Blair

I met Blair in December of 2009. It was a last minute decision to attend the MPS Conference held in Orlando. Waverly and I flew down on our own, leaving the boys behind to bond. Blair's mom, Susan, organized all of the childcare for the conference. She had friends and family members volunteer to help with all of the children, so the parents could be attentive to the many speakers. I was nervous about leaving a very rambunctious Wavey with a stranger, but Susan assigned one of her friends to be Wavey's buddy. They were a perfect match.

Susan immediately saw familiarity in Waverly. She told me how much she reminded her of her own daughter, Blair. I remember meeting Blair and see the similarity. Blair lit up the room with her smile and had an infectious laugh. She bounced around with such confidence and I was amazed at her gross motor skills. She was also dressed like Waverly, with a dress from one of our favorite shops. Susan and I shared a similar philosophy of always dressing our girls in lovely outfits and having their hair done up nicely.

Over the years, we have had the opportunity to meet up with Chapin family numerous times. They live in Orlando. Since Disney World has always been a special place for our family, we found ourselves passing through their hometown every year. This provided us the chance to explore the parks with them or being welcomed into their home.

I remember meeting Susan and Blair at Universal Studios. Blair loved Barney. I mean LOVED him. They were still hosting a live Barney show at Universal, so we took the kids. Watching Blair watch Barney was like watching those videos of young women seeing the Beatles. She was ecstatic. A smile stretched out across her face. Her legs kicking and feet flailing. Clapping and shrieking with delight. It was pure happiness. I wanted to bottle it.

Years later we met up at Hollywood Studios. We stood in a very long line to meet Mickey Mouse in his Fantasia gear. A very kind cast member pulled us out of the line and allowed the girls early access to the big guy. We got them out of their chairs, straightened their ear hats, and let them at him. Hugs abounded and lots of giggling.

Waverly & Blair were buddies. They instinctively knew one another, reaching for the other's hand.

The last time I saw Blair was after Waverly had passed away. We went to the Chapins for dinner. I loved sitting next to Blair, stroking her hair and holding her soft hand. It provided a small reminder of Waverly. And before I left I remember kneeling down and hugging her. She was finished with the hug before I was ready to let go. Tears fell as I touched her incredibly soft hair. I didn't want to leave the memory of Waverly which she provided. However I also didn't want to leave her.

When we say goodbye to our precious friends with Sanfilippo, there is always the threat that this may be the last time. We hold the hug a bit longer. We gaze into their eyes and say we love them. We whisper a prayer that they would be blessed beyond measure and always feel loved.

Our dear friend Blair passed away this morning. Her parents are mourning. Her little sister is grieving. I feel helpless watching from afar. 

Blair inspired. Her parents loved her from beginning to end. Her life was filled with love and adventure. Countless people have been changed by knowing her. She made a difference in this world.

Please pray for Blair's family.

Blair & Waverly 2015