How do you say thank you for a gift that is more than just a bike, it is a chance for Kyle to get to do something he loves and a chance for his dad and I to share his joy. Okay, so it isn't always joy, especially when Kyle decides to rest his feet on the bar of the bike and relax when we are going up to the top of the hill in the neighborhood, but hearing him yell, "go faster, go faster!" as we coast back down makes it all worth it!
So this is a HUGE thank you to the gang and Jack's Bicycle, Tony Carter and crew at Northwest Honda, and the Hall family. Your generosity is appreciated far beyond what we can express in a simple blog post. And thank you to Samantha Faris for researching tandems bikes that would work for us and working with everyone involved to make this a reality for us. We have enjoyed in for hours already and are sure to share many cycling adventures together.
Kyle has recovered extremely well from his surgery. He was ready to head back to school on Monday and (even though I wasn't sure he was really ready for a full day) made it all day Monday and each day after. He shared his stitches with his classmates and let, those who wished, trace the line of the "crazy straw" from the valve on the top of his head until in vanishes as is reaches his collar bone. The kids were kind and asked thoughtful questions, but mostly just wanted to make sure that it didn't hurt and that Kyle was feeling better. It is amazing to see Kyle's resilient spirit shine as he works to overcome the obstacles he faces every day.
On a somber note, I want to express my sympathy for our dear friends the Adams. Their beautiful daughter Mara passed away Monday. We came to know Mara and her mom, Heather, during our trips to Children's. I have found comfort sharing stories with Heather. This is a very small club we find ourselves in and being able to talk with another mom who can truly relate to our struggles has been a gift. If you have a moment please think of them and send prayers and good thoughts their way. If you want to learn about Mara and her family or send them a message please visit her website, www.maraadams.com.
17 comments:
Nicolas and Kyle,
What a cool bike! It's been a long time since I've seen your Mama riding a bike. How fun!
I hope the weather is really nice this weekend so you can do lots of riding.
Kylie, you continue to amaze your auntie. It is no surprise to me that you've been going to school all week. I bet all your friends are so happy you are there. And Nicolas, you are just the best big brother ever.
Love you all. Can't wait to see you.
Issy
Love the pics--thank you for sharing. Go, Kyle!
Sweet bike, Kyle! I've ridden a tandem just enough to know it's not as easy as it looks at first, so good luck and have fun! And make sure your Mom and Dad don't make you do ALL the work!
Are you going to the Huskies game on Saturday night? I think they might win this one!
-Greg
Hey Kyle,
That looks like way too much fun! We love you and are so glad that you are back at school. We think it is pretty cool that you have so many wonderful friends pulling for you. Sounds like quite a group of friends that helped make your bike wish come true. Wow! I loved the pictures of everyone smiling and having fun. You are all an amazing family. We are blessed to know each and every one of you. Stay strong our friend.
The Gutierrez Family
Kyle! You are the bravest kid I know! How cool you got to show your classmates your crazy straw as you call it. My sister has had brain surgery too but she is older and I don't think she did as great as you did. You are doing an amazing job! Emma and all her classmates send their love.
Your aunt Melissa's friend,
Rebecca
Hi Kyle-
What an awesome bike! I talked to Samantha at Happy Valley right after your surgery and she told me all about the cool bike she found to surprise you with. I was so happy to see the great pictures of you riding with your family. How fun!!!
I am glad to hear that you had a good week back at school. I know that all of your friends were happy to see you.
I am so proud of your strength and courage. You are one amazing kiddo!
Love-
Mrs. DeJong
That is a totally cool bike! I hope to see you guys riding around sometime soon. Kyle - you are such a brave dude! I can't believe how fast you went back to school after your surgery. I have to say, you put me to shame for staying home with a sore throat! You rock!
xoxo Rachel
Kyle,
It was a lot of fun visiting with you yesterday after your bike ride with your dad, Kara and Nicolas. Thanks for helping me pick apples, too. And! I look forward to your "mean" pasta dish someday. Sounds yummy!
Love,
Carrie Chute
(with warm wishes from Harvey, Sarah and Hannah, too!)
