Sweet Reminder you're always with us

 Tonight, Myleigh finally got her biology book for school. She took it with her to dance so she could work on her assignment while she waited for Kayla to finish hip hop.

Then she texted me this. 🥹🩵

There was a little note at the very beginning of the book that said:

“Love you! Your sister (I’ll always be here).”

Out of ALL the books she could have received, somehow Myleigh ended up with this one.

I don't know who wrote the note or when it was put there, but I can't help but feel like maybe Kenzie had a little something to do with Myleigh finding it. 🩵

“I’ll always be here.”

Those words hit my heart in a way I can't even explain.

Kenzie may not be here physically, but she is still so much a part of our family, our memories, and the little moments that happen when we least expect them.

Sometimes I think Heaven sends us the tiniest reminders that our loved ones aren't as far away as they seem.

Tonight, this felt like one of those reminders.

Love you, Kenzie. 🩵
We still see you in the little things.
#LoveLikeKenzie

Honoring Kenzie

 Today I had one of those moments that completely caught me off guard and reminded me that Kenzie’s story is still reaching people in ways we may never even know. ❤️

I was at the dental office checking out when the receptionist noticed the necklace I wear every single day. It was given to me by Kenzie’s friend Savannah at her funeral, and I haven't taken it off since.

She asked me about it, and I told her that it was for my daughter, Makenzie, who passed away in 2020 while waiting for a heart and kidney transplant.

She told me how sorry she was and then said, “She is beautiful. How old was she?”

I told her, “14.”

Then she paused and said, “Wait… are you the family that does the lemonade stand every year in her name?”

I said, “Yes, that’s us.” ❤️

I asked how she had heard about it, and she told me she had seen an article about our lemonade stand and that she loves what we do to honor Kenzie.

In that moment, my heart just stopped.

Six years. It has been six years since we lost our beautiful girl. For the past six years, we have continued the lemonade stand in her honor, sharing her story and trying to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation. Sometimes I wonder how far her story really reaches or whether what we do makes a difference.

And then, out of nowhere, God gives me a moment like this.

A stranger recognized Kenzie.

She knew about our lemonade stand. She knew that we do it to honor our daughter. And she was touched by it.

If in these past six years, Kenzie’s story has made even one person think differently about organ donation… if one person has signed up to become an organ donor, talked to their family about their wishes, or one day says yes to giving the gift of life because they remembered her story, then we are doing exactly what Kenzie would have wanted us to do.

Kenzie was so passionate about organ donation. She wanted more than anything to receive the gift of life, and I truly believe she would want her story to continue helping others.

I may never know how many lives her story has touched. I may never know how many people have heard her name, read about her journey, or changed their mind because of her.

But today, I got a little glimpse.

And it meant more to me than she will ever know. 🩵

Thank you to everyone who has supported our lemonade stand, shared Kenzie’s story, donated, volunteered, or simply helped keep her memory alive. You are helping her continue to make a difference.

My beautiful Makenzie… six years later, and you are still touching hearts. You are still being remembered. You are still making a difference.

And that will always make this mama so incredibly proud. ❤️🍋🩵

Kenzie's heart beats on with Myleigh and Makayla lemonade stand 2026

 My heart is so full. ❤️

I loved that Fox 13 came to our lemonade stand so we could share Kenzie's story and the reason behind why we do this every year. There is something so special about hearing her name spoken and knowing that her story continues to touch the lives of others.

I couldn't be more proud of our kids for helping keep her legacy alive. What may look like "just a little lemonade stand" to some has become so much more. It's a way to remember Kenzie, honor the incredible person she was, and hopefully inspire a little more kindness and generosity in the world.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, donated, shared, or supported us in any way. Every cup of lemonade helps keep Kenzie's memory alive, and for that, I'll always be grateful. 💙🍋

We will be donating the checks this coming Monday, July 13th—Kenzie's angel day. It feels especially meaningful to honor her life by giving back on a day that will always hold such a special place in our hearts. 💙

6 year angel day

 **Six Years Without Our Girl**

Six years ago, we said our earthly 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.

This morning, I woke up in tears. Even though life has continued and we've learned to carry our grief, the reality hit me all over again. It's really been six years since I last held her, hugged her, held her hand, kissed her, and told her how proud I was of her. Six years without hearing her voice or seeing her smile. Somehow, it still doesn't feel real.

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 every 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 so many beautiful memories. She always brings smiles to our kids' faces—something Kenzie would have loved.

We're also so thankful we were able to drop off a donation check to Donor connect and tomorrow 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 make this act of service possible.

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

I miss it all. I miss her hugs, her laugh, her voice, and simply having her here. But the love Kenzie and I shared will always be with me. Never having had her love—never having had our Kenzie—would have been the greatest loss of all. She lived. She gave to others. She loved deeply. And she made a difference. That is the legacy she left behind, and it continues to bless so many lives.

Six years feels like forever and a moment all at once. But with each passing day, we're one day closer to wrapping our sweet girl in the biggest, tightest hug again.

We love you, Kenzie. Always and forever. 🩵

#LoveLikeKenzie #APieceOfOurHeartIsInHeaven #FamiliesAreForever #DonateLife

Nineteen year heartiversary

 Nineteen years ago today, a family facing unimaginable heartbreak made the selfless decision to donate their child’s heart — a choice that gave Makenzie more life, more memories, and more time with the people who loved her most.

Today we celebrate Kenzie’s donor heart and honor the incredible donor family who chose hope and life for others while their own world was upside down. Their gift changed our family forever, and there will never be enough words to express our gratitude.

Today we are at Lagoon Amusement Park watching her sisters dance at their competition at one of Kenzie’s favorite places — such a special way to celebrate and remember her. 🩵 And of course, we brought brownies with us, continuing the tradition Makenzie started years ago to honor her donor

What began as a simple tradition has become such a meaningful reminder of gratitude, love, and the gift of more time.

Forever thankful for the donor family whose child’s legacy continues to live on through every memory, every tradition, and every heartbeat. 🩵

#LoveLikeKenzie #missmygirl #griefjourney #donatelife #heartiversry