Taste of Tuscany

This past Friday evening was the annual "Taste of Tuscany" event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana. This event was held at the Conrad Hotel downtown. The food was Italian of course and tasted delicious. The lead singer of the band was hilarious, but very good too. To top it all off, Jeff and I were asked to be the keynote speakers of the evening and told Ellie's story. The event had over 400 people in attendance and this time we had a slide show of pictures from Ellie's time with us to make our story extra special. I think we did a pretty good job as the event raised over 53,000 dollars alone in bidding on the "room for a night" program after we spoke. This does not count the money raised from ticket prices and silent auction items as well. We were very pleased about the figures as was the Ronald McDonald House I am sure. I am so overwhelmed with emotion as I reminisce of Ellie's life and how many people we can touch and educate about the RMH by telling Ellie's story at these events. A short time after Ellie died I had a dream. I dreamed of sharing Ellie's story with others in order to allow people to see just how much the Ronald McDonald House makes a difference with families. I also wanted to tell people that through our trials and tribulations came strength. Ellie had so much strength and determination to make it through all of the procedures and surgeries. She fought so hard until her little body could fight no longer. This is where I decided to pick up when Ellie's life ended in order to keep her alive in spirit that is. In my opinion, our lives are like books. They have endings to chapters possibly, but your story is never over. People talk about you and celebrate you when you leave this wonderful place called earth. This is the case with Ellie. Her story will never end...and it has been a dream of mine that I am now watching come true. My purpose was to try to impact others and help them to understand what special needs children go through along with their families and friends. It is not a way to get sympathy or attention, but to really talk about her life and the many blessings that we received as a result. Through her I am now a stronger person and look at life completely different then ever before. I ask less for myself and more for others. I do not take anything for granted because you never know when you will wake up one morning and something will be gone. I trust others because Ellie trusted everyone with her health and was such a happy baby in the meantime. I love more, smile more and give more because of her. I am forever grateful for what the Ronald McDonald House gave to us and will never ever stop giving back.
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