Sarah is thirty years old!If you are a Smithellaneous old-timer, you have been reading about her since she was six, when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma and given a minuscule chance of surviving five years. The doctors, in their wildest dreams and their most impressive expertise, could not imagine that she would ever turn thirty.
But let the hallelujahs happen! Let the thanksgivings roll! She is a miracle, an inspiration, and a joy, and we are so glad to celebrate these years with her. (We’ll have her actual party in two weeks.)
This is the first year the Birthday Hat made its appearance in our family. (August 23, 2001.)
Sarah was born in Duluth, MN, in the same hospital where Bob Dylan got his start a few decades earlier. She was on an airplane with me at one week old and spent her first six years living full-time in a recreational vehicle as our family did concerts and services in churches around the country. That part of her life was definitely out of the ordinary, but she was an intrepid traveler; she and Nathan did so well with all the adjustments that came with it.
The following photos were taken either in our current house or in the RV we lived in.
Sarah’s life was not defined by it. She spent hours as a teenager writing and working on books. She was involved in our church’s media team and drama team. She mentored a young girl in the church. She graduated with honors from High School and got a college degree.
Sarah had high standards for what she was looking for in a potential husband. She met Gage on an online dating site just a few days before she was planning on canceling her membership. They spent several months getting to know each other through emails, writing about 40,000 words. When they finally met, it felt like they were meeting a stranger who was already a friend. It didn’t take long for friendship to blossom into love.
This was taken a few minutes after Gage proposed.
About three months before their marriage, Sarah was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor and became very ill, with several hospitalizations at Duke. Gage proved his commitment to her, even before the wedding. “In sickness and in health” was lived out before the vows were said.
Gage’s brother, Nick, took some wonderful engagement photos for them.
What a beautiful wedding and a beautiful love!
She also got five new brothers and wonderful parents-in-law in the bargain. (Two sisters-in-law have been added since this photo.)
Sarah and Gage have been married for four years now, and despite a variety of challenges, their joy and their love for each other continue to grow.
She has always had wisdom beyond her age, and she has the rare ability to listen with her whole heart and make a person feel heard and understood.
She and I endured some horrible times together during her childhood hospitalizations; there was so much suffering that was so tough for this mama’s heart to witness. But the days and months and years passed, and our family came out on the other side of the cancer journey. Although Sarah deals with some long-term late effects, she knows she is blessed beyond words to have lived this long and to be celebrating this milestone birthday.
Our whole family is grateful for the miracle of Sarah’s life and looks forward to all the years we will continue to share.
please share a memory or story about Sarah that you remember from the blog that has really stuck with you. (Or a real-life example if you know her in person.) Or just share your birthday wishes.
It would be so special to revisit the stories her life has written so far.
HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY TO SARAH!!!! I believe I’ve been following since she was deemed cancer free the first time. Then she relapsed and kicked it to the curb once and for all! I hope I’m remembering that correctly.
I had forgotten her wedding colors were orange and blue and white. So interesting because my own Sarrah Elizabeth’s wedding colors were the same almost a year ago!!
I can’t believe OUR Princess Groovy Chick is THIRTY! Or that I have been following for sooooo many years!! But I am SO THRILLED that she is and that I have! It’s been a true blessing!
I think of her often. So often!!! She is one of only two of the many many many children with cancer I have followed to survive neuroblastoma. She is a true miracle and such a beautiful light to the world!
There is another little girl I am following now who has been put on hospice. They said she has weeks left. It’s been around 2 months I think since then? She’s 9. She’s so amazing and adorable and loves God with everything she has. Will you please pray extra strong prayers for her? Her name is Brielle Bird. You can find her on IG if you want to @briestrongerthancancer.
I’ll end this book now, haha. With so much love and thankfulness and hugs!!! 🤗 💜
Lizz,
It’s fun to know someone else used orange and blue at their wedding. Orange is Sarah’s favorite and blue is Gage’s so they just went with that color scheme.