Hi Kyle!
I can't say I'm surprised that you did so well with your surgery...I've always known you are an amazingly cool kid! I've taken care of lots of kids with shunts, but I don't think I've ever known anyone who went back to school just a few days after having such a major surgury! Next time I have a patient with one, I'm definitely going to have to call it a "crazy straw" just like you...that's such a great name for it!
I'm so excited to see you on that awesome bike. I ride my bike a lot with my boyfriend, but I tell you, sometimes I wish I could catch a free ride on the back of his...when we go for long rides sometimes I get REALLY tired!
I've been looking at your recent pictures, and I think you should try out to be in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie. With that long hair and missing front tooth, all you need is a patch over your eye and you would totally pass for a pirate! You might have to walk around saying "AARG MATEY!".
Keep up your amazing strength. I miss you and Nicolas bunches and bunches. I wish I could come spend some time with you...I would make sure you both got your fair share of big wet sloppy kisses!!!
Love, Lindsey
Kyle, Christin and Jocelyn,
My prayers will be with you tomorrow as you head down yet again for another MRI. Kyle, I know that you will face this day with the same courage you continue to demonstrate each and every day. I am in constant awe of you and am so proud to know you! Carson and I were talking tonight about how special you are to us.
When you get back, I still have a huge pile of snap cubes all in clumps with your name on them if you want the job. I will pay you double what I paid you last time...so in other words, two hugs:).
Love and prayers,
Tiffany
Hey there Kyle,
We are all thinking about you today!! Shane is going to ask his class to say an extra prayer for you this morning.
Thanks for sharing that maple bar with me at the pumpkin patch. I didn't actually know that I like maple bars! How smart were we to be inside having a treat while the rest of those crazy nuts were getting soaked looking for the perfect gourd? Ha ha!
I definitely want to buy some of your candle creations - be sure to make me some red ones!
Lots of love!!
Julie
Kyle,
Your new bike looks like lots of fun. Tell your Mom that if she ever gets tired of dragging your heavy self up the hill that I'll come over and do a spin on it as well.
Good luck with your MRI today. You're an inspiring little trooper.
XXOO,
Anne-Marie & Chris
Hi Kyle,
Carson and I were just talking about you. We are so excited about your last MRI and how well you did. Way to be a fighter! We are so proud of you.
We love you lots! (We think Nicolas is pretty awesome too!)
Carson and Tiffany
Hi Kyle and family--we don't know you but have heard so much about you through friends who do. Wow those bike pictures are really great! Its great to read of all your amazing adventures. Clearly, you are one cool kid with a wonderful family and circle of friends. That sure says alot about you. Way to go, you are such a brave, strong boy!
We wish you continued great healing wishes.
Hey Kyle!
What a great day I had on Saturday. Not only did I get to go to one of my favorite places, Stoney Ridge Farm, but I got to see one of my all time favorite people...you!!! I was so surprised and happy to see you and Nicolas. Thanks for the great hugs and for stopping to tell me all of your exciting news. I really do miss seeing you everyday and hearing all of your great stories. You always manage to make me laugh. I hope you and Nicolas had a great day at the pumpkin patch.
Keep on staying strong my friend. I hope to run into you again sometime very soon.
Give your mom a huge hug for me. I miss seeing her around Happy Valley, too.
Lots of love,
Mrs. DeJong
Hi Kyle and Nicolas,
I was just thinking about you guys today and wanted to tell you how much I love you. Hope you are having lots of fun with Grammie. I bet she has lots of fun projects for you guys to do.
Love you and miss you lots!
Issy
Hi Kyle and Nicolas,
It was great getting to see you both out at the soccer fields. I don't know who was more excited, Carson or myself. Kyle, your stamina amazes me. I can't believe that the season is already over and that Halloween is next week.
Sounds like Nicolas had a fun night of science at WWU, minus the lost cheetos. I can't believe you had two bags.
Just a quick note to let you both know that I was so happy to get to see the two of you. Have a great rest of your weekend. I look forward to seeing your bright smiles on Monday!
Tiffany
Carson says hi too!
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