Big Jet Plane

Ronan. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through this evening. But it turns out, it was exactly what I needed. It was one of the most beautiful nights of my life. You were everywhere. In the tears of the ones dearest to your heart, the smiles from your brothers, the courage of your daddy, the hands of my friends, the breeze of the air, the hummingbird flying about. I felt your hand holding mine the entire evening. There was so much love in the air tonight, Ronan. It was remarkable to see and feel. It was so powerful that I was able to hold my head high for you and smile through my pain. I did it all for you and all of those who have been so amazing to us through all of this. You are so loved and I am so proud of you.

So many people were thinking of you today. So many people all over the world let balloons go for you. You have inspired so many people and I know you will continue to do so. You will continue to teach them so many wonderful lessons about life. You will make this world a better place. You already have and I know this is just the beginning of so many amazing things to come. I promise to help you with the big job you have ahead of you. We can do anything together.

I have so many people I want to say thank you to tonight. Ronan’s service was absolutely perfect in every way shape in form. It was exactly what he would have wanted. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate his life. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get us though this. All of our out-of-town guests….. All of you lovely blog followers who took the time to honor Ro tonight….. all of our family and dear friends. After all of this tonight, I took a minute to look around and I still feel like the luckiest girl alive. I know I am the luckiest girl alive because I was so blessed to be Ronan’s mom and I will always be his mom. I still feel like the luckiest girl alive because of my amazing husband, twin boys, and because of everyone that is in our lives. It is this love that will keep me going. This love and the love that I am going to embrace from Ronan.

I’m taking a break from Facebook, but I’ve heard about all the beautiful pictures you all have posted of balloons. Can you do me a favor? Can you take a second to email them to me?? I would be honored to see them, but don’t feel like I am ready to rejoin the Facebook world. My email is mayawoody@gmail.com. I would so appreciate it. My husband, whom is NEVER on his Facebook as I am the one who set us his account and he never uses it; logged in to his account tonight. I watched him as he looked at all the pictures posted with tears running down his cheeks. We were both really touched. Thank you all so much.

I love you, Ronan. I love you, Woody, Liam and Quinn. I love you my sweet family and friends. I love you my dear Rockstar Ronan Fans. I love you all to the moon and back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for everything. Sweet dreams.

xoxo

50 responses to “Big Jet Plane”

LS

May 15, 2011 at 11:23 pm

You are a truly beautiful person Maya. Such strength and dignity. Ronan, Liam and Quinn are so very blessed to have you as their mama yet I know you are the one who feels blessed. You will never let them down.

I swear your experiences, as nightmarish as they have been for you, have helped make the world a better place. I’m so happy you got through the evening. Be proud sweetheart – you are an inspiration. As is Ronan. What a family!!!

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Elizabeth

May 15, 2011 at 11:52 pm

Maya, I’m so grateful that it was a beautiful service and that you felt the love of so many. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers all day. So many gorgeous balloons filled the sky in honor of precious Ronan. I know the pictures have touched your broken hearts.

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Lori Shirk

May 15, 2011 at 11:54 pm

Maya,

I thought about you all day. I’m so happy to hear the peace in your words! Many of us from Sunnyslope met tonight and sent balloons to Ronan. My family sent 12 purple stars to him. Should the balloons make their way back to the ground, there is a sentiment and his website. One way or another, I’m going to help you raise awareness. I love your family to the moon and back!

Lori

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Mandy

May 15, 2011 at 11:56 pm

Maya- I’m so happy reading this to know you are feeling a bit of happiness. This is such a tragic event and to hear you pressing on like Ronan would want is heart-warming. Together, you and Ronan will do amazing things. I believe your journey has only begun. You’re such an inspiration. Love ya girl!

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Christy Culligan

May 15, 2011 at 11:57 pm

Maya,
So many times I have taken advantage of my life, of the ones that I love – so many times I’ve complained about life – unfortantly sometimes it takes a tragedy to make you realize how very blessed and lucky you are. You and Ronan, Woody, Quinn and Liam made me realize not to take the little things for granted anymore, not to let the ups and downs of life make me forget how very lucky I am. I just want to take the time to thank you for sharing Ronan and your family with us. I admire you and I know in my heart that you will continue to fight to find a cure and above all keep Ronan’s spirit alive. You are an amazing woman and I hope to meet you one day, I would love to just give you a big hug. So maybe one day when you come back to Kelso, we could meet. It would truly be my honor! Sending you love, hugs and prayers!

♥Christy

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TINA

May 15, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Maya,
You are an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing Ronan’s journey with all of us, I know I will forever be a rockstar Ronan fan along with so many other people on this Earth! I will always looks to the sky for that brightest star and know Ronan is up there shining bright!
Good night and sweet dreams of your little rockstar!

