Tuesday, November 9, 2010

An Enormous Thank You







Friday night's fundraiser for Ella was a beautiful event.  Thank you to the Barefoot Peddler for donating some of their profits.  I never in a million years thought I would bring my baby into a bar, but hey there is a first for everything :).  

Thank you to my dear friends, Laura and Maureen, for hosting and organizing the fundraiser.  We will forever be grateful that you took the time and effort, out of the goodness of your hearts, to help our family and our little angel baby.  Thank you for this selfless act.  You are very special people who I am blessed to have as friends.

Thank you to all the people who came to support us that night and to all the people who were unable to attend, but still made a donation or sent in raffle prizes.  We cannot even begin to express our gratitude and the warmth we felt from family and friends, old and new.  The funds raised will provide some relief for the many medical expenses we have accrued since Ella's birth.

This year and a half has been extremely difficult for myself, Erik, and Ella and we still have a long road ahead of us.  And while this situation has brought some heartache, it has also allowed much beauty to surface.  It has given me new perspective on life and taught me never to take anything for granted.  It has brought out the kindness, compassion, and generosity of friends, family, and complete strangers (now friends).  The idea that people who don't even know us want to help during a trying time truly demonstrates that there is goodness in humanity.  Finally, it has brought me the most precious gift I have ever received - Ella, who despite all that she endures still maintains an amazing spirit.

Ella had an absolute blast at the fundraiser.  She was very happy, dancing around, and showing all her tricks.  I hope many of you got to see her new dance move, "the monkey"- a real crowd pleaser :).  It was almost as if she new it was a party just for her.  Ella feels the love from all the people around her and she certainly felt a lot of it that night.  I will be so happy to someday tell her about the many people who rallied around her, supported her, and prayed for her life.  

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We continued to be moved and comforted by all the caring people who have touched our lives.  

Love always,
Nina