Thanksgiving

(I actually wrote this post on March 10th the day before we were discharged from CHLA. I wanted to wait to post it until I could plug in photos to go along with the thank yous but now those photos are lost in my dead laptop. So for now I will post and hope to plug in the photos later)

It's thanksgiving time here at the Jelly Chronicles as we are about to complete this part of our journey. It's just going to be a long list and not a great read but I need to get this out there so you all know what you have meant to us. And there are so many to thank...

The Ronald McDonald House charities. What would have done without your support. I'm in tears as I writes this thinking about how you literally saved us, financially, emotionally, physically. My mind just boggles at the thought of us having to pay for a hotel for 60+ days or having to be over an hour and a half away from our baby. Thank you thank you thank you. We will never forget and we will always do all that we can to pay it forward to the next family in need. I promise from the bottom of my son's fixed heart.

Children's Hospital of Los Angles

Brenda - the wonderful security guard at the front desk. You happy smile and friendly greetings everyday. The way you remembered our names and made us feel welcome will always be one of our happy memories about CHLA. We will always consider you a part of our CHLA family!

CTICU, Dr Starnes and his team- you gave my son life. You took this broken family and you've made us whole and given us a chance for a long future together. You welcomed us with open arms and with everything you did. The way you do shift reports, the comfy chairs at the bedside, the endless care you had while dealing with us two frightened and exhausted parents. Thank you.

A special thanks to nurse David for the gift of holding my son for the first time. I hope you understand how that simple act will be among the greatest moments of my life and that I will never forget you or your kindness.

NICU - we've been through some rough waters together but you helped us make it through. From the Dr's, residents, and nurses we were blessed to have you fighting to help us get to the other side.

Our NICU nurses especially Tania and Jackie or two primary nurses.

Anyone can pass out meds you to gave of yourself as well as being skilled practitioners and we are so blessed that you were there to care for Mason when we could not.
Also Nichole, Susan, Alisa, Sylvia, Judith, Lerma, Carmen, Colleen and so many more. I wish I could remember all your names. Thank you for always

Friends -

The blog followers. What would we do without you? A bunch of Internet "strangers" have become a part of team Mason and a part of our families. You have been a gift to us. Your prayers, good thoughts, comments have carried us through tough times. You have given us the gift of companionship through this and trust me the journey would have been so much longer if we had to have walked it alone. So much love and thanks to everyone of you (even the lurkers!).

Catherine and Jason, Victoria, Nikolas and his mom, all the people on the CHARGE listserve your support and helpful information has been invaluable to us and will continue to be guide to us in Mason's life. Thank you for reaching out. I'm sorry I haven't been able to connect as often as I would have liked too but plan on doing so more in the future.

Steven and Gracie Mason's CTICU and NIICU buddies and their 'rents.
It's amazing how you become invested in these kids that share your space and at least a part of your journey. You are two brave and beautiful babies (with great parents) and I can't wait watch as you grow and thrive. Our hearts will be with you on every part of your journeys.

Kirsten and her son Andrew - we think about you often beautiful boy and I truly believe that you have been a guardian angel looking after Mason and blessing us.

Our Disney friends! You have always been one of the best parts of George. More than just friends you are our family. Thank you for the snacks, support, and love you have sent. You are team Mason!

My IE girlfriends. Some of team Mason's greatest supporters and always my shoulder to cry on. What a blessing the Knot.com has brought into my life. I love everyone of you and am grateful to call you my friends. I would also like to purpose a "Mason's mommy needs a night off GTG" asap!

A special send out to my angel Jewelyn. I miss you everyday since you left us but I feel you and I see you in G. I'm sorry I've been wrapped up a bit lately but I promise that I will get back to my auntie duties asap.

My besties Val, Jenn, Katt I don't know if I deserve your friendship but I am grateful everyday to have it. You are the jewels of my life

My sister/friends Lo and T. My backbones and my better halves. I love you and I wouldn't have made it without you. Tiff thank you for all the therapy sessions (and for Fedex!) are a gift to me and my family. I will never be able to repay you but I plan on spending a lifetime trying.

Our families -

George's family Abulita, Tio Alex, Tia Karla thank you for taking Pierce and spoiling him. We wouldn't have made it through these last few weeks without your support.

My sister Jennifer and her family Pat, Lauren and Jonathan -
You've re-arranged your lives and welcomed our son into your home without question or complaint. I know the nights have been long battling illness and the terrible two's but your love for Pierce and Mason has made the separation a smooth as possible.
You allowed us to care for Mason by caring for Pierce and we will be eternally grateful that you are our son's other family.

Mom - There are so many things to thank you for I don't know if I am capable of expressing what you mean to me and to us except to say - Everything I am, everything I will ever be, I owe to my mother.

George -
The person I should have thanked first and most I never have.

My dear husband. My love and best friend. You are our rock. You are our foundation and the strength supporting this family. What and amazing man and father you are. We are so blessed to have you.

We have created this family together and together we have fought tirelessly to hold it together. The road ahead will be long but as long as I'm traveling with you I know we will be alright. We have both put our needs and wants on hold focused on the now but we are coming back around to us.
I can't wait to get there and celebrate us again with you.


Pierce - my firstborn. My son. You made me a Mommy. I waited 38 years to meet you and it has been so amazing. I never understood the depths of love till I held you. I don't know what these last two months have cost you but I promise Mommy and Daddy are going to be there loving you and cherishing you every second from now on. Thank you for being your loving, happy self and for the gift of time you have given to your brother. You are already the best big brother there ever has been and you don't even know your a brother yet. You and me together, forever will be.

And finally Mason - my dream. You are exactly what I wanted. I know being your mommy is what I was meant to be. I have been amazed over and over again these last two months at what I have been able to do. I have ignored pain, gone without sleep, fought, battled, prayed, done endless re-search, and found veins of strength I never knew I had. People keep asking how I do it? I answer them simply. I your Mommy and my love for you is endless.

My brave little boy what terrible things you have had to endure just for the chance at life. You future is so full of hope and promise. You are EXACTLY who you were meant to be and you are perfectly made.

For anyone I forgot forgive me. We have been blessed with support from so many.

We could not have done it without you