Day 97 (June 21)
I would like to start the blog by repeating the request to submit your letter to haley soon. I’m not sure if Day 100 (Sunday) will be the last, or I will continue through our transition back to DC and until at least things with her Tcells and red blood cells come to some sort of conclusion. If Day 100 is the last day, the blog will be up for a while, so you can continue to add your comments.
I really don’t want to say goodbye to the blog just yet. I’m not yet ready to leave it. To leave you all. Maybe once I settle in. There is just too much transition for all of us.
Today we said goodbye to Aunt Bea, who came and took care of Haley the whole day so I can run errands and do work. But it was really for Aunt Bea to spend as much time as she could with Haley before we went back. And even when she left, she had a very hard time saying goodbye. There are only certain poeple in Haley’s life that she responds to immediately with a tongue wag and body wiggle. There are only certain people Haley will let hold her even when I’m standing right there. There are certain people that Haley will rest her head on. Aunt Bea is one of those people. She came twice a week every week we have been here. She calls almost everyday. Aunt Elana also did the same, taking her only day off to come and be with us, either in the hospital or once we were in Central Park. I am not lumping their experiences or their bonds with haley. but they both exhibited the same determination to witness Haley’s transformation through the sick days and healing days, through whatever unique phase Haley would go through. Aunt Bea is an OT and Aunt Elana is an ST, but I think their interest went beyond that.
All of haley’s aunts and uncles have been wonderful and loving and devoted (There will be a very very long blog about Lori and Len soon, don’t you all worry), That must be said.
Aunt Elana, we will miss your visits and hope you come to DC really soon.
Aunt Bea, what can we say, but thank you. for loving Haley as you did.
Funny moment of the day was when random people whom we’ve never met stop us in the hallway of Haley’s (Arnie and Sandy’s) place, saying, “I can’t believe you’re leaving!”
Your comment about the neighbors made me chuckle. Neighbors. An interesting subject.
I feel as if we are all true “neighbors” on this blog, even though I know only one other person who posts here. Yet, the blog has created a sense of community around one common goal–to support Haley and her family through this ordeal. The beauty of it for those of us in Haley’s neighborhood is what we have received back. Tansy, you may not realize it, but this blog has been a gift to all. It may have been created to offer you a place to share your thoughts and feelings with your family and friends–it sounds as if you received a great deal of support from it–but the blog also nurtured and supported those of us who wrote daily entries and those who read those entries.
After my son’s illness and the shunning that happened in our actual neighborhood over the years, the existence of this blog has renewed my faith in people in a surprising way. Thank you for sharing about all the wonderful health professionals who have gone the extra mile for Haley, and all the loving and supportive relatives who have suited up and shown up to help on a daily basis. Thanks also to all your great friends who have offered their comments and insights on this blog.
Most of all, thanks to Haley for being a spirit of pure light and love. Both she and Anna remind me of how much I learned from my own children and how precious they are to me.
I do hope the blog continues, at the very least with occasional updates about Haley’s progress. I look forward to your homecoming and seeing the divine Miss Giggle wide awake this time and doing her thing. Also, has anyone alerted the State Department that Princess Anna is returning home?
Hoping to see you soon…xxoo Cristina
June 22nd, 2007 | #
I had a stress dream last night about you and Haley missing your train–I can only imagine what’s bumping around in your sub-conscious, and conscious, as you get ready for the next transition. Please do remember you have an army of people ready to be deployed to go out into the world on your behalf so you can adjust to DC version 2.0.
Cristina–your comment was especially moving. Thank you, too, for your honesty and wisdom on the blog. I realize that when the blog ends, I’ll still be able to get Haley updates at least weekly, but I won’t be “seeing” my commenting friends anymore. Maybe we can all come back here and just comment, endlessly?
June 22nd, 2007 | #
Please let us know where we can call to say goodbye personally. As you know, we have had some “downs” lately, and thank you for you beautiful and meaningful phone message. Now, thank G_D, we have an “up” with Miri’s engagement. Such is life as you well know. May your “ups” far exceed your “downs” from here on, and may Haley and Anna give you continuing love and pleasure all the days of your lives.
June 22nd, 2007 | #
Dear Haley,
I am a friend of your family’s in Washington, DC. I have known your Mommy and Daddy for many years now – we love seeing them and your sister Princess Anna at shul on Shabbat. My husband, Dave, always likes to have heated political discussions with your Mommy (which I always found funny since they are both liberals and I think actually agree with each other).
You are a superstar and a miracle child. It’s been an honor to follow your progress on this blog. Your spirit, your love and your giggles during all that you’ve been through show what an amazing little lady you are. We hope and pray that you continue to grow healthy and strong and, in the not too distant future, we’ll be seeing you at Cookie Minyan along with Anna.
You may never know how many people kept up with your progress and prayed for you, but I hope your Mommy and Daddy will have some sense of it. You are so lucky to have two parents who love you so much and who have devoted all of their strength and energy into helping you to have a happy, healthy life.
You are a little angel, and we can’t wait to see you back in DC when you’re ready to have visitors. My family and I (including a cute little red-headed boyfriend for you) look forward to sharing many giggles with you for years to come (and maybe even a heated political discussion someday).
Love,
Deb Sloan (and Dave, Rami, Penina, Gaby & Rafi)
June 22nd, 2007 | #