It was great watching the two of them pull a huge wagon full of toys around the hospital and help to stock the toy closets in preparation for Christmas delivery. It's humbling knowing that we get to be a very small part in making other children happy this holiday season who will not be home to spend the festivities with their families.
I remember full well that this was us last year, stuck in the hospital for Christmas and how heartbreaking it was knowing that Arley's biggest concern was "How will Santa find me here in the hospital? How will he know where I am?" At an unusual loss for words I just explained that "He knows exactly where you are and he won't forget about you."
It didn't make it any easier, it was hard on us both, especially missing out on my brothers annual Christmas Eve party, but waking up to some Christmas presents left out for Arley made it a tad bit easier knowing that regardless of where we ended up, Santa would always find us.
In the grand scheme of things, I know this still isn't enough in comparison for all that both Connecticut Children's and Massachusetts General have done for us, but every little bit helps and makes a huge impact on other children in Arley's situation and for that I am thankful to be apart of.
We also plan to continue this tradition again next year. This time starting earlier in the summer with hopes of partnering up with the Bristol Blues to host a toy night for donations with perhaps some type of perk included (to be determined at a later date), partner up with some local small businesses as well as a local police station so that we can expand more and bring joy to even more children and families.
With all that being said we want to thank all of our donors for providing extra funding to purchase toys and again a huge thank you to our anonymous toy donor for helping us provide for the families over at Christopher's Haven.
Until then, we will see you all next year..... you know, only a week away now...
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