You are remembering corretly that she deemed cancer-free and then relapsed. Survivors of relapsed NB are even more rare than survivors of NB so we are doubly grateful.
We are so grateful that she has made it to thirty and look forward to many deades ahead.
Praying for sweet Brielle. (What a beautiful name!) I looked up her account and she reminds me so much of Sarah.
Happy belated birthday to Sarah and the entire Team Sarah Crew!! I’ve been away on vacation and just catching up on Smithellaneous updates! I don’t think I’ve missed many since the Caringbridge days, when I found the link to the page through another person I was following. I want to wish Sarah a very happy birthday, even though it is belated.
I love the photos that accompany your posts, Becky, and words and images of Sarah sitting on the porch swing in Manteo, listening and supporting her family come to mind, whether it be you, Becky, or Snowy, or other relatives, friends, and grandparents in various living rooms and dining tables. Having an ear and heart to listen and be present for others is such a gift and blessing to all.
I remember when Sarah surprised Gage with a Lord of the Rings marathon. One of my all time favorite characters is Sam Gamgee in that series. Sarah seems to have the same qualities of Sam Gamgee – such strength and wisdom. May the 30s be extra special, filled with good health and much joy!
Ann,
I love the photos of Sarah you referenced–on the porch swing and in various living rooms and dining rooms. She always has been a good and wise listener; thankful for that.
I’m not sure who Sam Gamgee is but if you like him, I’ll take your word for it. 🙂 I’m glad you think that Sarah has some of his same qualities.
Thanks for being a CB-era follower!
Happy Happy Belated Birthday to Sarah!! I’m one of the “old timers” here – I think I found your Caring Bridge site shortly before a request for birthday cards to be sent to Sarah back when you lived in Smithfield (I think it was). I’ve enjoyed being able to witness all her miracle milestones in her life.
Sue Ellen,
Love our old timers around here! I think the birthday you’re referring to was around her tenth birthday so that’s been a good little while!
Thanks for sticking with us.
I have followed Sarah since the beginning. She is such a miracle and I am so thrilled to wish her a happy 30th birthday!! Have a blessed, happy, wonderful year Sarah!! Hugs to you!!
LeeAnne
Blessed. Happy. Wonderful. Three great descriptions for the coming year!
Thank you, LeeAnne, for following along and being so faithful to comment. Have a great week!
Happy belated birthday to Sarah! I’ve been following your family since Sarah’s relapse, having been directed to pray for her through another pediatric cancer blog. Your family’s testimony has been an inspiration to me over the years, and I am praising the Lord right along with you for this milestone celebration with Sarah! Sarah is walking, talking proof that our Gracious Heavenly Father is still in the miracle business!
Cheryl,
Thanks so much for your encouraging comment.
This is defiitely, as you said, a milestone celebration. We are grateful!
Hallelujah! It’s been a joy to watch Sarah grow up. The only time I met her in person she was not yet a toddler, sitting on the table in the Fellowship Hall of 3rd Baptist Church in North Stonington, CT. Nathan and my son were off running around while you, Nancy and I chatted. I think that was before your illness from a tick?
Guerrina,
Oh, the memories your comment brought back of beautiful N. Stonington. I seem to remember that church had belfry and Nathan got to ring the bell.
We think I actually got Lyme disease through a blood transfusion after Sarah’s birth so I would have had it already.
Good to hear from you!
I am so deeply grateful to see Sarah’s 30 years old smile grace the planet and the lives of so many after all she has been through.
Blessed Happy Joyful Sparkling Birthday to you, dear Sarah!
Eva,
So good to see your name pop up here again!
I love the idea of Sarah’s smile gracing the planet. It has certainly graced the lives of our family.
God’s goodness is shown so beautifully in Sarah’s story! Her cancer was considered a “terminal diagnosis” and I am still in awe of what a miracle she is! I have been around since the CaringBridge days. I found her page as I was following some other cancer warriors whom we had met on our own journey with our Sarah.
