So we had a little carnival the other day.
That’s an understatement for dramatic effect.
I was thinking about what to write about the event. Who do I thank? What did people see? What unique perspective do I have? What did those who were unable to make it miss, and how do I convey the sense of what happened that day to them? How do I explain the success of the day?
I’ll start with the people who organized the event and why they did what they did. They heard about my diagnosis and realized that my family and I would need help. There were lots of ideas that were bandied back and forth, and I don’t even think I was supposed to know about any of them. I was supposed to know the date and the time and show up and be amazed. And I did, and I was.
These kind friends have been there since the day I first checked into the hospital, and to talk solely about what they did for the benefit would be selling them very, very short. That day was the culmination of what they could all do together, and it stands as a testament to their dedication and determination. Once again, words fail me, but my appreciation goes way beyond just that wonderful day.
The idea behind choosing a carnival is an interesting and thoughtful one. And this is all secondhand information, so if I don’t know the whole story, I apologize in advance. I just want to say that I appreciate the organizers taking me and my interests into account. As I understand it, they tried to think about doing something football related first. After some difficulties there, they picked something even more important to me: my kids. What a winner that turned out to be.
The choice of the event was such a small part of what went into it, and that’s not to minimize the effort that went into choosing that. I wrote someone this week that my creativity is so lacking that I nicknamed my daughter Boo Boo. I never would have come up with a carnival, and even if I had, I don’t think there’s any way I could have made it work. Not only did they make it work, they made it work brilliantly. Everyone that showed up said, “Can you believe the turnout?!?” I talked to at least a hundred people that day. All of them said the same thing. I hope it’s not because that’s the only thing I have to talk about.
I just talked about the attendance, but focusing on that was not my intention. It would have been great if just one person showed up to say, “I’m here for you.” But the truth was miles away from that. We don’t have an accurate count, but we estimate there being about 800 attendees. The fact that so many people would show up to celebrate and support me and my family is humbling and uplifting.
I think everyone there would agree it was successful. I have thought about how we measure that. By money? By attendance? By weather? By effort in organizing? All of those played some part, but I don’t think any of them alone—or put together—captured the spirit of the event. I think spirit is something that really nails down what made the event so special. It was a gathering of people there to show their love and support in any way they could. Most, if not all, donated money, and someone bid on every single auction item. Some said, “I really hope you know we’re here supporting you and praying for you every night.”
I think that was what really struck me about that day. There were people there who I’ve known all my life, for ten years, and people I met within the last year. There were even people I met that day, but I got the same message from everyone: “We’re here to help. You’re not doing this alone. This battle is one you can win, and we want to make sure you do.”
When I got out of the hospital, one of the best things that happened to me was meeting some friends who have lived my exact story. Mid thirties, young children, uncertain future. And the fact that they’re friends means they’re making it. It put my mind at ease when I could ask the questions I had and get answers from people who’ve been there. People who told me the same thing I felt and heard that day at the park. “You can do this. We KNOW you can do this. It’s not easy, but stay positive, and you’ll make it through.” Every person there that day, and even ones who could not make it, showed that same supportive attitude of care and love.
The energy at the event that day was one of infectious positivity. It’s been over a week, and people are still talking about it. That’s where the positive aspect comes in. People only write and talk about things when they love them or hate them. I’m certain that the smiles and prayers and donations and everything mean you loved it.
I think all of us—me more than anyone else—owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who helped organize the day. The team of organizers who gave hours every night for weeks, the contingency of St. Agnes volunteers who ran the booths, the donors of auction items, and of course the attendees who gave so much as well. I’ll see you at the five-year reunion.
From Eda:
I am speechless! Thank you to the countless hours that went into planning this huge and very successful event! I will keep this short as I will thank you each individually, just give me some time... I am very behind. I wanted you all to know how much I appreciate you all for making this happen. I feel that each of you are angels placed in my life to help me walk and stay strong daily. You have each been here for me in ways and in times that so many others couldn't be or weren't, so thank you! You each know who you are!
Thank you for all who took time on a weekend or squeezed it in between events to come out to my husband's celebration of life and to help us fundraiser and fight this cancer! We will continue to strive to beat this and we know we cannot do it alone and this event proved to us we do not have to! You all amazed us. I couldn't believe how many people came out that were strangers and came out because they had heard our story or came out because they felt connected to us in some way. I also couldn't believe how many people came from my past and present. Thank you to those who made a very special effort to be there or to help who haven't even seen me since grade school or high school! WOW!!!!! Thank you. Many of you I did get to talk and many I did not, but I know you were there. Many of you saw that just by your hug, you moved me to tears. I felt so graced by God's love during this event. Thank you for showering my family with love with your support in numbers and I mean huge numbers! We hope you all had fun. I will keep my part short since William summed up so much above. I know I am not alone and I know that each of you would help me out if I asked, so thank you for being there! My heart is full. The money raised is going to really help us so much and we appreciate your generosity to contribute to our need! Thank you! I know for each of you it is a sacrifice to give money, and please know we do not take that lightly and we are very thankful. Thank you all for your love, prayers and continued support. We could not do this without you! Thank you warriors of Team William! You have amazed me, lifted me up, and filled me with many tears of joy!
From Abigail & Audrey (but really from Abigail):
Thank you for all of my friends and new friends that came out to celebrate my daddy and came to love on my family. Thank you for taking good care of my Daddy!
Pics From the Benefit
Our Man of Honor
