�
Ok everyone, I can hear the gasps ? why is this nice Jewish girl (and former Temple President) starting Travis' update with this heading? Well I gotta tell ya.
This morning the RMH held a huge Holiday Bazaar to raise funds for the house. Residents were invited to come in early and shop early if they wished, so "natch", I had to go take a look. As I walked in, someone was selling raffle tickets to choose chances on different items. The item that caught my eye most was an entire set of Teeny Beanie Babies, costumes for Beanies as well as a display holding about 8 additional beanies. I didn't even glance too closely, but figured it was a wonderful cause and the boys would be glad I entered, so I put in two raffle tickets. Throughout the day, hundreds of people have been streaming in to the house, first for a tour of the public areas, then downstairs for the bazaar. Imagine my surprise, as I was working online not 10 minutes ago, hidden away in the conference room, when our sweet, caring RMH Administrator, Pam Buckley, knocked urgently at the door, exclaiming that I had one the Beanie raffle!
She ushered me downstairs where about 30 RMH bazaar volunteers and lingering shoppers stood around clapping. Of course, I fell apart at this incredible bit of luck and the significance it has in my mind ? being here and all So there I was, in tears, having my picture snapped with my very first Christmas tree (which was the display holding the Beanies), with a brand new Santa Beanie on top, no less! No kidding ? I was hysterical at the irony. (Last night, as our family was sitting at the dinner table here at RMH, we were saying Sabbath prayers -- with my parents here too-- and I noticed a Santa hot pad on the table by mistake. I commented laughingly that it was funny, since here we were celebrating our Jewish holiday. Imagine then, as Spencer asked ? loudly, of course ? "What's Santa?". No kidding, this was LAST NIGHT! Both boys looked at me expectantly, waiting for the answer. Anyway, I was a bit surprised that they didn't know by now, and tongue-tied at how to answer. I described it kind of like the tooth fairy who brings presents, but this is someone that people who celebrate Christmas like to think about. So now the boys have figured out that Santa is a Beanie Baby!)
I can't tell you ? my heart was exploding, as people all around me were crying with me, as I looked at this Beanie display ? Erin, Santa, FLEECE (Travis' favorite), Princess!! And many others Pam said that this was really meant to be ? and so meaningful for the people there, to be touched by a family who really benefits from the RMH services.
Up until then today, Joe and I had been feeling pretty melancholy. I think this was God's way of saying, "hang in there, here's a little something to cheer you up." We're not even BB aficionados, so I'm frantically wondering about doing the "right thing" with them!
I'm off to play with my toys now ? actually getting them ready to display as the boys walk into our room here ? lit tree and all (yes, I won the tree, too!). I'm re-naming it to the Beanie Evergreen Tree. Oh yes, Travis update (-: (when it's not first, you know things are going well). He had a great day today, tired, a bit of high BP, but otherwise doing well. Another day down toward the magic Day +100.
Sending love and huge smiles,
Melanie the Beaniemom
P.S. The boys returned so tired from the afternoon at my parent's hotel room (we had to clear out of here to keep Travis away from the crowds), that they were not as delighted as I would have hoped. Can't imagine why -- Joe and I were scurrying around saying "don't rip this bag", "don't tear this tag" but they did have a ball with the costumes!