| Monday July 12, 2004
It was a year ago this evening that Paige had the tests done at Children's Hospital in Detroit that confirmed that there was something terribly wrong. The details of that day are still so vivid in our minds and it was a day we will never forget. But, never would we have imagined that within a year our little Paige would be gone because of this horrible disease. While it's been only 2 weeks, it seems as though it's been an eternity. It's as though our concept of time is gone. We're quickly starting to realize that what everyone says is true... the hardest time will be the weeks following the funeral. Everything has quieted down and the house can seem so quiet and lonely, especially at night. Even poor Levi seems a bit sad. For the last year every minute of every day was focused on taking care of Paige and it's now so strange to have all this time on our hands. Even if I go to the store I feel like I'm rushing to get home to be with her and I can't tell you how many times when I'm driving that I've turned around to check her car seat to make sure she's OK. There are so many things that remain exactly where Paige left them and I guess we'll know when it's the right time to move things around. It's just so hard because almost everything we look at reminds us of Paige. While that's not always a bad thing, it's very difficult right now. We know that time will never completely take away all the sadness we feel over Paige's death, but we hope it will ease it. Sometimes I wish I could fast forward a few years down the road and just maybe it would be easier. We both remain off work and have yet to decide when we'll return. While we haven't decided when and where, we're planning to get away for week or so by ourselves. For now, we're staying busy working around outside and inside the house. For the last few months everything has been put to the side, so there's lots of organizing to do. We're so happy with the contributions we received towards the playroom renovation project. We, as well as the hospital, are still receiving donation envelopes daily; so as soon as we get a better idea of the amount raised I will be sure to let everyone know. About a week ago we were pleasantly surprised when we received the following e-mail... Dear Andy & Sandi, I am writing to the both of you first of all to share my condolences and prayers to you and your family on the loss of your precious daughter. I did not know you, or about your daughter's illness until I read the article about Paige in the Flint Journal. How it touched my heart!! After that I went to Paige's website and roamed all about it, smiling, crying, and having such warm feelings on how you chose to handle your situation. Paige was one lucky little girl to have had such loving parents! I am sure she is now wearing her wings with such pride!! My name is Kim Conn, and my husband and I own the RE/MAX office in Grand Blanc. Maybe you are aware that RE/MAX International Inc. is one of the largest sponsors of Children's Miracle Network, and our office is a 100% participating office. Our office is having a CMN Fundraiser "Pig Roast and Garden Party" at Woodfield Country Club August 28, 2004. We are raffling off a 2004 Harley Davidson V-Rod and holding a Silent Auction at the event to raise money for CMN. But now after reading about Paige and how you would like in some way to keep her spirit alive, I would like this to be a fundraising event to help possibly make "Paige's Playroom" become a reality. We would like your permission to possibly use Paige's photo and her story to help promote this event in her honor. We are also working along with Hurley's CMN Director on this matter and if you could get back with me at your convience I would love hearing from the both of you about your thoughts on this and any ideas you may have. This is one fundraiser that I hope will be a success in the name of Paige! May God give you both courage and strength, Kim & Mike Conn Well, within a few hours of talking with Kim everything was a go and of course we're willing to help out however we can. They printed out the most awesome posters, flyers and brochures about the event and I'm hoping to have them posted on the website tomorrow. They will be holding a silent auction and at a later date I'll try to list what they are. Also, anyone interested in the raffle for the 2004 Harley V-Rod - ticket price will be $50 and they will sell only 750 tickets. If you're interested I do have tickets or they are available at the Remax Office at 810-695-4111. They will also be selling them at Hurley Tuesday (10a-2p), Wednesday (1p-3p) and Thursday (9a-12p). Also, anyone willing to donate something to the silent auction, whether it is an item or service please contact me. You can also contact Kim Conn or Dale Warren at the Remax office. Again, we thank everyone for your continued prayers for us. We are truly touched by the outpouring of love and support you have all given us. Like we mentioned previously, it's this support that will get us through the most difficult days ahead. Much, Love, Andy & Sandi |