This is my absolutely favorite photo of MacKenzie. And there are hundreds of great Kenzie pictures. But if someone asked me to try to summarize who she was this photo perfectly illustrates her spirit, optimism and courage.
MacKenzie always made sure everyone around her was happy. Which isn't necessarily an unusual trait. The world is full of people who want to make others happy. But how many are able to accomplish that while struggling through four brain tumors and the very real physical effects caused by the surgeries and treatments. Even if you wanted to be uplifting and courageous, it's nearly impossible due to the side effects of chemo and surgery. But MacKenzie achieved this in spades.
As her treatments went on Kenz was left with a slower, shakier speech pattern. While I know this was primarily due to the surgeries, I always had the distinct feeling that it was also MacKenzie taking the time to really think through what she wanted to say. She was always careful to make sure that what she said would put people at ease with her situation and not draw any additional attention or sympathy to what she was going through. I always had a sense that she knew her time might be short and she wanted to be sure to leave people with a sense of happiness when they would think of her. And to say she succeeded would be an understatement.
