Paper Cranes (39 page)

“Why not?”

“Because there can only be one Jackson in this family and he’s already here!”

“Umm, what about Levi for a boy?” he thought carefully.

“I kinda like that. Sounds like Daddy’s name,” I smiled, placing my hand over top his. “But what if it’s a girl?”

Jackson thought long and hard like kids do. “I think Nicole is perfect,” he grinned.

“We do too,” Lee said, as he pulled us into a family hug. “We do too.”

The Beginning.

Thank you for reading

Paper Cranes
.

If you want to know how you can help…

To find out more about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and how you can join the fight to find a cure, visit
www.alsa.org/about-als

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VISIT

www.bravelets.com/bravepage/this-is-how-i-lived

Purchase any item, and $10 from each purchase will be donated to the ALS Association - DC/MD/VA Chapter.

Endless thanks to TCB Editing for always doing such a stellar job with edits. I am so happy and proud to call you my editors.

To Cassy Roop at Pink Ink Designs – I knew, without a shadow of doubt, you were going to interpret my vision for this cover to a tee. You understood how important this project was to me, and you far exceeded my expectations. I’m overjoyed with the outcome.

Champagne Formats – Instead of winging it as I usually would, I decided to put my baby in your hands and couldn’t be happier. I put a lot of trust in numerous people with this book and I’m beyond pleased I picked the right team. Big thumbs up.

To my P.A., Nighthawk and Bestie, Stephanie Bingham – I still think I hit the mega jackpot with you bebe. You know how deeply personal this project was for me. There were a few times I didn’t think I would be able to write it at all. You gave me strength to push forward. I am forever grateful for your love, compassion and friendship.

To my beta bitch, Kim Whaley – You are amazing! You’ve saved my ass a couple times, but this one was so profoundly different. I’m sorry I made you ugly cry, but truthfully, I’m not sorry at all. I love your positive attitude, your empathy, and your caring words. They do not fall on deaf ears so keep them coming, girl!

To my bitches – Love your faces. That’s all that needs to be said

To the amazing staff at VCU Health – Neuroscience, Orthopedic and Wellness Center –

I never thought I would be writing acknowledgements to a hospital or facility, let alone one I would be so closely attached to. I came to you, newly diagnosed with ALS and for the first time since being diagnosed, I found hope. I found support. I found optimism. I came to you, not as a case number, but as a human being, trying to survive. I will forever be grateful that you continue to treat my family and me with nothing but kindness and respect. Thank you for never giving me the sad, puppy dog eyes. Instead, you raised the banner, telling me to keep fighting like hell. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

To my family – Gigi, Papa, Eli (Mom), Rick (Dad), Jeremy, Sarah, Jeffrey, Jordan, Sophie, Jodi, Pat, Conner, Bunny, Melissa, McKenzie, Joshua, Karsen, Bryson, Valerie, Jamie, Debbie, Anderson, Ashley, Emily, Ricky, Caleb, Libby, Mason, Tyler, Jenni, Jonathan, Journey, Kenny, Vicki, Ty, Carnessa, Steven, Ashley, Ethan, Maw Maw and Pop.

The love and adoration I have for each and every one of you is beyond words. We are more than blood and bone, but heart and soul. Either by birth, marriage or happenstance, we are all connected in this giant family…which should really have its own television show. No matter the relationship, we are family. For good, bad, or worse, we are forever connected. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

To my Stormy – These last few years have been a whirlwind between our friendships. We were so close and lost each other somewhere along the way, but I am so glad we found each other again. You have shown me in your words and actions what it is to truly love myself through the good times and bad. You have never judged me or persecuted me for anything and I am forever in your debt. Love you.

Finally, to God – I lost you somewhere in the shuffle, for which I can never say I’m sorry enough. I am growing each day with your strength and guidance. I pray that I continue to make you proud, and to bring peace to those who may be dealing with any struggles today, tomorrow or in the future. You are forever loved.

Nicole Hite was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She married her husband in 2008 on a beautiful fall day in November. Together they adopted two dogs, Harley and Diesel. In January 2016, Nicole was diagnosed with ALS, but this has not stopped or hindered from writing or enjoying life to the fullest. Just like Kat…

If not now…

…Then when?

1. Gravity
   – Sara Bareilles
   
2. Gravity
   – John Mayer
   
3. My Immortal
   – Evanescence
   
4. Lightweight
   – Demi Lovato
   
5. To The Moon And Back
   – Luke Bryan
   
6. Best Mistake
   – Lexi Blue
   
7. Never Be Alone
   – Shawn Mendes
   
8. Let’s Talk About Sex
   – Salt-N-Pepa
   
9. I hate you, I love you
   – gnash, Olivia O’Brien
   
10. Bacon
    – Nick Jonas, Ty Dollar $ign
    
11. Sleeping To Dream (Eagles Ballroom)
    – Jason Mraz
    
12. Fight Song
    – Rachel Platten
    
13. Warrior
    – Demi Lovato
    
14. Remedy
    – Adele
    
15. Purpose
    – Justin Bieber
    
16. Stand By You
    – Rachel Platten
    
17. Brave
    – Sara Bareilles
    
18. Cry With You
    – Hunter Hayes
    
19. Reaper
    – Sia
    
20. I See Fire
    – Ed Sheeran
    
21. I Don’t Want To Wait
    – Alexi Blue
    
22. Here
    – Alessia Cara
    
23. I Was Made For Loving You
    – Tori Kelly, Ed Sheeran
    
24. If I Ever Cease To Love
    – Ian Wheeler
    
25. Just A Closer Walk To Thee
    – Treme Brass Band
    
26. When The Saints Go Marching In
    – Louis Armstrong
    
27. Feel Like Funkin’ It Up
    – Live Street Mix – Rebirth Brass Band
    
28. The Thrill Is Gone
    – B.B. King, Tracy Chapman
    
29. Fortune Teller
    – Maroon 5
    
30. Kiss It Better
    – Rihanna
    
31. Hell on Heels
    – Pistol Annies
    
32. Winter Song
    – Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson
    
33. House of the Rising Sun
    – Lauren O’Connell
    
34. Rhiannon
    – Stevie Nicks
    
35. Kindly Calm Me Down
    – Meghan Trainor
    

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#Catfished

#Lucky

#Boss