One of my favorite memories of those days was her VG cape! I still chuckle thinking about it now. What a wonderful way to look at this miserable symptom of cancer treatment!
I have been cheering from the sidelines for her and still do!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sarah! I pray this trip around the sun is your best one yet!
Lisa,
Yes, I loved the VG cape, too. I was going to include a picture but couldn’t find one. It was so funny to hear people at the hospital guess what it stood for; no one EVER guessed Vomit Girl. She got the biggest kick out of finally telling them the answer.
Thank you so much for cheering from the sidelines, even in the loss of your own sweet Sarah. And thank you for following since CB days. A long, long time!
Huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sarah!
I, too, have been following since CaringBridge days, and also remember her relapse. But I also remember Snowy, and Sarah dressing up for special events, and Sarah hanging out with her friend Hope, and am sooo happy she’s still here!
Stefanie,
Oh yes, Sarah always loved dressing up for any reason whatsoever. And of course, none of us will ever forget the inimitable Snowy! Thanks for the smile as I think of him now.
And thank you for following along since CB days. Appreciate you!
Happy Birthday, Sarah!
I found your caringbridge when she was about 10 & was drawn in as a fellow Smith! My grandfather & dad were cabinetmakers & when they used to do shows, etc, went by the name “Woodsmiths”…I think you can see the appeal I found in your page! You’re the only active blogger left in my bookmarks, sadly, but as long as you write, I’ll read! Much love to you all
Emily,
Aw. You just made my whole day when you said, “As long as you write, I’ll read!” So encouraging to me.
And am I right in thinking this is your first comment? If so, welcome to the first-time commenters club.
I love the Woodsmiths name; exactly perfect for what they were doing. Yay for Smiths! 🙂
Some memories from the CaringBridge site: The first post I read was about one of her cancer relapses. She was maybe ten…you all sat on the couch to tell her the bad news and of course there were tears…but then soon everyone was laughing about something funny the dog was doing and just kind of moved on with life, taking it one day at a time. I also kind of remember Sarah having a really difficult time riding a bike without training wheels due to some chemo-related balance issues (I might have her mixed up with someone else!). She also had some anxiety about starting middle or high school, but obviously moved past it.
Her ability to overcome is impressive, but wouldn’t have been possible without the support of family and friends through the years. So when you have that party, I hope you remember to celebrate yourselves as well. I also want to say thank you for sharing your life for so long. So many people with blogs disappear after a while. It’s been nice to feel a neighborly one-sided connection for some 20 years.
Kristen,
Oh, yes. I remember that terrible day of telling the kids about the relapse. But yes, healing laughter did follow those tears and I’m sure Snowy was a big part of that.
You’re right–Sarah did have a tough time learning to ride without training wheels. She learned to ride without them when Nathan wasn’t home and then tricked him to go outside with her to help her and then just took off riding. He was dumbfounded. Good memory!
I love the phrase, a “neighborly one-sided connection for some 20 years.” Isn’t the internet amazing? We can learn about the lives of so many people, even following along for two decades as you have done. Thank you for that, and for the reminder to celebrate our whole family at the party. 💕
I’ve been following your family since the CaringBridge days. I remember Sarah’s relapse and praying that she would survive. It makes my heart happy to see her turn 30
with a wonderful husband to share her life with. Happy 30th Sarah!
Heather,
That relapse was definitely a terrible chapter in our lives; almost worse than the initial diagnosis.
Thank you for your prayers through the years and for following along this long!
Happy birthday Sarah! My daughter Juliet and I have been following the Smiths since Sarah was 6 years old – Juliet was only 11 herself at the time and she got very attached to this little girl across the pond and we were both always rooting for her.
We were so happy that she met Gage and got married in 2021. By an amazing coincidence, Juliet was getting married the very next day!! We sat and watched Sarah’s wedding live online as it happened, the eve of Juliet’s own Big Day. It was very moving and wonderful to see Sarah walking down the aisle in her beautiful dress towards her handsome husband.
I never miss an update from Smithellaneous. As it happens, Juliet is here today so we wrote this message together!
