Chloe is asleep. Randy and Aidan are at school. I am trying to sort through piles of clothes, papers, and bags. Back to reality. I am not sure if any of us will be able to really explain/describe what this experience has been like for us. We have returned totally humbled by all of this. What a kid we have. The love in his heart for other kids, some who are really struggling, was an awesome sight to behold.
Our last night in D.C was a blast! We went to ESPN Zone for one last party with all of our friends. Country singer, Mark Wills, sang some incredible songs for us. One song in particular, "Don't Laugh at Me", broke all of our hearts. There wasn't a dry eye in the place, including Mark's. The song related to all of us. Whether our kids were/are bald from chemo, missing limbs, being burned, being disfigured, etc, we could all relate to the cruelty that our kids have faced. On top of everything else they have to suffer through, just one more obstacle to face. I haven't been able to get that song out of my head. It's right up there with "He's My Son", by Mark Schultz, for heartbreakers.
Miss America entertained us with our friend Elmo from Sesame Street! The kids loved the surprise of Elmo. After an awesome dinner, we were turned loose to play on gift cards supplied by Wal-mart. The kids had a blast. So, at the end of the night, Team South Carolina, New Mexico, and Illinois were left! Our 3 families closed down the place! We are total PARTY animals! The dads might have had more fun than the kids! LOL. We said goodbye, exchanging emails, tears, and hugs. We really met incredible people.
We woke up early, caught our flight home, and were greeted by Grandma Stotz with "Welcome Back" balloons for Aidan! Thanks for those, Grandma! We raced home to Chloe, who couldn't stop screaming and laughing at us! We cried and hugged her. She then started chasing Aidan and Cooper around the house. How we missed our little lady.
I do have some more pictures to post. When my computer is willing to work with me, I will post some final pictures of our "Champions Celebration".
I want to give a huge THANK YOU to the Children's Miracle Network. What an AMAZING organization they are. Their passionate dedication to children is inspiring. I thank them for allowing the little Stotz family from Illinois to represent the over 17 million children they treat each year. They are just incredible. I will post again with pics later.
Till next time and many loads of laundry later-
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Hello Stotz Family! Glad to see that you all made it home safely. It's the party animals from South Carolina. It was so nice to have met you. I watched the news broadcasts today and Aidan was front and center of one of the broadcasts. You will have to check them out (WISTV.com) I don't know about you all, but we were exhausted when we got home. I'm sure you were excited to see your little girl.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that we were glad to meet you all and we were really blessed with wonderful kids and new friendships on this amazing trip. Our emails are:
hannahb2000@bellsouth.net
wbilton1@bellsouth.net
racinjason1@bellsouth.net.
Send us your email and I will send you some pictures that we have of Aidan.
Looking forward to keeping in touch!
The Bilton Family
just googled the Mark Wills song, OH MY!!!I'm going to have to listen to some country. Glad your home safe and sound and that you had such an incredible time. Medals, private jets ,lunch in the capital, visit with the president, Now laundry, hugs around,
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie, this is Gina, I work with Randy. It is so amazing that you got to experience all of this and most importantly that Aidan is healthy and so dang cute. That smile is the most amazing thing! I am glad that you guys had such an awesome time!
ReplyDeleteWell Carrie, I am in tears after reading this. After all you have lived with you deserve a reward like this. Sounds like it was Aidan being Aidan all the way. Can't wait to see more pics.
ReplyDeleteLove, Lois (LGCDC)