Overdue Graditude

THANK YOU!!
The outpouring of deep love and concern shown to Ivy has been phenomenal. During the 21/2 weeks in the French Hospital ICU, there was a constant stream of her friends ranging in age from 2 to 80+…..These were all people whose lives had been touched in such a way that they wanted to take the time to show you, Ivy just how much you are loved and just how much you are missed.

People brought in flowers, books, meals and snacks….but most importantly they brought in the positive healing energy Ivy so needed to begin her long, hard and painful road to recovery. She wouldn't be as far along as she is now if it hadn't been for all of your support. We are forever indebted and will never forget what you have done for our family. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY, VERY MUCH.

There was never a time when there was fewer than 5 people with her and at times it was as many as 15. Everyday someone new arrived and many people visited numerous days. The list includes her classmates and their parents, SLOHS faculty, Pacific Wildlife Care volunteers, French Hospital administrators, doctors and nurses, Alan Roinstead Construction employees, family friends, neighbors, and even friends of friends. The list follows: Kira; Robin and Haley; Rusty, Doug and Russell; Chuck, Alan and Katherine; Alan and Kathy; Claire; Cecilia; Jessica, Chip and Kim; Jolene and Jody; Claudia; Dani and Bill; Connor; Kara, Yarrow and Sunshine; Marco and Linda; Sonja and Ken; Jenny; Jim V; Virginia E; Nick and Spencer; Mary, Sherm, Sheri, Paula, Richard and Lacey; Kyle and Thea; Mary; Charlotte; Elly; Kathy; Ray; Lauren; Stephanie; Clint, Janet and Aubrey; Peaches, Tara and Ali; Marty; Howard; Meg; Liz; Kelly; Kathy and Bob; Paris and Brittany; Jeff, Steve, Debbie; Bob; Dave and Lisa; Wendy; Kathleen; Jan; Paul and Fahey; Ellen; Robin and Larry; Unfinished Business; David and Anita; Jim and Bev; Kelly and Grace; Jim G.; Virginia F.; Shelley; Jo and Oscar; Lynn; Ann; Debbie; BJ; Marcelle; Tim; Harold; Dorothy; Jay and Elaine; Marilyn; Andrea; Jeri; Lauren R.; Lauren M.; Amber, Paula, Richard and Lacey.

If you are not on the list and should be included, please let us know. We want Ivy to know who you are. She will be, in good time, visiting her blogspot.

An enormous and deep felt thanks to all the doctors, staff and contractors at French Hospital and especially Randy. You were the rock….always patient when explaining the same thing for the ump-teenth time, keeping me grounded and encouraging me at the same time. You showed so much empathy and compassion in the many things you did for our family. Even though it was your night off, you came in to be our nurse on the night we received the diagnosis that Ivy would probably be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life, you organized the means to wash and re-dye the blue streak in her hair the night before her departure for Totally Kids, you never --- ever complained about the number of visitors who came wanting to see Ivy, you even helped other ICU patients understand why our joy was spilling out into the rest of the ICU unit and most of all ….. you were attentive to Ivy’s every need. A very special shout out to you!!!

One of the things Ivy loved to do was dance. It was an important part of her daily routine. Whenever I couldn't find her in the house, I only had to open the door from the kitchen into the garage and there she would be……Ipod in hand, headphones in ears …..dancing with a smile lighting up her face. When she is again dancing, and I believe she will be dancing again, we will be having a gi-normous dance party celebrating life. There will be live music performed by the local 50/60's rock band Unfinished Business. We will let you know the details when we have them.

Thanks again.
Love you all,
Melinda and Frank

PS From Melinda to my amazing friends who are leaving me messages on my cell….that is when it isn’t full….I so appreciate hearing your voices….it is a huge source of comfort to me. I just haven’t the energy to return calls….all my being is directed to Ivy’s needs and to her recovery. Please continue to call…again the messages help enormously!