Kenzie Dream

I

had a very vivid dream about my sweet Kenzie last night. It's been a while since I’ve had one, and I cherish every single one I get. In this dream, for some reason, I hadn’t seen her in the hospital for a few days. That’s never happened unless I had just had a baby and was in the hospital myself, but in real life, when I got out over the weekend, I always took the kids up to see Kenzie.

When I got to the hospital in my dream, I immediately started looking for her. She wasn’t in her room, and that made my heart tighten. I walked the halls, calling her name in my mind, glancing into each room, hoping to see her smile or hear her laugh. There was a mix of worry, longing, and anticipation bubbling inside me—it felt almost like being on the edge of something wonderful, but I didn’t know exactly when it would come. Each step down the hall was filled with that tension of missing her, yet also a quiet hope that I would find her soon.

Then, suddenly, she came around the corner. She ran to me with so much joy and energy that the nurse had to move just as quickly to make sure none of the tubes attached to her got pulled out. Seeing her run like that, so full of life and excitement to reach me, brought tears to my eyes even in the dream. My chest felt tight, my heart overflowing, and in that moment, all the waiting and searching faded away.

We hugged. I held her tightly, feeling every inch of her warmth, and I told her she was doing such a great job. She kept replying, “No, I’m not,” but I could see her effort, her courage, and her spirit shining through. I reassured her that she truly was doing an amazing job, and we just stayed wrapped in each other’s arms for a minute, as if the world outside didn’t exist. That hug carried everything I’ve ever wanted to tell her—the love, the pride, the comfort, and the longing I’ve felt all these years.

Then I woke up. I woke up crying, but it wasn’t just sadness. It was a mixture of longing, joy, and gratitude. Even though the dream was short, it felt so real, like a gift from her spirit. I loved every second, every heartbeat, every fleeting moment of being with her again.

I can’t even imagine the day when we are reunited in heaven, seeing her for the first time in so long. I know that hug will be the absolute best moment, and I can’t wait for it. Thank you, Kenzie, for visiting me in my dreams. Thank you for letting me feel your love, your joy, and your presence once more. I carry this moment with me always, and I will treasure it forever in my heart.

Even after waking, the memory of her running to me, the way she smiled, the way we held each other—everything feels alive and real. It reminds me that love never truly leaves, and that even in dreams, she is here with me, sharing a moment only we can have.

I love you Kenzie, and miss you every day and I am so proud of you.

#lovelikekenzie #missmygirl #feltsoreal #Iwanttogobacktosleep

5 year angelversary

 Five Years Without Our Girl

Five years ago, we said goodbye to our beautiful Kenzie, who was so bravely waiting for her second heart transplant and a kidney transplant. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss her deeply. She was incredibly strong, and we are forever grateful to her first donor, who gave us 13 precious extra years with her—a gift we will never stop cherishing.

Grief is such a strange thing. Some days are heavy and unfair, and others are full of laughter and joy—just like Kenzie would want. She had a way of lighting up a room, and we try every day to carry her light with us.

Today, on her angel day, we visited her at the cemetery, shared stories, had Olive Garden (her favorite), and laughed through tears. Our dear friend Joselyn Bravo Miller came and sat with us, helping us remember all the beautiful memories. She always brings smiles to our kids' faces—something Kenzie would have loved.

We’re also so thankful we could drop off a donation to DonorConnect and tomorrow we'll deliver a check to Children and the Earth families information group. These organizations mean so much to us, and giving back in Kenzie’s name is one small way we keep her spirit alive. We are so grateful for everyone who helped us be able to do this one big act of service in her name. 

To our friends, family, neighbors, and even kind strangers who have carried us through these five years—thank you. Your hugs, calls, messages, and presence mean more than words can express. We couldn’t have made it through without you.

Five years feels like forever and a moment all at once. But each day brings us one step closer to giving our sweet girl the biggest, squishiest hug ever. 💜

We love you, Kenzie. Always.

#LoveLikeKenzie #apieceofourheartisinheaven #familiesareforever #donatelife

Mission

 Today was one of those sacred, emotional days—the kind that fills your heart with pride, love, and just a little bit of ache.

Kenzie’s sweet friend Katie gave her mission farewell talk in church. She sang “Window to His Love” by Julie de Azevedo, and the moment she opened her mouth to sing, the Spirit washed over the room. Tears streamed down faces. You could feel heaven draw near.

And then I looked at this picture—the one of four young girls, including our Kenzie, smiling with ice cream in hand at a church activity. They were just kids back then. Innocent. Bright-eyed. Full of dreams.

Now, those same girls are stepping into their callings—each one serving the Lord in their own way.

Three of them are either on missions or preparing to leave. And Kenzie… our Kenzie is serving her mission too. Just not the way we once pictured.

She always dreamed of going on a service mission. She talked about it with so much excitement and faith. And even though her path looked different, I have no doubt that she is serving now—just in heaven instead of here. She’s bringing the same love, light, and compassion to souls on the other side.

I also found another picture today—one that took my breath away.

It’s Kenzie sitting in the hospital, wrapped in cords and IVs, but beaming. And beside her? Another dear friend… one who is now out serving a full-time mission.

Two young girls—each quietly preparing for their own mission, neither one fully knowing how far their light would reach.

Kenzie taught through her example. She ministered with her heart. She changed lives just by being who she was. And now, even in her absence, she continues to inspire and strengthen those who loved her most.

Watching her friends reach milestones she once dreamed of is bittersweet. It brings tears, pride, and a deep sense of peace. I know she’s watching them with joy in her heart and the biggest smile on her face.

These girls… they’re all where they’re meant to be.

And Kenzie? She’s right there with them.

Still shining.

Still serving.

