March 15, 2008: Day 1
Dear Haley:
You were born in a storm. Your face was so black and blue from all the bruising, that the nurses thought you weren’t getting any oxygen. Six hours later, the doctors put their arms around me and said they were doing the best they could, but they didn’t hold out much hope. You weren’t supposed to even make it past Day 1.
And here you are, a new Day 1. The only Day 1 that now counts. You are here because of the doctors at Sibley who kept you alive until you got to Georgetown’s ICU, the doctors at DC Children’s who diagnosed you correctly with CAMT, the doctors at Sloan Kettering who did not miss a step from moment one of your transplant, and of course all the nurses who spend countless hours attending to you, administering love with every cc of medicine.
Mostly, Haley, you are here because of you and your own strength. I think of the eventful day at the hospital this time last year– all the fears and anticipations held in a single syringe full of new bone marrow cells. We sang the ABCs and Bob Marley. We watched a college basketbal game that day through the bars of your sterilized crib, while your family, friends, doctors, nurses, and the world around you were all praying for your survival. But in the end it was all you– so much strength and resilience in such a tiny little body.
Watching you go through everything with such grace, there’s not much by way of advice or wisdom anyone can impart. There is one wish, though, sweet, giggley Haley: that there is never another time in your life that requires so much strength, but if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, know that there exists in your more strength and light to get through anything.
Happy (new) Birthday, Haley. We all admire you so much and love you even more. We can’t wait to watch you grow.
Dearest Haley,
I have been waiting until after Shabbat to wish you Happy Birthday. Thank G-d, you have reached this momentous occaision. May you be granted double birthdays until 120 (at least!) and may the years ahead bring you happiness and joy and the fulfillment of your heart’s desire. Reading today’s blog brought back all the anxiety and fears we all felt a year ago, knowing that you were leaping into the unknown. We all prayed for you and never dreamt what a strong, resilient little angel of a girl you would turn out to be. May that special inner strength carry you through life. I hope you can feel all the love that everyone has poured into you from miles and miles around and that this love and our prayers helped sustain you throughout this horrific ordeal. May the days ahead be filled with sunshine and flowers, song and laughter and a win by your favorite March Madness team!
Love, hugs and kisses,
Eudice
March 16th, 2008 | #
Happy Birthday Haley!
Mazal Tov on this wonderful day. We are bursting with love and admiration for all of you!
With much love,
Amy and Noah
March 16th, 2008 | #
I can’t say it any better than your mother did. I hope you never need this strength again; but if any of us need strength or inspiration or examples of grace and endurance, we have your example and the example of your excellent family.
Hooray for today.
March 16th, 2008 | #
Dear Haley
You and your family are so inspiring for all that you have been through. It is awesome to know you even though it so brief so far and also from so far away.
So Happy Birthday! And maybe one day when you are much older we may be able to share a BMT birthday with you!
Take care and much love from New Zealand
Josh (day 33 today), Caitlin, Kirsty and Dan
March 16th, 2008 | #
Happy New Birthday Ms Giggles.It’s true what mommy says; you are the strongest, bravest little girl, bar none. What amazes me, almost , as much as your strength amazes me, is your ability to giggle, to smile, and to maintain such a wonderful disposition. You are a beautiful, happy, delicious little doll.You really do inspire us, each and every day. We’ll keep the love coming. You, Miss Haley, keep getting stronger. YOU GO GIRL! Love and Kisses and hugs from Grammy
March 17th, 2008 | #
Happy Birthday Haley!
What a year you’ve had. You will always be an inspiration for us all.
But more importantly, you’ll be just a normal kid. Being sick, G-d willing, won’t mean hospitals, it will mean extra lollipops and getting to stay home from school and watch TV all day. Going to the park won’t mean watching from a distance, it will mean getting in there and mixing it up with the other kids, showing them what playing is all about.
And that’s what birthdays are all about – having fun, celebrating what you’ve accomplished until this point, and looking forward to what lies ahead. We’re looking forward to many more Haley birthdays.
Haley Rocks!
March 17th, 2008 | #