Saturday night we got together with some of our friends and had the party that on bad days I wasn't sure we were ever going to have. On good days I used the idea of a party like this to just push through.
So when we walked into the reserved room at the restaurant and saw all the smiling faces of our friends - family, really - it was surreal. The last time most of us were all in a big room together it was for an auction to help raise money to pay for Ike's care and hospital bills. These are people who love Ike like their own, who we love, too, and it was overwhelming to have everyone in one place laughing and smiling and drinking and eating and watching Ike tool around the room making himself the king of the place.
Sixteen months ago was when we had the auction, and there was laughing and eating and smiling, but it was different. I was terrified, trying to keep it together out in public. Ike was at home with a nurse. We didn't know what the future would hold. My husband had been laid off. Between the both of us we'd probably had about 6 hours of sleep in the previous 48. It doesn't sound like 16 months was all that long ago, but it feels like a lifetime. To be completely melodramatic, it could have been a lifetime.
Our mortgage was paid, our groceries bought, Ike's medicines procured, bills paid - all through the generosity of these people we hugged and sniffled with on Saturday (and through the generosity of so many, many other people, too).
And now Ike is trach-free, Steven has a great job, all of us have slept six hours at the same time, in one night. We are finding our footing. The bookends of these two nights are so opposite, and yet they're not, because both nights were filled with the determined and unyielding love of friends and family.
I can't believe we actually had the party I was too scared to dream we'd ever have.
Now, of course, I just want more parties. More. MORE!
What a wonderful night. What wonderful friends.
My lovely friend Jote took this picture. She now has to take all other pictures of me and Ike forever.
Ike investigates a poster (designed by the kickass and super talented Jenny, of Websy Daisy) from the bake sales and auctions from when he was so tiny and sick. This picture makes me catch my breath. It's been a long road, you guys.
wow. just... wow.
Posted by: Portland | September 06, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I am so sad that I had to miss such a wonderful celebration! I have loved looking at all of the pictures and am so glad there was such a wonderful reason to celebrate!
Posted by: Becky | September 06, 2010 at 03:12 PM
:-) i got goosebumps and tears reading that. yey ike and all of you!!
Posted by: clare | September 06, 2010 at 03:33 PM
All I can say is Hooray, Praise God, Halleluia, Amen!! Hugs to all from Griffin, GA. You Are Loved.
Posted by: Janis | September 06, 2010 at 04:10 PM
That is beautiful. Really happy for you guys. Sorry you had to go through all that fear. F'in fear. Here is to more parties for you guys (glass lifted)!
Posted by: Frances | September 06, 2010 at 06:15 PM
I've been away from a computer for a very long time, and am sitting here weeping. Such wonderful news. more more more parties. hugs, unicorn farts, and all the love I can send!
Posted by: Irene of the North | September 06, 2010 at 07:18 PM
There are no words...just tears and virtual hugs...
Posted by: Jennifer | September 06, 2010 at 11:28 PM
More happy tears! HUGS to you all!
Posted by: Jane | September 07, 2010 at 10:07 AM
i really need to stop tearing up at work. i can't say anymore than what's been said by everyone else...so VERY, VERY HAPPY FOR YOU and for the richness you have in friends and family!
Posted by: Julie | September 07, 2010 at 10:29 AM
So, so, SO happy for you! And for Ike and the whole family. You've all been through so much. Thanks for sharing the hugmongous (I'm sure that's a word) joy and celebration!
Posted by: Karin | September 07, 2010 at 06:42 PM
Good for all of you! Hooray! I don't know how you held it together! What a wonderful testamonial to your friends and family who supported you when you were down and who celebrated with you now. Wishing you years and years of health, wealth and happiness!
Posted by: mary of the midwest | September 08, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Yay for happing endings!!! Amazing to see that little guy - he has changed so much. What an amazing 16 months...
Posted by: Tracey | September 08, 2010 at 08:56 AM
I've been following along on your blog, and am so happy for all of you. What an amazing community you have around you! God bless all of you. Truly.
Posted by: Amanda in Austin | September 08, 2010 at 07:40 PM
I haven't read your blog in a long time, but a mom of multiples friend told me about your cause back in the day and I made what meager contribution I could. Something tonight made me think of you and I checked back in only to read this post (and the hilarious one about the baby bottle in the lunch), and I am completely in tears. Ike is so precious.
Posted by: Leigh Ann | September 15, 2010 at 10:34 PM