While there is so much we can be ungrateful for this year, there is so much that we are thankful for.  Our Friends, Family & Community that has been there for us throughout our trials this year.  Thank You All.

Dear Faith,

Mom tried making me go to bed tonight before I was ready, she should know better, you get into my mind and I end up writing again.

I can’t believe today is the 6 month anniversary since you left us. It seems so much longer.

Not too much has changed at home. Your room is the same as you remember, but a bit cleaner and neater. Grace took care of your dolls and made sure they were all tucked in with a teddy bear or other animal. Mom gave some of your pretty dresses to your best friend Casey so she could enjoy them as much as you did. Your bike and trike are also in the hands of a good friend of yours who has two little girls that will love them too. Silly brought us all of your school stuff in a big package that Mom and I have not been able to open yet. We are stacking up lots of your stuff in your room to keep for one day when we are ready to look at everything again.

Everything out in your yard is cold & frozen again. All the flowers are gone and the leaves are off of the trees. We didn’t get much of a chance to see the grass, trees & flowers this year and when we did they didn’t look as good as they used too. Everything is a little bit less fun and wonderful without you to share them with.

Abbey and I went to a new doctor for her today. They had a floor in the building we were in for special children born just like you. We wanted to go and look to see if we could find someone as special and wonderful as you and steal her. We didn’t because we know you were unique and we could never find someone as special to replace you.

I hope you and Tommy found Peter. Mom and I just found out yesterday that he came home to you. Please be nice and friendly, his Mom and Dad are very nice and will be happy to know he has new friends. When Mom found out about Peter last night she cried a lot thinking about you. Tonight when I was writing this to you I cried a lot.

We think about you every day, today we will think about you even more. Happy half angelversity today baby doll. We love you bunches and bunches.

Love,

Dad

I’m sorry to say that once again I must bear bad news.  We received a call from our ICU friend Nina yesterday.  Her son Peter who was in the ICU all the time Faith was there passed away yesterday afternoon.  He had been through some rough times while we were still at the hospital but had done better and was at home.  He was moved to a local hospital during hurricane Sandy because he was dependent on 24 hour respiratory support. We had heard from Nina after Sandy and all was still well.  He passed yesterday in the hospital with his family there.

Our hearts, love and Prayers go out to Nina, Peter Sr and Charley, Peter’s brother in a time we know is very difficult and will be for a very long time.

I hope this finds all our friends and family well after the events of this week.  I’m hoping you are all home safe and warm with your families. We did very well through Sandy, no damage or losses.  We did loose power on Monday night but have the benefit of a standby generator that keeps most of the house functional. We were warm, showered and had access to food so what else can you ask for.  I still do not have internet access and cellphone service at the house is spotty at best so if you have tried to FB, e-mail or text I might not get them.
I have had a few inquiries about the party for Faith scheduled for Friday the 2nd.  We have been deliberating if we should reschedule. I know many of you are still facing the hardship of the cold, dark or lack of gasoline.  Some may not even be able to travel because of blocked roads.
We are still going to have the party, we need to and for some it may be the first opportunity to get out of the house for something good this week.

Here is what I can tell you from a logistical standpoint:
Our house is accessible from both Route 23, Libertyville Road south of 519 and if you are coming North on Route 15 though Sparta via 565 or 94.  I have personally traveled all of those roads and they are open and passable. For the folks from PA, I have driven 23 North to the NY/PA border and it is open.  I do know that route 650 (through Stokes State Forrest) is closed due to downed trees and wires.
I can’t tell you much about the gasoline situation up here.  Before the power went out most stations had already sold out. I know there is no gas at least for a 15 miles drive from our house.

So if you are close we welcome you, if you are far and adventurous, go for it.  If you cannot make it we understand and will see you sometime in the future when life becomes a bit more normal typical  you know.