It’s impossible to think back on the last five plus years Ella has been alive and not remember all the amazingly generous people and organizations that have been involved in our lives. Kindness is a choice, I truly believe that, and man have we met some unbelievably kind people.

From the people who have shared clothes and baby items, to the incredible therapists and service coordinator from early intervention, to the social worker that changed our lives, and the Brian Ahearn Children’s Fund who financially helped with equipment and adaptive items we needed to help with Ella’s care.

I can’t forget to mention the bus drivers, bus aides, teachers, school aides, the doctors, nurses, neighbors, and the random people who saw the goodness in Ella and fell in love with her spirit. She has this way about her that captures the hearts of all those she meets. I see it everyday and love her because she is mine, but these people have no personal connection and she just melts their hearts.

I wouldn’t be doing them justice if I didn’t mention the countless family members and friends who support us and check in, sometimes daily, to see how Ella is doing or to see if we need anything. Or her wonderful Community Habilitation workers. Currently we have Dani, who has this amazing ability to change Ella’s mood just by saying her name. Her endless hours in our home with Ella have truly been a blessing.

In their own way all of these people have at one time lifted me when I was down and supported us when we have made those tough decisions no parent ever wants to make. They have given up hours of sleep to make me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry, shared moments in their day to listen to me vent, offered advice when needed, or sacrificed doing other things to be here and help, when I just didn’t have the energy anymore. We will forever be grateful to them and won’t soon forget their kindness.

Ella has a smile that can light up any room and her strength and willingness to carry on, despite all the challenges she faces on a daily basis, inspires most. Steve, CJ, Jack, and I are better people because she is in our lives, and we don’t take one second for granted with her. We have seen her rise from her absolute worst, overcome, and be her absolute best. We pray for better days, but know should they not always come, we are never alone.

So, once again, thank you to all those near and far, old and new, who have been there for our family. We might not say it enough but you are part of our village, and our village is one kick ass group of people.