Hi Sweet Pea…It’s daddy. Like you didn’t know that. I just like letting you know your daddy is writing to you. Part of my coping mechanism. We all have them as we try to navigate the highs and lows of life.
Don’t you love this picture I found of you? You were so happy. You were always such a happy kid. We were doing the “SOOOO BIG” with you. We would say…”Jessie is sooooo big” and then you would put your arms up in the air. I have no idea why we did that but we loved that you would follow along with us. It made you happy so that was the most important.
Yesterday was full of people talking about you, which made me super happy.
I first got an email from a collage student saying “thank you” for Jessie’s book. She read it in two days and has decided to become a pediatric oncology nurse. So amazing.
Then…a wonderful volunteer at the JoyFactory told me she worked with you on homework. She thanked me for writing to you every Thursday. I told her it was my way of staying connected to you. Then she said, “You are not only helping yourself…you are helping so many of us that have children and reminding us our precious life can be.” I had no idea, but thankful that my notes to you could cause families to spend more quality time with their kids.
Then…a great family visiting from Dallas came and stuffed JoyJars on their spring break. One of their kids said coming to the JoyFactory was the best part of their trip. They were playing at Disneyland all week so that was a big statement. The dad is going to help me see about putting a JoyFactory in Dallas. That would be so amazing Jess. More volunteers, more schools, more donors….MORE JOY!
Then…I got a call from an 8th grader doing a report on you. I couldn’t believe how much she knew about you and how much you have inspired her. She said, “Mr. Rees, Jessie has inspired me to help other kids at my school.” That is such an amazing thing Jess. I know you don’t like being always in the conversation but you are an inspiration to many.
The icing on the cake for me was being asked to cook with a local teen boy who has a cooking show. He has some struggles in life but cooking helps him focus and meet new people. Guess what we are cooking? Cupcakes=). Have I told you that your amazing supporters have raised close to $30,000 making and selling Courageous Cupcakes? That is so amazing.
Speaking of calls, starting in May I get to spend a few hours a week taking calls from more families and your fans about their hurdles in life. I’m so thankful to have this time to listen, help and support. We all need people in our lives that don’t judge but love. That is what you did and I’m so thankful I get to do this more in a few weeks. I’m going to use Skype and the phone to help parents.
Your gala is just a few days away. The team is working super hard for you and all the courageous kids that we support. The theme this year is “momentum”. We will be talking about the momentum you started and now we must keep going. I sure hope people choose to donate so we can keep the joy flowing. We have another puppy for some wonderful loving family. Your puppy, Mr. Moe, still loves going into your room and smelling your closet. I just know he thinks about you too.
Dang…here comes the tears. I was doing so good until I thought about you and Mr. Moe. You two made an amazing team. He cuddles with mommy now and is getting lots of love from all of us.
Jess, I love you so much. I just wish this never happened but I have to hold on to my faith and believe that there is a purpose in all of this. Some days that is easier than others. Seeing your mommy, sister and brother cry is hard for me. I know it’s all part of the journey we are on but I just don’t like seeing my family hurting. The hardest part is I can’t fix it. Any parent would feel this way because of the love they have for their family. Love is what holds everything together when you feel like everything is falling about. LOVE means = Listening, Offering, Valuing and Encouraging others unconditionally. That is what you did so naturally and taught me to do in my life.
I will NEVER forget you and will ALWAYS try my best to LOVE kids/families that have been impacted by childhood cancer.
xoxo,
daddy