Much love to you all, wishing you healthy and happiness from England
Teresa and Juliet Hewitt
Teresa,
So good to hear from you!
I remember that Sarah and Juliet got married only a day apart; what a beautiful chapter for both of our families. And how fun that Juliet was with you as you wrote this message. I hope she is doing well.
Would love to visit your wonderful country someday. In the meantime, I’m sending hugs across the pond.
Happy, happy Birthday Sarah!!! I have been here since the first blog and can’t wait until Mondays to catch up on your family and all the ups and downs. You have an amazing family Becky and I feel like I know them all. God bless all of you!!
Kaye,
You have been here since the first blog? Wow–definitely a wonderful old-timer!
Thank you for staying with us through all the ups and downs. We’ve had a few of them along the way but this celebration of Sarah’s 30th birthday is definitely a highlight of the last few years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH! I can remember coming home from work and immediately checking CaringBridge for your mom’s updates, some of which were nail biting. Your parents’ faith shined through the “ what if” days. People from our little town travel to Duke for treatment, and I can easily remember how thankful I was you were at Duke because we all consider it to be top notch. Becky’s journaling was so poignant,so tender. I think(?) I remember that you liked the Magic Tree House books maybe? You’re a miracle Sarah, and I thank God for His Holy Touch upon you. (And you always a big brother cheering you onward .) God bless! Celebrate big !
Dee,
You have a good memory. We did read Sarah a lot of Magic Tree House books in the hospital. They were a nice escape from all that was going on and actually educational as well. I need to buy some of those for the grands!
So honored that you would check Caringbridge for updates so often. If they were nail-biting to read, they we were definitely nail-biting to live–and write! Thankful for the years we’ve had and for the people like you who have followed along.
Dearest Sarah – hard to believe you are now 30. What a blessing you have been. Love how you have a way with words and enjoy thrifting like your mom. The Lord continue to bless you and Gage!
Sharyn,
That’s one of my favorite things about both Sarah and Meagan; they love a good thrift store! So glad neither of them insist on expensive mall clothes.
Thanks for your words of encouragement.
A year after I moved to Manteo, Sarah and Gage agreed to help write and act in skits for water safety. We had so much fun practicing (with our other partner in crime, Tammy). And then we traveled to 5 schools to put on the performance. Gage was the lifeguard at the beach and Sarah’s small stature made her perfect for the child who ran in the ocean without permission. Besides the laughter and fun, I so appreciated the time and energy Sarah and Gage gave. They did all that work gratis.
Greta,
Sarah had so much fun doing that with you; so glad you and her and Gage were able to make that fun memory–and help teach safety to kids at the same time!
You’re such a blessing to our family.
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS! AND MANY MANY MOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRREEEEEEE! & thanks to Sarah for being such an inspiration!!!!!!!!!
I started following Sarah’s journey from CarringBridge site. Sarah, and her story give me hope for a dear friend who is in Duke in the trenches of her son’s cancer journey! Baby Wyatt (2 years old) will be admitted for 6 weeks soon. Please add him to your prayers! He’s and his family have been through so much over the past few months! he is a warrior like Sarah! and we know GOD has a plan!
Eswim,
Oh my. To have a 2-year old in the hospital for six weeks is beyond words. It’s hard to explain to a child when they are that young what is going on. Will be praying for Wyatt.
Thanks for your exuberant happy birthday wishes! 🙂
Happy Happy Milestone Birthday ( in so many ways) to this lovely, sweet, inspirational young woman. I am not sure when I started reading your blog. It was right before you moved to Manteo and the family was visiting that church, Steve was preaching and you all were part of the musical program I believe. I have been so impressed by Sarah over the years, starting a brand new high school, going off to college and meeting Gage. I look forward to reading your blog every Monday morning.
Dale,
We are glad to be a part of your Monday morning. ☕
Yes, Sarah has gone through her share of adjustments, as all young adults, do. I’m glad that in the middle of all those changes, God brought her and Gage together. So thankful for their life together now and in the years to come. Many more birthdays to celebrate!
