One of the things I never anticipated when Alexander was diagnosed with childhood brain cancer was the community we would find along the way.

When Polly was diagnosed, her mom Claire was connected to me through a mutual friend. As parents navigating childhood brain cancer, there are conversations that don’t require much explanation. The fear, the uncertainty, the endless questions, and the desperate hope are all things we understand far too well.

What began as shared experiences became a genuine friendship.

Over Christmas, we had the privilege of welcoming Claire, Polly, and their family into our home. Although we had never met in person before, it felt as if we had known each other for years.

We wanted to make the holidays special for them. We prepared stockings embroidered with their names, wrapped gifts for the children, cooked far too much food, and opened our home for Christmas Day. Like most things in our family, we went a little overboard.

But what we didn’t expect was how much their visit would mean to us.

There is something incredibly special about sitting around a table with another family who truly understands this journey. No explanations are needed. No awkward conversations. Just gratitude, laughter, and a shared appreciation for how precious ordinary moments really are.

A few days later, Claire shared words that left me in tears. She wrote about Alexander’s strength and our family’s kindness, but what stood out most to me was her reminder that even in the midst of childhood cancer, meaningful friendships can emerge from the darkest seasons. I don’t know when I will get to see them again all the way in Melbourne, Australia, but I sure do hope we do!!!

Childhood cancer takes far more than it should from children and families. But every now and then, it gives something back.

For us, it gave us friends like the Falkiners.

And for that, we will always be grateful. ❤️