ChloeWatts.com

Sept 12, 2010

9/11 and Dana and I got to participate in the “First Responders” banquet. It was rubber chicken, toothpick green beans and a very good appetizer area. We had to be there for seven hours however, as I was hired to play the gig. As it turned out we had plenty of free time to be on a “date” for a change and still have some musical fun and profit. There were a couple good speakers and I was surprised to learn it was a free even, open to anyone who registered online. So keep it in mind for next Sept 11th. It will be happening again and I felt it was worthwhile.

After a fairly short night we headed out to meet Chloe and the rest of her families for the Hero’s Awards of the Children’s Cancer Association. It was held downtown at the World Trade Center courtyard. Very appropriate. Although Chloe, thank God, never had cancer, the awards are given to kids who have shown great values when faced with a life threatening situation. The picture the committee picked out was a beautiful one of Chloe and will be on display around the northwest for the entire year. It was fun when the local photographer asked us to recreate the picture right there next to the traveling picture.

Unfortunately Chloe wasn’t feeling comfortable at the event, as there were a multitude of people there and she is not a crowd type kid. She made it almost to the end of the three and a half hour event, mainly due to the fact that a good school friend joined her at our table. She was fading fast and needed her feeds so Dave and Ramona brought Colin and her back. That meant she would miss the most emotional event of the day, the releasing of the doves. We were assured that she would be able to do this again next year, and actually hold the dove before it flew off. She’ll love it.

The table we chose turned out to be good for Colin. The band asked for a cowbell assistant and Colin rose to the occasion. They were impressed that he was a drummer, guitarist and vocalist, and by his ability on his first cowbell gig.

It was also fun to see so many of our care team there. Diane and Dawn, Child life and nurse teams were all represented. No Doctors there though. Maybe it was just too nice a day for them…. hummmm…. let’s see, golf, boating or loud rock music…..

At one point Chloe and her friend went to the balloon man. When he asked Chloe what she wanted she just told him to surprise her. Well, fifteen minutes of work later he handed her the most elaborate example of a whale you ever saw. He used so many balloons I thought he’d have to send out for more supplies. He took up so much time that Chloe had to leave and get the group picture taken and come back for her whale.

Wednesday we have to bring her back for yet another sleep study. They are almost sure what she needs to have but need a little more data. I think what we need, more than data, is a magic switch to get the brainstem regenerated and all systems back to normal. We all are more than ready for that to happen, but we are realistic as well. …. but, just in case anyone has one of those magic switches I thought I’d mention our interest….

We brought a lot of tastes for Chloe to try when she’s back home tomorrow. It was funny. Toward the end of the event they opened the food up to anyone for free. Colin was the first one on his feet. Typical teen.

Be well,
Ron