In the early days of last week, I sat and thought about what I wanted to say in my speech to all the amazing people who contributed in even the smallest way to Friday Night's 'No One Fights Alone" Gala. My thoughts began to go wild and the tears began to flow even before I started writing. I realized at that moment that, even though there was so much I wanted to say, there would be no way for me to get through a speech without turning into a crying mess and I let Craig speak on both of our behalf's.... even standing beside him at the Podium was too much. I decided to use the blog to let everyone know my thoughts... safely behind the protection of my computer as I have so many other times.
Today is Monday night and while my intention was to write as soon as I could on Sat morning... I now have another problem ... No matter how hard I focus, I can't figure out what to say. How do I properly thank everyone?... how do I let them know how much I appreciate everything they have done? How do I convey the intense gratitude I feel to have them in our lives? I can't... Nothing will be good enough... But I will try.
The Gala was an enormous success. Craig and I were once again surrounded by warmth and love from friends, family and strangers. It awes us every time to see how many people are willing to come out and support us, our family and our fight.
The morning of July 13th plays through my mind at least once a day with vivid detail. Within a few hours, life as we knew it was over and we were now a family with a critically ill child. A child that with his infections smile and caring ways, reminds us every day that so many of our dreams came true when he was born. Only partially complete.... the arrival of our sweet, beautiful little girl in June of 2010 made our family whole. We didnt have any idea exactly how much we needed and loved her until she arrived...she brings joy and excitement to even the most heart wrenching of days. It is impossible not to smile with her around... she has many times become our rock through this process.
Since Nevan's diagnosis, Chris and Jane, Nevan's grandparents haven't once begun a conversation with any other words except " How are you?". Such a simple, cliche phrase that everyone uses... although asked... it is rare the asker really wants to know the true answer. But with these 3 words, Chris and Jane let us know everyday that they were there for us, truly wanting to know how we were so that they could offer their help... what ever it was, what ever it took. Those 3 words are fully engulfed with interest, concern, and un-wavering love. It was within weeks that they began planning Friday's Gala. They announced that they were cancelling their much anticipated trip away to celebrate their 20th anniversary and decided to put their time and effort into putting together this fundraiser instead. With the help of the Dodge Family (a group of the most giving and caring people I have ever met in my entire life), Janna and Matt
Earls, Robin and Mike Houston, Jen Peebles and Ken Buck along with a full list of participants, helpers and donators, this gala was perfectly put together right down to the last beautiful detail. These people should know that they hold such a special place in our hearts and we will make very sure that Nevan always remembers who you are.
Nana and Nanima are like second parents to Nevan and Nylah. Having spent almost as much time with them as they do at our house, they are a big reason as to why Nevan and Nylah are as sweet, smart and respectful as they are. Their world was also shattered in an instant, but they have held strong and offer their help any way they can.
Auntie Yvonne, Uncle Dave and Baby Elliott help to round out our circle of immediate family. During Nevan's first days at the hospital, Uncle and Auntie being brand new parents themselves, showed up with posters, action figures, books and toys to help make the stark hospital blue room a bit more bareable. Nevan and Nylah's faces light up at the mere mention that Auntie and Uncle are coming for a visit. They have always been there for us and our kids and we are so excited and honoured to now be able to offer the same support and love to our very own little nephew Baby Elliott.
Uncle Brent and Uncle Tom have also been instrumental in keeping little Nevan pre-occupied while his little world has been turned upside down. Uncle Brent's tower of movies and video games got Nevan through many a tough procedure, while Uncle Tom's Spiderman collection kept Nevan's dream of one day becoming Spiderman going strong.
Adding to the list are Auntie Medhini, Uncle Anoop, Akshay and Pooja (or Puder as Nylah affectionally calls her). To explain it very simply... When we need them they are there... no questions asked. They are in our corner no matter what and they remind us always that, that is where they will stay. It is true comfort knowing that we can always turn to them.
Finally, Nana #2 and family. My Uncle Khemmy, Auntie Premila, Rickash, Kearan, and Priyanta. This was our second family growing up. They fill so many of our childhood memories and I am so grateful that they are now giving my kids the same types of memories. Recently, not a day goes by that Nevan doesn't ask them to come over and is always showing off the latest 'cool toy' that Priyanta bought him on her last trip down to visit. When asked who his best friends are, Nevan will always reply: "Nana #2". They have been there for us since we were small and are now there for Nevan and Nylah... we always appreciate their love and support and are grateful to have them in our lives.
My biggest thank you goes to Craig...I know in his speech he said that "if I had to, I could have done it alone".... although grateful for the kind comment... it is a big fat lie. There is no way I could have made it through the last few months without him. When I couldn't be around both kids at the same time, he took on the role of both mommy and daddy effortlessly and without hesitation. From singing to Nevan to painting Nylah's toesies with bright pink Nail polish... he took over my role when I couldn't do it myself. Both kids got to keep a sense of normalcy through such a hectic and crazy time because Craig made sure it happened. By the 3rd week of Nevan's hospital stay, I was really only running on fumes. Craig made sure I ate, slept and forced me to go home to get some much needed time away. He would make numerous trips to the hospital in one day to make sure Nevan and I had the things we needed and would wake up extra early to make fresh chocolate chip pancakes so as not to interrupt our Sunday morning tradition. We will never be alone as long as we have each other.... the stronger the storm, the more polished the stones.
Well, I know I didn't talk a whole lot about the Gala as I intended to... but our hearts are swollen with the love we felt from everyone and I felt it necessary to make sure those people who mean the most to us know that. This list is SO FAR from complete. There are far too many people to mention... from my old friends Amy, Jassie, Anjana and Christine... to our newly found friends that we have made over this journey... we love you all and our gratitude to you runs so very deep.
Cute Story of the Day (sorry Grandpa ;)
Nevan is watching Madagascar 3 and asks me to get ready for the 'old part'
Me: "Hey Nevan how old do you think they are there?"
Nevan: "Oh... it isn't a number!"
Me: "What do you mean it isn't a number?"
Nevan: "You know... like Grandpa"
Me: "Grandpa isn't a number?"
Nevan: " Nope... he is just old!"
