wow...a week and a bit on from Melon's 4th anniversary...the tears have certainly not dried up. We went to another fantastic fundraiser last night for "Cooper Trewin"...who passed away at 16 months of age with SUDC...(Juvenile form of SIDS)...i cannot tell you how much i cried throughout Coops mums presentation...all i kept thinking was that my heart was so sad for all those families out there who have lost a baby...it really doesnt matter how they gained their angel wings...its really about the families - all of them...who are left behind to grieve and try and fathom the loss of their child. The words "its shit" comes to mind...and i guess for those who are left behind...all we can try and do is keep the memories of our children alive...
anyways...
A huge lead up to december....christmas, like birthdays and anniversaries are such a difficult time in the Simpson household...but i know we will get there...small steps...sometimes 20 steps back, and 1 forward, but that one forward is certainly one to celebrate...
We are involved in a few things over the coming month...
Firstly, the Paynesville Mens Shed with the help of the Paynesville lions and lionesses have made a cubby for the cottage and it will be delivered this coming thursday...so stay tuned for photos...we are looking forward to it coming, and its right on time :-)
we are also off to the sale races at the invitation of Eastcoast Plumbtec who will be holding their annual christmas party which includes an auction...all proceeds this year will come to Eli's Foundation - amazing!
We were also lucky enough to enlist the help of Christine Watts, a local author and artist who we approached for a brilliant raffle prize. Christine kindly donated an amazing felt peice which will be raffled off by Kids On Collins - a childcare centre in Melbourne who we are now affiliated with. Proceeds from the raffle will also come to Eli's Foundation which is totally amazing...
We also received a donation from Snowy River Cycling from Orbost who very kindly donated their time to ferry the Great Victorian Bike Ride participants from point a to point b - for a gold coin donation...to think that people will think of us for their fundraising is so humbling. We have done so very well since the cottage opened, and we are continually amazed at everyone's generosity.
The best thing we can ever hope for is that eli's memory remains alive...and by the looks of that, we have been able to achieve it...what a special little man...he really is just so loved by everyone - thats the best gift we could have ever asked for...
the 2nd best gift is that families come and stay with us at Melon's cottage...and to that end...we are stoked that we have 8 families over our xmas/new year period until the beginning of feb and we are already booked for easter...its AMAZING! when we opened the cottage, we were hoping to help around 12 families...and we will meet that figure AND some...everyone who comes is such a gift...and we can see the difference it makes. Some come to celebrate the end of treatment, and we know a couple have come to share time as family to say goodbye...to say its a priviledge to share these milestones is an understatement...we have walked a mile in these shoes...and we know that it makes a difference...
I have a couple of quotes to share from our guestbook:
"We wish you all the best and hope the Lakes Community continues to support Melon's Cottage"
"We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and the generosity of the Lakes Entrance community...It is so nice to have a change of scenery to feel refreshed. The kids dont want to leave and together decided that we need to stay here for '100 nights'"
"We thankyou for the inspirational idea and follow through of Melon's Cottage - clearly so much work and thought went into this and it is so appreciated...wishing you all the best for the continued success of Melon's Cottage - a lovely tribut to the memory of your brave son Eli Charlie"
"Special special place and we are so happy we could be here to share the beautiful place you have created. What amaing people you are to take all the feelings you have and turn them into this haven for others"
I guess this if from the mouths of our families who have stayed with us...hopefully they articulate it much better than we can...but we just knew it would make a difference, and by the above, it certainly has!
anyways...time to fly...and hope to touch based again in the next couple of weeks.
Take care
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxo
beautiful felt peice from Christine Watts - THANKS CHRISTINE!
more information on the terrific work christine does can be found at:
www.christinelwatts.com.au
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