Jill's House Gala

Matt & I were honored to attend the Jill's House Gala on Friday night. They showed the film I posted below and asked us to speak. It was a magical night at the Ritz Carlton hosted by Wayne & Catherine Reynolds with a private show by Martina McBride. There were hundreds of people in attendance with over $1million dollars raised that night alone. Simply incredible!! We were able to sit with people who have given/raised millions of dollars for Jill's House. What an opportunity to personally thank them - as a parent who has been so positively impacted by such a special place.

I was a bit nervous throughout the night and didn't eat very much. So after the event a few of us went around the corner to a diner for some food. I heard a few patrons wonder aloud how we look way too old for prom.

Below is a copy of what I said after the showed the film about our family and Jill's House.

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The day Waverly received her diagnosis was such a dark day. Life took a sharp turn towards the unknown. I remember driving back to my parent’s home. Waverly was in the backseat. Ever the beautiful singer with impeccable timing, she began singing “If you’re happy and you know clap your hands”. The irony of that moment. A little 4 year old girl was just dealt a terrible blow. Yet in her innocence, she was completely unaware. She was genuinely happy.

We have all changed in 6 years since we first heard the words Sanfilippo Syndrome. 

Matt resigned the Foreign Service as he felt he could no longer in good conscience commit to being worldwide available. I have made the choice to stay home to take care of the kids’ many needs—in one calendar year that might mean as many as 300 separate medical and therapy appointments. We moved far out of the city where we could find a one story home. We spent an inordinate amount of money, not on the car of our dreams, but for a minivan with a wheelchair ramp.

Dreams of living overseas and exposing the kids to various cultures have gone to the wayside. Our dream now is simple. Celebrate the small things, make memories daily. Our world has shrunk and we move through life at a different pace than most. We know what playgrounds have a handicap accessible swing. We know what restaurants can accommodate a wheelchair easily.

And we know Jill’s House. A haven. A place created specifically for kids like Waverly & Oliver. A place special children can call their own. Where every detail was created with them in mind. No short cuts or hand me downs. No need for explanations. No need to forgo an event because it is inaccessible. Just a beautiful space for them to safely explore and enjoy with wonderful people. 

Wavey & Ollie now get to experience some quintessential aspects of childhood, like sleepovers and camp. They are forming relationships with other children, staff and volunteers. They have celebrated birthdays with friends, lounged with their peers to watch a movie together before bed. Giggled on the swings and splashed in the pool. A taste of a typical life.

And we have the opportunity to miss them. It is bittersweet, missing them. When the kids are at Jill’s House we cannot help but think about the future. The quietness of the house, no feeding pump beeps or shrieks of excitement for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. What will our lives look like when they are no longer here with us.

As I said in the video, my sorrow is deeper now. I know them more. I love

them more. I will miss them more.

But for now, we focus on the present. The two beautiful gifts we have been given. And the incredible impact their short lives are having on the world around them.

As the cornerstone of Jill’s House promises all who enter - “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. The parents will have rest. They can rest assured their children are well cared for.

Lon & Brenda, thank you for creating something beautiful from your pain. Jill has changed our lives and the lives of so many in our community. 

And thanks to all of you for attending this magical event and for listening to our family’s story. Thank you for seeing the needs of families who so often feel over looked and for providing the resources for them to find moments of rest, renewal and grace.