The world is calling 2026 the “new 2016.”

For most, it’s a trend about fashion and nostalgia—a return to a certain look or feeling. But for me, the connection is much more literal, and a lot more emotional.

In 2016, life looked a lot different. My oldest was only two years old—a whirlwind of cuteness and curiosity. I remember our family photos from that year; I was wearing these cute little boots, standing in the middle of a life I was just beginning to build.​

Fast forward to now. We took our family photos recently, and there she was. My “baby” is now eleven, standing tall, and wearing those exact SAME boots. Now she’s always taking my shoes, but left behind the chunky statement necklaces.

​It is a deeply poetic thing to see your oldest daughter grow into a lovely young lady.

When I look at her, I don’t just see a girl in my shoes. I see a girl who will, I hope, follow in my footsteps of chasing dreams and building a family of her own. But more than that, I see the “why” behind everything I fought for.

​During the hardest days of my cancer battle, these were the moments I was dreaming of. I was fighting for the 2026 version of us.​

2016 was sweet, but 2026 is even sweeter. I am living the days I once prayed for.