Haley’s Giggle

Tonight is the last night in New York. We have been here since March 4.  More than 3 and a half months. And it has been a journey no one should ever have to take. But if you do; if you must take this road, I hope you have a sister like Lori. It is one thing to offer haven to someone and their family while they undergo such an ordeal. It’s another to actually do it, and do it with such graciousness. This is not to overlook the rest of my family, especially Grammy and Gramps and Savta and Sabah who had spent extended periods of time with Haley and Anna. This is not to overlook our siblings who’ve called all the time, and who’ve dropped by as often as they could to lend an extra hand whenever they could and always called as often as they could to make sure we know they were thinking of us.
But. I hope you have a sister that would do just about anything for you, and do it with such kindheartedness. I hope you have a brother-in-law that always has a cheerful ease when you walk in the door, so that even at the worst day, you can count on a smile and a warm and caring environment. It is not easy to sacrifice your normal routine. It is not easy to displace your own family to help someone else’s out. Granted, as much preparation as we thought we had done, nothing really prepared us all for the hardships and challenges that went into these past months. And someone else may have buckled under the pressure, adding more stress to a most impossible situation. Lori and Len did everything they could to make sure that didn’t happen. They made room for Anna, and let her into their lives and loving arms: they treated her like their own daughter, they made sure she was taken care of when it came to her everyday schedule—whether it was helping to get her into a new school or sharing Josie with us (who deserves incredible amount of praise, taking care of two 3 year-olds undergoing potty training and the change of their lives).  They understood that as much as we had all had our lives turned upside down, Anna was in the worst situation. They came to see Haley whenever they could, but it was a big enough job to maintain normalcy in a very abnormal situation. They were sympathetic ears to every detail of what was going on at the hospital and helped sift through the barrage of medical issues that often appeared like a tornado, without warning and without mercy. They never seemed to tire out of love, smiles, and overflowing kindness.
We go home and figure out how to continue our lives in DC without them. Sure Anna will sleep in her own bed, but she will miss Aunti Lori telling her about Banna and Balex. Sure I can have a cup of coffee in the morning, but I will miss getting a cup of coffee with Lori and catching up on the day. Sure Anna can dress up in her Cinderella outfit, but she will miss Alex also dressing up in Tinkerbell. From Alex wearing dresses to Anna wrestling and fencing; from toilet training to preschool; from donuts for breakfast to gelato late at night; from sharing the cleaning person to sharing their home; from Sam and Anna hanging out together at some ridiculous hour in the morning to Anna and Alex sleeping together; from the cousin’s express to woofing it up with Haley; from birthdays to uncertain days; from tea parties to soccer games; from hair clips to baseball caps; from fighting over toys to needing to call each other on the phone.  There are too many memories to mention in this small space. There are too many emotions that overwhelm me at this time.
But to Lori, Len, Sam, Jonah, and Alex.  What can I say? Thank you is so inadequate. You should never ever have to go through something like this. But you can bet, if you need anything, we will be there just as you have been there for us. There shouldn’t ever be a doubt in your mind.
I already miss you all. I already am broken up having gotten so close to you all, and having you getting so close to the girls.
Josie—Thank you for everything. It was a difficult task taking on two 3 year-olds with very very different agendas. To Anna, you will always be Alex’s Josie. To me and Ranan, you will be our other Josie. Thank you for treating Anna with such love and devotion.
Sam—I love how attentive and sweet you were to Anna. keep playing ticket to ride. And tell your dad to get his own account for goodness sake.
Jonah— I promise to find Lucario and Mew and the Tree of Beginnings.  And it’s always OK to get into a fight if you’re standing up for your friend. Thank you for always making Anna feel at home, even when she blocked your view of the TV.
Lexi—What can I say to Anna’s best friend? What can I say to such a cute boy who shared everything—his family, his room, his nanny, his toys, and his friends—with Anna.  You can come to Washington anytime and wear whatever dress you want.
Len—I’ve seen a side of you I’d never seen before in 15 years I know you. I’m not surprised. I’m just impressed and grateful.
Lori—I usually have a way to express myself. But for you I’m speechless. You are not just a wonderful sister. You are a wonderful person through and through. I don’t know what I would have done without you.
There were no guests today—just aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews enjoying a fabulous day in central park.
Funny moment of the day was quintessential Anna – in her Cinderella dress, and Alex—in his underwear, running down the hallway.