Happy Birthday to Sarah! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your summary comments about Sarah’s life and challenges. Also, as usual, I love all of the photos you posted, especially those from her childhood. Best wishes to you and your family. I miss having you as nearby neighbors. Fred & Lucy
Fred,
Good to hear from our former nearby-ish neighbor.
I love looking back at those old photos of Sarah, too. So many memories all wrapped up in this great occasion of turning thirty!
Rejoicing with you guys as you celebrate this amazing birthday and our amazing Sarah! And what a lovely array of pictures that capture the stories of the years so well.
It’s hard to pick out a memory in the midst of so many, but this is the one that came to the forefront today. Sarah and Gage had been married for a year or so (maybe two? my old brain fails me) when we came to visit you guys in Charlotte. Gage and Sarah invited Randy and I over for lunch and it was such a special time together. They welcomed us so warmly and Sarah moved about her little kitchen with competent grace, getting everything ready. As we sat enjoying a very delicious lunch and excellent cups of coffee, they opened their hearts and shared with us so openly a little of their journey and some of their dreams and life insights. It felt surreal sitting there with them, thinking of all the miracles that had brought us to that moment, seeing Sarah all grown up, a married woman, beautiful and secure in the love of a good man.
So with our whole hearts, we celebrate the priceless gift of this 30th birthday with Sarah and all her dear fam!
To put it succinctly: Whoop! 🥳❤️
Love, Deb
Deb,
What a dear memory to share. I can just picture the two of them bustling around and making you and Randy feel like the special guests you were. Sarah is such a good and thrifty cook and they entertain often. I’m glad you had a chance to experience the Long Hospitality.
Thank you for your investment in them and your listening ears and hearts during that special meal–and many other times, as well.
Whoop, whoop right back! Celebrating thirty!
Long term follower since the Caring Bridge days!! I know I have prayed and cried thru the years with your family. Such an amazing young woman! Happy 30th Birthday, Sarah!!
Donna,
Thank you for following through the years, praying, crying, and celebrating! We appreciate you.
Happy Birthday Sarah! Hope it’s a great day!
Sarah,
You’ve got a great first name. Thanks for your happy wishes!
I remember meeting Sarah when she was 6 years old, for her apheresis procedure, I don’t remember exactly, but I think it was Jimmy Neutron that she was into watching? She was so sweet, and made an impression on me immediately… I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of her very successful cancer journey, I still have her picture up at my desk at work to remind me of why this job is so important! It makes me happy to be able to share her success with other families dealing with this devastating disease as well. Happy Happy Birthday Sarah!! Thirty is the new 20, or so my almost 27 year old tells me! 🙂 I hope you celebrate many more birthdays, and that your life ahead is full of happiness and joy!!
Tiffany,
Yes, I’m quite sure it was Jimmy Neutron. 🙂
I’m glad you’ve been able to use her story to give hope to other families.
Thank you for the work you continues to do with our precious cancer kids; you are our hero!
Happy 30th Sarah. You have such amazing insight and strength. I remember one post where you were trying to do something difficult (I think it involved a balance beam?) and you told your mom “kids who had cancer never give up” or something like that. I think of that whenever I am trying something difficult.
Patti,
Oooh, I remember that. Thanks for bringing it up again.
I distinctly remember that day where she tried to make it across the balance beam over and over and kept falling off. She finally (thankfully) succeeded or we would have been there all day! Blessings!
Happy birthday, Sarah! Two memories from either Caring Bridge or Smithellaneous: Sarah skipping into the hospital and Sarah praying over a seriously ill woman. She’s been special since before most children are still eating dirt.
Jan,
I will never forget her prayer over that woman who was in the hospital and who was afraid of what was ahead. Sarah’s prayer brought God’s comfort into the room–for all of us!
And yes, I do remember Sarah skipping into hospitals a couple of times. I, myself, have yet to do that. 🙂