

Today I remind myself that it just is.  No why, just is.  I think it's enough to live.  We will honor those that came before and provide for those that come after in the process.

So, Raina, today we're still here and we remember you.

Two Years

Another day spent remembering.  Another day spent longing.  Some wounds time does not heal, it turns out.  That's okay.  The sadness and joy are so tightly woven together that to heal would be to forget.  No thanks.

Dear Raina-
Thank you for the joy you brought us and all of those who knew you.  Thank you for your strength and your irrepressible kindness.  Thank you for the 20 months we shared and the wisdom you passed on.  Thank you for giving us the courage to bring your sister into this world.  We miss you, little buddy... and we will never forget.  

Happy Birthday, Raina

Missing R

One year later and it's no easier to comprehend, to digest, to tolerate.

We spent the day honoring Raina and thinking about what truly matters to us.

Hugs and soft kisses, little V. We miss you now more than ever.

Racing For Raina

Raina's little sis, Mom and Dad will be participating in the Race For Hope on Sunday, May 6 in DC. The Race For Hope benefits both the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.

We are honored that Raina's friends at Children's World Learning Center have once again organized the Racing for Raina team.

Please join us on May 6 at the Race For Hope!

Racing For Raina team page:

http://tinyurl.com/d496yaf

Happy Birthday Raina

Raina was born at 1:54pm on January 25th, 2010.  Today would have been her second birthday.  Grandma liked to say she was everything good about this world rolled up into one little package. We couldn't agree more.

Today we will get soy chai lattes, make an apple apple pie and hug, because Raina would have wanted nothing more.

Little Sister

Lydia Grace was born Saturday, January 14th.  It has been a difficult three months living without our best friend, but we know that Raina would be overjoyed at the arrival of her baby sister.  

Lydia's blog can be found here: http://little-lydia-grace.blogspot.com

From Lydia (0 weeks)

Raina's Journey

Raina's infectious laughter, capacity to love, kind spirit and adorable face conspired at every turn to carve out an ever larger home inside our hearts.  She was the great joy of our lives.  We will miss her.

Our hearts are broken, but we are determined to celebrate the life of our little girl.

Remembering Raina

Please join us for a celebration in memory of Raina.  

An open house will be held this Sunday, October 23rd from 11:00am - 5:00pm at our home in Washington. All who wish to celebrate Raina's life with us are welcome to attend.  If you don't have our address and would like to attend, please contact us at remembering.raina@gmail.com.

Many of you have asked what you can do to help.  Please consider making a donation to the Oncology program at Children's National Medical Center in Raina's memory at the following site: http://tinyurl.com/3qwsgsa

Raina V Mooberry

On Friday evening October 14th, 2011 Raina passed away.  She died peacefully, surrounded by her family.

In the coming days, we will provide more information on the blog regarding our plans to celebrate her life.

Good Old Days

Raina is not at her best this week and so we're substituting this awesome video from a couple months back.

When a smile returns to R's sweet little pug we will set about capturing it.

Done Done Done!

Raina was discharged from the hospital today after a week of feeling pretty miserable. We are officially done with all six rounds of chemo. Raina is feeling better each day but these last three rounds have resulted in a very fatigued little girl. Since it has been difficult to capture any happy pics of little Miss Raina lately, we thought we'd get into the Halloween spirit by posting one of our all-time favorites from last year.

Round 6

Raina's final round of chemo started today. She has had a rough few weeks but we are all looking forward to the end of treatment. Start the countdown to beautiful hair!

Feeling Better

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone. Raina is clearly feeling much better
now...we have been enjoying smiles and giggles all day.

Snoozin'

Raina and Penny resting this morning after a couple of rough days. We are back in the hospital for a few days while Raina fully recovers from Round 5.

Earthquake

Raina, clearly unimpressed with all the hubbub surrounding this
afternoon's earthquake, about an hour into an awesome nap.

In Training

Raina learning the ropes on Dad's Xbox.

Girls Day Out

Raina has been busy lately with a full social schedule in anticipation of her next hospital stay this week. Here she is playing with Ashlyn after lunch with Mom and Jackie.

Out on the Town

Grandma, Raina, Mom and Dad went out for some Mexican Friday night.
Delectable! Raina is walking in fits and spurts again after a few
weeks of feeling off.

No Hair, New Shoes

Raina's hair fell out again. Boo. Here she is trying on Mom's new
shoes. They almost fit.