Special Thank You

Usually Aunt Emily is the one making the editorial sidebars but today it's our turn....

As we go through life each and every one of us impact each other in ways we can't even imagine. We know that in her 6 months here already, Hope has touched numerous lives, not the least of which is ours. She has shown us strength beyond our imaginations. She has brought people together in so many ways, gathering to talk about Hope, gathering in prayer and gathering to offer support. Tonight that happened in a way that has touched us so deeply that these words barely even begin to express.

As most of you know, tonight a pancake dinner benefit was held for Hope. We were so moved that people wanted to offer support in this way, but what we experienced tonight far surpassed anything we might have expected going into the evening. To witness a community coming together offering hugs, kind words and hard earned money in support of a child most have only met in pictures and blog updates is truly overwhelming.

It would be dishonest to say we haven't had times in the past months when we felt worried, scared and alone. Tonight we were reminded (with amazing clarity) that we are not alone, we need not fear and we do not carry the worry alone. We want to thank each and every one of you personally for your amazing love and support, whether you were physically at the supper tonight or there with us in thoughts and spirit. You may not yet realize it but what you gave us tonight will last forever in our hearts. Towards the end of the evening, the pastor of our church asked me if we had a chance to eat anything yet. I told her that we hadn't and at first she thought we must be quite hungry. I told her that what we were experiencing was far more nourishing. You have each nourished our hearts and our spirits beyond words. Thank You.

We hope that in the weeks, months and years to come, all of you get the chance to meet and get to know Hope. We hope that she comes to know and love the community (near and far) that has carried her through and loves her so dearly.

Drew & Sarah