Adventures and Wishes

Fortunate…Blessed…Lucky…That’s how I’m feeling. To spend the summer with all three of my children, to have so many fun adventures, to be preparing for a very appreciated year of school, to have my son’s wish being granted…this list goes on.

The summer has consisted of a few days of home in between our road trips and vacations to see family and friends. No matter where we’ve been, when we get home, home looks so good! The events we’ve traveled for have been very meaningful…The Jimmy Fund Clinic Summer Festival, the Pan Mass Challenge, the 2nd Annual Ethan Lent Golf Tournament.

The festival was just that…something that Dana Farber does for all the kids and their families that are patients of the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Ethan and the kids enjoyed rides, games, food, prizes, etc. A very fun day, rewarding all these brave warriors for all the pokes, prodding, needles, tests and toxicity they have endured throughout months or years.

The weekend of the PMC was incredible. The kids and I made it our goal to see Daddy on his 1st day of riding, and be at the finish in Provincetown on the 2nd day. We managed that and threw in some fun along the way. It’s such an inspirational and touching event. And for me, standing next to Ethan as he shouted “THANK YOU” to each rider that went by, very emotional. Yancy did an amazing job. We are so proud of him for accomplishing what he did. And “THANK YOU”, for your generous donations. We hope and pray that the researchers and doctors continue to find new medicines, new treatments, CURES!

Yancy and I ponder who will ride it next year. After I expressed a bit of interest in it, Yancy is all for my taking a turn to ride in it. I don’t know if I’m ready to devote that much time away from the kids for training. All in all, it’s not that much, less than 10 hours a week in the spring and summer. I would probably become a better person, a better mother. We’ll see…still more pondering. Then there’s the thought of forming a “team”…Team Superhero? Sharing this experience with family and friends, raising even more money to find a CURE. Any takers out there…?

“Aunt Katie” and “Uncle Nick” host the golf tournament in honor of Ethan for the 2nd time. This year, we were there! Ethan played 18 holes of golf! It was a very memorable day, and an event that was so well planned and filled with love. All of the proceeds will benefit the families and children of the oncology and transplant floor at Children’s Hospital. We’re so thankful, Kate and Nick, for your continued thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you…

Right now, I listen to the table saw outside, cutting repeatedly. They’re making Ethan’s wish come true, outside in the rain. After a couple of attempts to secure a builder, the Make A Wish Foundation found a very willing construction company, based in Quincy, MA, J. Calnan and Associates, to build Ethan’s pirate ship treehouse. A member of their management team designed the structure, and they began construction yesterday. Day 1 pictures are posted, and we’ll post Day 2 pictures later today. Thank you to Make a Wish, and J. Calnan and Associates…Ethan will enjoy this treehouse for years and years to come.

Two and half more weeks of summer…YIKES! I’m not sure if I’m ready for it to end. I know that the kids are very excited to start school though. We’ll look forward to more summer adventures though, packing them in until the very end!