Paws-itively Grateful to Each of You

“Wow, just wow.” That was David’s reaction to hearing about Friday night’s event at Babycat Brewery in Kensington - and that about sums up mine too. THANK YOU to everyone who donated to David’s fund on Hope, Love, Live that day, who came out to Babycat that night to raise a glass to David, and who sent your positive energy to us.

I understand that we raised more than $21,500 on Friday when our fundraising platform waived their credit card fees. Are you kidding us??? Wow indeed! 

Going into this night, I remarked to a friend that we needed an over/under going on the number of times I was going to cry - and I admit, I came close once or twice. But seeing David’s long time friend & former boss who came down from Massachusetts, seeing old and new friends, former and present colleagues, a lot of our neighbors, Matthew’s sailing club teammates, and so many others just brought joy and happiness into my heart. A huge thanks to our sponsors, to everyone who donated an item for the silent auction, those who contributed, and to everyone who just showed up to give me a hug to pass along to David. And an extra special thank you to Babycat for hosting us and for contributing 10% of the beer sales to Team Sward. All gratitude, all the way! 

Also, how awesome was the live band O’McPub? Not only was their music incredible(at multiple times my sister-in-law, Colin, and I each stopped to listen to some of our favorite songs) but they were also kind enough to let both our friend Dave and me take a moment to speak at the mic. They even came over to introduce themselves to me - and gave me a scarf to pass along to David. Thanks O’McPub! He’ll wear it sooner than you’d think - people with spinal cord injuries get cold easily - even when it’s 80 degrees outside. 

These funds couldn’t come at a better time - we just made a deposit on a Toyota Sienna that has been adapted for his wheelchair - the conversion is as expensive as the van. We are also getting very close to making a decision on a contractor to renovate our house so that we can be back in it come fall. We are grateful for every dollar given. 

I flew back to Atlanta on Saturday morning for our final 2 weeks…we had a fun Saturday afternoon and evening with the 3 families with whom we have become close. One of them was discharged from outpatient last week but they live nearby and can easily return; two more will be leaving this Friday. The bonds we’ve made with them here in the Shepherd bubble in such a short time will remain - we’ve helped each other through these challenging times, and brought laughter back as part of our regular routine. They’ve helped us remember quiet moments together matter and why we’re pushing so hard to get back to the boys and all of you. 

David will be discharged from Shepherd’s Day Program on Monday, June 15 and we’ll be flying back to Maryland on the 16th. We’ll be heading straight to the house our friend’s mother is very generously lending us for the summer and we can’t wait for many different celebrations with David in the coming weeks. 

Much love and gratitude, 

Erika & David