Unbroken Connections...

I have said this so many times, but I'm happy to say it forever.  We had the best supports in place for Gavin... for Brian... and, quite honestly, for us.  From the beginning of Gavin's life working with Gavin's first NICU nurse... to the end of his life working with very gentle PICU doctors.  But the in-between...those years with Gavin's therapists...will be etched in my mind forever.  And for the last two and a half years of his life - that bus was driven by Jessica Cratty.  Jessica was Gavin's service coordinator, which means she was in charge of his case and many of the decisions that were made.

Over the years, Jessica and I developed a great relationship.  I knew I could call her for anything... ask her anything... propose anything... she was always so receptive.  If I do say so, Gavin had the best team of therapists that ever was - and that was thanks to Jessica.  She also held my hand (that's pretty much almost literal!!!) when I was told that Brian would need speech therapy and teacher services and he'd be going to school for four days a week.  That was hard...but, once again, Jessica never steered us wrong.  She suggested a school...met me there to see it and meet the teacher, Miss Laura...and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.  She even set it up so that Brian would have familiar therapists!!  Miss Maggie, Gavin's speech therapist, was now Brian's!  And Miss Janna, Gavin's teacher, was now Brian's (for extra, one-on-one teacher services)!  

Jessica recently had a baby - her first.  Proving that you really never know what life will throw your way... her little girl that was showered and anticipated and decorated around was born...a boy!!!  They named their little son Myron to honor two special men in their family.  

Is he a beautiful baby, or what???

She even let me hold him for a while which either delighted baby Hope in my belly - or made her very jealous.  She was jumping all over the place under Myron's little feet!

Brian couldn't resist his cuteness, either, as you can see...

I've had two newborn infants in my home over the past month - Gavin's teacher, Miss Megan with her baby Maggie... and now Myron.  Both times Brian was so, so good.  He either played independently or brought over a toy or two (looks like Myron likes Darth Vader, too).  I don't think I have to worry too much about Brian once Hope arrives!

All of the people that made up "Team Leong" mean so much to me.  The therapists, the teachers, the service coordinators - everyone.  And Jessica's visit meant a lot to me.

I'm so grateful that these connections remain unbroken after Gavin's death.