Maya's Song

Healing after a loss can take a short while or it can take a whole lifetime. When I consider the loss of Georgia I know that healing for me will take a lifetime, but what about the girls? I often wonder how much they will remember about their baby sister. Will they feel her absence for the rest of their lives the way that I will? While I want them to always know about Georgia and honor her memory, I definitely hope that they will heal.

So the other day when I heard Maya singing I couldn't help but smile. Calla's friend had just arrived and was very interested in Aria. She had all kinds of questions that the girls were more than willing to answer. All of a sudden Maya broke into song, her arms open wide and twirled around the living room. Her song was about how Aria was her new baby sister and that she was going to stay with her forever. She sang about how she doesn't like doctors and hospitals and how Aria will stay at home with her. She sang about how Georgie got sick and died. And then at the very end, she sang about how she loved both Aria and Georgia.

If I had known that she would sing that song ahead of time I would have recorded it but instead I am writing about it and hoping that I never forget. My children are healing. In fact, my girls are truly amazing... all four of them!

Love to you all,

Kristen

The World of SMA

In the world of SMA there are huge celebrations and far too many farewells. One of the most exciting things that happened this week is that Lucy Zahn (SMA 1) turned one. Yay Lucy!! Lucy's mom Barb and several relatives and friends all shaved their heads to make money for SMA and mark this momentous day. I should tell you that Barb had beautiful thick dark long hair but looks even more beautiful now that she has it shaved. Her selfless determination to save her daughter only shines through that much more. Your courage is inspiring Barb!

In Toronto the Rebecca Run went on. It takes place in New Market Ontario and this year our friend Emersyn Klomp was honored. Emersyn and Georgie would have been the same age. Their birth and angel dates are within weeks of each other. All money raised is donated to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada. The Rebecca Run has become so popular that it now sells out! One day we'll all walk together Melanie!

And, then there are the farewells. On Friday right here in Winnipeg a baby girl was laid to rest. Josie was only a month old when she passed away from SMA. For those of you that are on Facebook we all know and are saddened by the passing of Xavier. Xavier had just turned 4 - a miracle in itself!! Two days later, on Thursday he had a plug that couldn't be cleared. My heart aches for these families and it saddens me to continually hear about all of these children dying.

And so... we continue on, not just to honor our Georgie but so many of these kids. Plans are now in the works for Georgia's Journey of Hope 2010. This is a heads up and a reminder for all of our friends and family here in Winnipeg. It will take place on Sunday October 3rd from 12:30-4:30 in the afternoon. I will once again be putting out a call for volunteers late in August. It will be a family fun event with bouncers and face painting of course. I am hoping that our famous balloon animal gal Kristen will be attending otherwise someone is going to have to take a course!! : ) There will also be food and drinks. Tickets will be available in September. Please help us to spread the word not just about the event but about SMA.

Love to you all,

Kristen