Chasing Rainbows: From Our House To Yours... xoxo

Friday, December 23, 2011

From Our House To Yours... xoxo

This was our Christmas card this year and I love it. I don't mean that in a bragging way. Trust me. I love it because there is a slight (albeit HUGE) homage to my Dad on the back. And I love it because I know how hard it was to get those photos. It was our very first professional family photo shoot. With a real, professional photographer who, it turns out, is also a magician. I thought that Brian would be the wild card - but, as it turns out, Gavin was the one who melted down in the 3rd minute. Full out sobs. The more time we took to calm Gavin meant more time for Brian to lose interest. Our real Christmas miracle (because my plastic surgery appointment has been postponed until Tuesday...big SIGH) is that our photographer got any good shots at all - we were not an easy shoot for her. But the sign of a true pro is getting good shots from difficult children. (And getting a sad and tired Mommy to look not as tired as usual and not so terribly sad). If you live in the Philadelphia area, please - please - check out J Rosser Photography and please tell my good friend, Julie, that I sent you.

If I could, I would have sent our Christmas card - with my heartfelt wishes for you to have a happy holiday of your choice - to each and every one of you. I would have wished you a happy new year, too.

And I would have included a thank you. For everyone who supported me during Gavin's pregnancy and his birth. For everyone who started getting to know us through my CaringBridge when Gavin was so critically ill as an infant. For those of you who sent me well wishes after my many miscarriages. For the hundreds of you that reached out to me after we lost our daughter, Darcy Claire. For all of you who joined us here on this blog. For the new readers that are just figuring out our story. I tell people all the time that I'm never sure why people read my CaringBridge...or why they currently read this blog. I don't mean that as a way to fish for compliments...I really don't understand. But for some reason, you are drawn to our story. Maybe you think you're gaining something from reading about our trials, our tribulations...and most importantly, our victories and celebrations. But trust me when I tell you - it is ME that benefits from you coming every day to read what I type. Your support...your encouragement...your presence...your prayers...it all has meant so much to me. To us.

Every year at Christmas, I thank God for the gift of all of you. Some of you might *think* I've helped you...but I can assure you that it has been all of you that have helped me (and my family) get through our hardest times. Whether you have commented a thousand times - once - or none. Doesn't matter. I'm just so grateful.

From the Leong family to all of you and your families...we wish you a very Merry Christmas. A Happy Holiday. A healthy 2012. And please, in honor of my beloved father, please...always remember to "Keep the Faith."

I will be back after Christmas with stories and photos of the boys and all that Santa brought them. They sure have been good...so I better clear a LOT of space under our tree.

In the meantime, here are some shots from our photographer to share!! Gavin and Brian look especially handsome...

xoxoxo,

kate.

And to all a good night.

1 comment:

Kara MelissaDecember 23, 2011 at 9:32 PM
Merry Christmas Kate. Absolutely gorgeous photos. I've been here ,reading when I can, sending prayers and good thoughts. Just been a bit preoccupied with things myself. Sending much love and hugs for you. So much.
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Gavin's Playground Project

Gavin's Playground Project was born from my desire to see an "All Abilities" playground built at Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. This is the hospital where Gavin spent a lot of time during his life... and where he ultimately died, surrounded by friendly and familiar faces. To mark the one year anniversary of his death, I held a fundraiser on April 5, 2014. You can read all about it in THIS post.

We raised a LOT of money, but not enough for a playground! If you would like to contribute to help make this playground a reality - so no kids will ever have to sit on the sidelines watching their peers play - you can contribute directly to the hospital through the Chasing Rainbows fundraising page HERE. Your donation will go directly to the hospital for the playground and is tax deductible. You can also create your own fundraising team page and start collecting donations in honor of anyone you want!! There is also a mailing address on their page if you prefer to mail a check. Designate your contribution in memory of Gavin Leong - or write in that this is for the playground so your dollars will go to the right place. Thank you for your support of Gavin's Playground Project!

Gavin's Trust Project

I created "Gavin's Trust Project" to help support Gavin's friends who receive services from the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania. I wanted to continue to try to "make the impossible... possible" for kids like Gavin, knowing well how hard it can be to get much needed "special needs" items. It makes me happy to know that even after his death, Gavin continues to help others. Click HERE to learn more about the Trust Project! All of your donations, big and small, will be added to Gavin's Trust Project to help therapists and teachers get what they need for children in this program. You can write a check made out to CCIU and mail it to: Chester County Intermediate Unit, c/o Deb Hiller, 455 Boot Rd., Downingtown, PA 19335. Please be sure to add "Gavin's Trust Project" in the memo. Thank you on behalf of me and my little superhero!