Chasing Rainbows: Simple Times...

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Simple Times...

We have a pretty boring life. I mean that in the best possible way. Ed and I are homebodies and we get excited doing simple things - like taking the boys to the Toy Store on a Friday night or going to the grocery store as a family. It's okay to be jealous of our Hollywood-like lifestyle.

During really tough times - like the past week when Gavin was in the ICU - I am even more grateful for our blissfully simple life. I would lean down and whisper in Gavin's ear - "Soon this will all be over and we'll be strolling around Wegman's and picking out a balloon for you." It's easy for me to transport myself home when I'm not. I envision us all in our pajamas laying in the play room. I can see us waltzing around "The Christmas Tree Shop" (which is like a fancy dollar store - or maybe a five & ten dollar store) buying all kinds of things we didn't realize we desperately needed. And trying on hats - we love to try on hats.

So this weekend, that's what we did. A bunch of silly stuff. Friday night we took the boys to Toys r Us. So many toys need homes and we're there to help in any way we can. Then today we headed, where else, to The Christmas Tree Shop! Brian and I giggled as he tried on hats.

Then we went to Wegman's for lunch - which was quite a simple treat that made the boys so happy!

We're always happy just to be together...even if we're doing little to nothing. When you've been through some pretty traumatic times like we have - you appreciate and long for the simple times so much more.

This weekend I also had a chance to dress up and do something fancy! My Mom and I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of good friends of the family. Dr. and Mrs. Roeder have been great friends of my parents for years. I was so happy to be with my Mom as we celebrated this milestone with them.

It was a bit of a surprise when they called the Roeder's up to dance to their wedding song - and it was my parent's song.

"I'll Be Loving You, Always"

In that moment, I knew my Dad was there with us...holding my Mom's hand.

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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!