Still changing lives from the other side. 🩵

Kenzies Heart beats on with Myleigh and Makayla lemonade

 We just wrapped up our lemonade stand, and our hearts are so full. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out, donated, and supported our cause in honor of Kenzie.

This July marks five years without her, and while it’s never easy, the love we've received from family, friends, and even strangers over the years has helped carry us through both the good days and the hard ones.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to reach our goal of $4,000—enough to split between two amazing organizations that mean so much to us. On Kenzie’s Angel Day this July, we will proudly present the donations in her memory.

We miss Makenzie every single day, and it brings us so much comfort to see her light continue to shine through the love and support of others. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. We couldn’t have done this without you.

Bryson honoring Kenzie

 This touched our hearts more than words can say. 💙💚 Bryson and Makenzie were heart buddies—both waiting for transplants in 2020. Bryson got his second chance, and our sweet girl never got the call. She was supposed to graduate last year, but today, Bryson is walking for her.

We are incredibly grateful for this beautiful tribute and to his amazing family for keeping Makenzie’s memory alive in such a meaningful way. The bond they shared will never be broken.

🎓💔 Thank you for honoring her and for reminding the world how powerful love and remembrance can be.

 

We love Bryson Quinney and his family and are so excited to see what the future holds for him. 

#missmygirl #DonateLife #GoneButNeverForgotten #MakenzieStrong #Graduation2025 #OrganDonation #loveLikeKenzie #ForeverInOurHearts 💙💚

18 year Heartiversary

 I can't let the day go by without being thankful for Kenzie's donor. 18 years ago today, someone had to make a difficult decision in such a hard time in their lives to allow their loved one to live on through Organ Donation. 

Even though Kenzie's donor heart didnt last as long as we have hoped for, If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have had those 13 extra years with our sweet girl. 

Kenzie always loved making brownies to honor her donor, so this year, Myleigh made them. 

We had Kenzie's favorite dinner, had a picnic at her resting place, and ate the brownies, and listened to Braxton song he made for Kenzie. Tears were had but sometimes its what we need to get by someday. 

Grief is hard and today like these days, I love celebrating Makenzie. Maybe because I don't want to let go or it makes the day easier for me to get through the day. But whatever it is it has worked and I find myself less depressed and more how Kenzie would want me to be.

We love you, Kenzie, and we miss you so much. 

               Happy heartiversary sweet girl.

Toy drive

 Today we delivered all the donated items that you all generously contributed this year to our 5th Love Like Kenzie toy drive, spreading love and kindness. We filled a truck with toys and other items and took them to Primary children's hospital to celebrate Makenzie's birthday, a day she would have turned 19 this year, and honor her memory. We had some special visitors surprise us - some of Kenzie's Dr's and nurses - which made the experience even more emotional and meaningful since the last time I saw them was when we were able to take Kenzie home from the hospital before she returned to our Heavenly Father. Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity, which made our day a little bit brighter and easier to get through. #LoveLikeKenzie #findingjoyinourgrief #missmygirlalways #apieceofmyheartisinheaven #couldntdothiswithouteveryonesgenerosity

Makenzie birthday 19

 Happy Birthday to our sweet girl Makenzie. I'm sure 19 would look amazing on you. Life is definitely different with out you always being sassy, helping around the house, rolling your eyes, baking goodies. We miss you everyday and love you so much and we are so proud of the imprint you left on this world, and on us.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl. I love you with every beat of my broken but grateful heart that you are mine forever. 🩵

Happy Birthday to my incredible daughter. Today we celebrated the gift of your life with loved ones visiting, we had hot chocolate around a Fire pit and released 19 balloons, ate brownies and then had a family Christmas party. Thank you Kenzie for being a precious blessing and teaching me the true meaning of life. I love you more than words can express. Happy birthday sweet girl. #LoveLikeKenzie #decemberisahardmonth #missmygirlalways

UNOs honoring Makenzie

 A few months ago, I received an inspiring call from a lady at UNOs (united network for organ sharing), who had heard about Kenzie's remarkable story and our annual Lemonade stand, which we've held for the past four years to honor Kenzie's memory and raise funds for DonorConnect  and other non-profit organizations we're proud to support. We've kept in touch, and yesterday, she messaged me about an email she'd sent, which contained a heartwarming surprise. I eagerly waited for Tyler Madsen  to arrive home, so we could experience it together as a family for the first time. As we watched, I felt tears of joy, knowing that Kenzie's legacy lives on, inspiring others. We're deeply grateful to continue our partnership with DonorConnect and UNOs. Their thoughtful gesture is a testament to the impact of Kenzie's story. I'm so grateful her story is still circulating around. What a wonderful Christmas/birthday gift they've given us! 

I had no idea 4 years ago when we started the lemonade stand how impactful it would be to everyone that knows us or have heard about the stand and Kenzie's story we shared in the summer.  in 2021. We were just planning on doing the stand for one day in June but when the news and the newspaper told it differently and said we would be out there every Saturday in June we decided to do it and here we are planning the 5th year of doing it in June again in honor of Kenzie.  

We are so grateful for this sweet message they gave us. 

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://unos.wistia.com/medias/9obtvckn23__;!!PJZHZg!3Wtkczyh8uJhyxmp6JmXylmuck_BjAsvAY9frHj9flKuu0hN2ZgWsYJ6DCrwx3nOsaQM6wFmaZH0Tih2SPaLwwA$

Braxton Homecoming dance

 Braxton's first high school dance was at Roy High with his lovely girlfriend Emmary. He and their friends had so much fun at Homecoming. I must admit, I shed a few tears; it's surreal that he's at the high school dance stage. During our drive to Roy, Braxton played songs that reminded him of Kenzie. He would have cherished sharing these experiences with his sister and enjoying double dates together. It warms my heart that he carries her memory with him.