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.