Hi Sweet Pea…it’s daddy! Like you didn’t know that=). I sure hope you are doing good. I‘ve been on the road sharing your story with people in Texas trying to raise the funds so we can reach and resource the 1,000’s of children fighting cancer there. In honor of Texas I found this picture of you in a cowboy hat. Love it!!!
My first stop was in Dallas where I met with a corporation that wants to help which is super great. Then that night I shared your story in a home with twenty people listening and learning all about you. I know you never wanted it to be about you…but YOU are the reason children smile…so it’s going to be about YOU for them. Never you…for me…or us…always the kids. I promise you it will always be about helping the children.
One of the people there was a mom who has a 4 year old boy fighting leukemia. She shared with the people how much you have inspired her and impacted her. She shared how lonely she is and how much she loves hearing the door bell ringing and seeing another dose of hope, joy and love from us to them. I cried when she shared because your “wish” is working….kids and families are being encouraged to never ever give up and this mom said while she super lonely she feels stronge. WOW! I’m so humbled to get to help these kids and families.
The next day I met in a beautiful home in Austin with another twenty people. A few of the families coming to learn brought their kids, which was so great to see. It’s so important the next generation learns how important it is to look beyond yourself and help someone in. As I was sharing about how your JoyJars are the start of a relationships with a child/family impacted by childhood cancer they totally got it. They had (like so many) thought all we do is stuff and send JoyJars. They had no idea we invested over $500 per family through our multiple doses of hope, joy and love to them over a year. One man shared, “I’m so encouraged by what I’ve heard tonight and that you don’t “splash and dash” like so many other charities.” I had never heard that phrase but he is right…we stay connected, we serve and we support. All because of YOU sweet girl.
Jess, after this trip I have been so reenergized. I wish I could say raising money to reach and resource these kids has been easy…it’s hard work but I will keep showing up, keep sharing your story and keep asking people to help courageous kids NEGU. It’s just the right thing to do and I’m ready to do more. I’m off to San Diego today to meet with someone who might choose to help us. I used to get really discouraged when people said “no” to donating. I took it like they were saying “no” to you and not believing in you. I now know people will give when they can and I can’t force it and I can’t take it personal. Donating to help children fighting cancer smile comes from within and I believe with all my heart the right people will help as I keep sharing. This happened yesterday when I was leaving Austin. I was in the airport waiting for the plane at the gate and someone saw my NEGU bracelet and asked what it stood for. So I told the lady what it was, who you were and why I was there. She then handed me $20 and thanked me for helping the children of Austin. I gave her a hug and thanked her.
The hardest part of the trip was my layover in Denver because my connecting flight was at gate B23…the last time I stood in that line was when I was rushing home to get to you because mommy said you had a brain tumor and it’s not good. As I stood there my eyes started filling up with water and the mental movie rewound to that very moment. I could see the line I was in, the door I was waiting to open, the plane I was waiting to board…it was so real. I even got put in the middle seat in the bulk head row…then I cried a little more and then it all stopped. No more tears…just wonderful memories of you and all the kids I’m representing for you. While gate B23 will always have a place in my heart I don’t think it will make me sad anymore…rather proud and blessed. Proud to be your daddy and blessed to get to help children fighting cancer smile.
You have forever changed my life Sweet Pea!
xoxo
daddy