Leap Year - More Shaylauary!
THANK YOU, wonderful webby was able to post Christi's video (See last entry!).
Shayne is currently (finally) on a flight home. He was stranded for about 8 hours in Ft. Lauderdale today while changing planes and missing a connection due to mechanical problems. You know Shayne, he wasn't about to sit in an airport, he got a cab and went to the beach to pass the hours today!
He spent the week in the Bahamas (yes, while I was shoveling the driveway - hee hee) with five other guys who have bonded over the past year. Unfortunately, all of them had children die from neuroblastoma. I was able to email with Shayne throughout the week and I understand it was incredibly emotional as they shared videos, pictures and treasured stories of these amazing kids who left us too soon! I can only hope they were in Heaven having a most glorious time fishing, sailing, eating, enjoying the beach and giving their great dads love from above. PHOTO From left to right: Shayne Johnston (Shania's Dad - Toronto), Scott Kennedy (Hazen's dad - NYC), Shayne Thomas (Christi's Dad - Ohio), John London (Penelope's Dad - NYC), Terrill Saxon (Paul's Dad - TX), Syd Birrell (James' Dad - someplace frozen in Canada). (Yes, TWO "Shayne's" wild, eh?!)
OK, so if it was the very first time, in my entire life, I ever shoveled our driveway, I think I'm doing pretty well! Smile. We really got hit with a lot of snow, but it was all ok! Regardless, we missed Shayne terribly this week; yet, I was so happy he could go and spend some very special time with some very special people.
Shayla's been busy with musical practice; the photos I took at rehearsal last night didn't turn out. She's equally happy that it's Leap Year so she has an extra day of "Shaylauary"; we do have something special planned - and it'll last all weekend! Be well! (And check out Chrisit's video if you want to see it.)
posted by the Thomas team @ 9:24 PM
15 Comments:
Glad that Shayne is safely on his way home now. I'm glad he got to share time with the other Dads who can empathize and understand as only those who have walked this path can.
With loving prayers for you all,
Heather
Angela,
Tonight I was grumbling because it took me two hours to get home. And then, before going to bed, I decided to check your blog and Christi's video brought me to tears. Thank you so much for sharing! It definitely puts perspective on life. What a treasure. Christi is truly amazing. And, without fail, she has helped remind me of the value of life, love and family.
Many, many hugs to you,
Olivia
I love the picture of the five bonding fathers. As much as I wish the bond they shared was because of a like for fishing rather than the reality of the situation, I'm glad they were able to meet up and spend time together.
Miss Shayla seems to have a very busy schedule but I know the Thomas team likes to be on the go. Have fun this weekend! Can't wait to hear about it when you return.
I absolutely love that video of sweet Christi. What an amazing child she will always be. Hearing her voice just melts my heart and the words that she spoke about her family is so precious. Love and miss you Christi!
There are so many children in desperate need for a father's protective, particular kind of love. What an awful bond these beautiful fathers have: to have been such wonderful parents, and to have lost their loved ones. After Christi's death, the sliver of faith I had in the hope for a just universe has completely disappeared. Shayne's posts on the blog and the previous journal were always so full of love and humor. I remember his joke in Christi's video, too, "Hot dogs for sale!", a pun, of course, on the fact that the german shepherd puppies were supposed to have been stolen! I notice that Christi also comments, first, about her father's sense of humor, "What I like best about Daddy is that he's funny". She loved puns and a good joke, too. I remember Shayne's graduation ceremony and how he said how much it meant to him that Christi was there. She quickly quipped, "Did I have a choice?" In her final days, he really made her laugh when, on the way to radiation, he said, "wrong floor. This is where you get spayed and neutered!" I loved reading how he and she were working on getting Pluto its planet status reinstated. There is a photo of her on your blog drawing solar systems. In a way, she was her father's twin soul. Here, in the photo you posted, are good men who are good fathers. Why were their children taken from them?
Thank you, also, for the video of Christi. She graced our lives so sweetly. What a treasure to hear her talking about the people she loved most in the world.
Thomas Family,
Very sweet video of Christi. Thanks for sharing!
Sasha German
Austin, Tx
Great photo. Great to see some Canadians in there too :) (Shania and James' dads. All the best).
I'm glad they got to get together, but so sorry for the reason behind it. No child should have to lose their life to this awful disease. I'm praying The Band of Parents can get the funding to get the new tx's lined up to help find that cure that is needed now!!
Angela, you go girl, I have never shoveled snow (I live in Georgia). We are lucky to see 1-3 inches every 2-5 yrs! You must have amazing arm muscles.
Shayla, I am very proud of you (even though I've never met you) for getting a part in Oklahoma, that is GREAT! I know you are going to do an awesome job.
Debbie
What a SWEET video!!!! It made me cry. She is such a sweet girl! I say "is" and not "was" because we all know that up in Heaven, she is still just as sweet!
Thank you for sharing that video!
the video made me cry... :')
what i find... interesting maybe is the word, about the photo of the dads is they to the naked eye, could have been just a group of guys cutting loose for a week on a major vacation. i think all to often we forget that "everyone has a story" and that these were broken hearted fathers sharing an (unfortunate) common bond - just a reminder for all of us to look deeper, respect more, and think beyond what we see - we never know who is battling what. we hope shayne had a heartfelt time and glad hes back with you.
Angela, congrats on shoveling :o)
LOVE!
dani
Oh Angela,
what a precious video of "our" precious Christi. Every time I watch it, it gets better and better. Her big and beautiful personality shines through even in such a short clip. You must just miss her so dreadfully, I cannot imagine..... so much sadness yet so much joy at having shared life & love with one extra special little girl. As someone who never got to meet Christi in "real life", the video is especially moving and makes me look forward to meeting her one day in heaven.
All 4 of the Thomas team are in my heart & thoughts every day and I believe alwyas will be. I am proud to have 'met' you all. Lots of love to you, Shayne & Shayla and the usual heaven sent hugs to Angel Christi.
Nicky xx (Lake District, England)
Ohh, the Christi video is so wonderful and such a treasure. Christi is beautiful inside and out! I love the way Shayla was hopping around the bed like a bunny rabbit, and Christi just put her arm around her and said how wonderful she is! What a fabulous way for Shayla to keep memories of her sister.
By the way, Christi's voice is a lot more mature than i had imagined - wise beyond her years i think!!
Rebecca, England UK
*tears*. The video is absolutely PRICELESS! Indeed a treasured gift finding them videos. Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us.
AWESOME for Shayne and his very special trip. When are the Moms going? :)
You are an amazing family! Hope your Shaylauary ends with a wonderful celebration!
Amy Brown
Gleason, WI
How nice for Shayne & these other men to have the opportunity to get together and share their memories and their grief.
I'm glad the video worked, although I watched it with tears streaming down my face, especially when I heard sweet Christi's last sentence on the video. What a treasure to have found these videos Angela.
The video is a treasure and is the sweetest thing I think I've ever seen. I know your heart aches and yet leaps with pride. The emotional roller coaster that we call LIFE. My prayers continue to be with your family. Thank you for letting us continue on your journey. Angela Conklin a friend thru your entries in NC
I remember James Birrell's family -- I believe they are from Peterborough, Ontario. (someplace frozen in Canada, haha)
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