We have been here in the hospital for 73 days and even though we have not gone anywhere July has been a month filled with full of positive things and surprise bucket list items we didn’t know we needed.

Aurora got Engaged on July 12^th. Aurora and Liam met at school and have been together for a year and a half.  He stayed by her side throughout this journey, doing everything he can do to make her happy.  Aurora knew the engagement was coming but was unaware of the details.  She did her hair and makeup and headed up the rooftop garden.  When we got to the garden Liam had set the scene with tons of candles and started playing Hopelessly Devoted to You by Olivia Newton John. There were tears, laughter and pure joy.

We also had a mini-Bachelorette party themed Girls Gone Mild, combined with a rodeo theme and penises Rory’s friends and family joined us in the hospital room, sharing mimosas and laughter. There were balloons, penis straws, rodeo themed goody bags complete with cowboy boot shot glasses and face masks. No Bachelorette party is complete without a lingerie gift thanks to Mia, who we love.

On July 27^th we were told Gracie Abrams would be visiting the hospital and joining us on a zoom call but, the morning of we found out she was coming to our room instead. To say we were star struck would be an understatement.  If you don’t know who Gracie Abrams is, she’s a singer Rory and I LOVE. She opened for Taylor Swift and if you listen to KISS 108 you have heard her songs. She was the warmest, down-to-earth person.  She stayed and talked with us for over 30 minutes.  Her and Aurora exchanged phone numbers and texted each other. That’s a bucket list item we never would have thought to ask for. She brought us a bunch of stuff and signed all of it and we have so many great pictures and videos to remember the experience.

We are so grateful for the amazing outcome of Rory’s Amazon Wish List and the Sunshine for Rory campaign done within our community of Hudson. When the Sunshine items were delivered, we were amazed by the volume of things.  There were gifts, cards with the most thoughtful messages and wishes, artwork by adults and children, origami and much more. Messages from people we know and others we have never met. We have the most generous and supportive people in our lives. Rory had so much fun opening all the packages.  We have been coloring, doing puzzles on the new mat and experimenting with nail colors.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Something Aurora has been missing very much is our dog, Luna. After 73 days in the hospital Luna missed her too.  So, we got permission to sneak the dog into the hospital on a weekend when its less busy.  If you have ever met Luna, you know she is anxious girl.  Any loud sound or new experience makes her want to run for home.  William and I were determined to make this a success. We gave Luna her “relaxing” meds in the morning, got to the hospital Sunday evening and she did better than we ever could have expected.  Not only did she make it all the way throughout the hospital to Aurora’s room, she was able to relax and lay on Aurora’s bed for snuggles.

Until next time, we love you all.