It’s hard to believe we have passed the one-year mark since this journey for our family began.  We have learned a lot this year about taking life a little slower, enjoying the little moments each day and just not waiting to do the things on the bucket list. We have learned to tell people we love them every day, give a lot of hugs, laugh when we can, reach out to the people we miss. Nothing in life is forever, nothing. So, appreciate the things you have today.

Chronic Lung rejection is like a staircase that’s going down.  Sometimes you move down a few steps, and though you can’t return, you can remain where you are for some time.  And that’s where we currently are.  People ask me all the time how she is doing, and it’s hard to put into words.  Part of me wants to say, “How would you be if you were stuck in a hospital room for six months and no end in sight?” But I don’t, I say “she’s stable”, which is true. I say, “she has good days and not so good days”, which is also true. What I don’t often talk about is the toll this has taken on her mental health. She spends some days just feeling sad, missing her life outside of a hospital room. She misses home, random trips to Target and TJ Maxx. She misses the normal life she was getting used to. We try and make the days she’s up eventful, whether it’s a trip to Starbucks or knocking an item off her bucket list when possible. We received a special package from Gracie Abrams full of Hourglass makeup, she is the new spokesperson for the brand.  We are so grateful for getting to know her and that she continues to make an impact on Aurora’s life.

A little bucket list update:

Aurora has always wanted to see a Medium.  She recently said to me, “I’d really like to know who will be there to greet me.” Laura Lee, a wonderful medium out of Tewksbury, came and spent three hour with us this past week and it was amazing.  The way she explains Heaven is not something above or below us but right next to us. I found that a comforting thought when thinking about the grief of a loved one.

The second bucket list item in the works is a British Bake-Off with the 10 Hale staff.  Each week we will have a different holiday themed baked good with a technical challenge.  The 10 Hale staff will be baking at home and bringing in treats for everyone to enjoy.  There will be judging and prizes. The first week is cookies, the second week is confections (I just love that word). The third week will be a Christmas breakfast item, and the last week will be “A few of Rory’s favorite things.” We’re all very excited about all the tasty treats and to celebrate together.

At this time last year, I wasn’t sure if we would have another holiday season with Aurora.  To say we are grateful is an understatement.  Even though we will be spending this Thanksgiving and Christmas in the hospital, we will still be surrounded by family, and we will be together, which is the most important thing for us.

 We are also grateful to all of you.  Your continued support means everything to us.  I would not have been able to financially survive this year and be by Aurora’s side without your continued support. We have a brand-new fundraiser going.  Shirts and hoodies with fresh new design done by Aurora. Don’t be left out, get yours before December 1^st.  All proceeds will go to our family so we can stay by Aurora’s side in the months ahead.

With Christmas approaching, Aurora has made another wish list.  If you would like to send her a gift or a little cash to buy herself something, I’ve added her Amazon wish list and her Venmo in the “About” section.  Also, if anyone would like to send her a Christmas card, our address will also be available. Any messages to help make the season a little brighter for her would mean a lot.