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Lori

May 16, 2011 at 12:01 am

Maya,

I thought about you all day today. I’m so happy to hear the peace in your post. Many of us from Sunnyslope met and released balloons in Ronan’s memory. It was such a site…as the balloons flew away, all the kids ran after them. My family sent 12 purple, star balloons Ronan’s way. Should they not make it to him and fall back down, there is a message attached, with Ronan’s website listed. One way or another, I plan to help you raise awareness. Ronan may be gone, but his legacy will carry on. Many people took pictures and several people are planning on combining pictures and sending them to your family. I love your family to the moon and back.

Lori

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Kimber Lacey

May 16, 2011 at 12:03 am

WOW! You are amazing Maya.I am so happy today went well. I Prayed all day for strength for you and your family. I prayed that the service would be exactly what you needed.. I will continue to pray for comfort and peace.. You are right, Ronan did change the world. I thank him for it. I think of him everyday. Because of your wonderful words I new him. I wish I could have been there tonight. I stood outside at 7pm and the sky was open with sun. It rained all day till then.. Give your family a hug for me. I will send you my pictures I took.. I didn’t think they would go up as soon as we let them go they hit the phone wire, but we got them down and up they went. You and your family will alway’s be in my heart. When you make it back to Kelso maybe we could do lunch or something. Love your star balloon picture. Perfection for the Rockstar!

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lindsey

May 16, 2011 at 12:04 am

How amazing!!! I do not know who you are Ronan, and I am a coward and have not read many things posted on Facebook about you. It was too sad to me. Something tonight made me look and then I realized that you are not sad. I cannot write anymore because you as parents are sad, but you already know he is in good hands and I am sorry. Your family is an inspiration. God Bless!!

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Skylar

May 16, 2011 at 12:12 am

I just found out about the blog tonight after seeing it on Tonic. I didn’t realize what happened until I started reading and I cried so much towards the last blogs. My nephew was 3 years old when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma that involved a connected tumor from his ankle to his diaphragm with 4 main sites, in a 3 year old, it took up 80% of his body. For almost 3 years, I watched him go through all the treatments. Screaming at scans, tests and wherever there were needles involved. I prayed for God to switch us places. I’d take all his pain and keep it for myself so he didn’t have to suffer. He met a little girl in the hospital and they became the best of friends. Inseparable. Her name was Paige. About 2 years later, she was awaiting a bone marrow transplant and contracted pneumonia. She passed away soon after. 2 summers ago, on my sister’s birthday, Braeden was given the all clear. It was gone. I wish every story could have a happy ending but you can’t always get what you want. It could come back later and we won’t be as lucky (we were told) but I’m praying for new advances in medicine everyday to help prevent these situations. My nephew was a chairperson for our local Relay For Life as well as a Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child for 2010. I know its going to be a day late, but I plan to send some purple balloons off to the heavens with my nephew later today in memory of sweet Ronan. At our Relay this year, I will light a luminary on our walk, in his memory. I will continue to pray for you and your family at this terrible time. May God be with you! ❤

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jenn

May 16, 2011 at 12:19 am

Maya,
Just letting you know I let my balloon go tonight at 10.15 and watched as it drifted into the sky ..all I could think of was what a busy little guy Ronan is goping to be catching everyones balloons tonight .Your little boy was all over the world tonight as I am sure there were many of us from all over who let balloons go in Ronans honor !!!! How inspiring I’m only sorry I didn’t record mine to send to you. I’m so glad everything went great today as I was hoping you were ok .Thank you for continuing to write and inspire us.

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Cynthia

May 16, 2011 at 2:17 am

Thank you, Maya, for constantly inspiring me. Thank you for sharing your story and keeping us all abreast of what is going on with you and your family. All around the world, we care. We care a lot.

Will forward photos of our balloons soon. It is an honor to be able to honor Ronan. He is and always will be a ROCK STAR. Just like his Mama.

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Therese in Ireland

May 16, 2011 at 3:09 am

I am in awe of your bravery and that of your friends and family and it is truly lovely to read that your experience of Ronan’s service was beautiful. I thought about all of you every minute of the day yesterday, and I prayed that you would feel everyone’s love. And you did. It is truly astonishing how many people around the world have been moved by Ronan, he truly is the most remarkable little boy. Sending you wishes for strength, comfort and peace. God bless you Ronan.

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RONANS FAN

May 16, 2011 at 3:34 am

Thought of u, ur family and sweet Ronan! U made my heart feel less heavy today after i read ur blog! So glad u hung in there and everything for being so unfair u pulled thru to talk about how beautiful it all was. I really find a peice of strenghth from u’ keep goin strong and when ur down, know thru time all the great things to come becuz of ur Rockstar! Wishin u a peacful nights sleep and Ronan be with u in the most amazing dreams! Sweet dreams maya, nothing but sweet dreams! U amaze me!

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Sonja

May 16, 2011 at 3:48 am

We released four big yellow smiley face ballons to celebrate Ronan. Not only did we release them, I wrote a message on each one, hoping it would be like a “message in a bottle”. God bless you Thompson family. I pray that you find peace during this very difficult time.

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Petula

May 16, 2011 at 4:06 am

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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Susan

May 16, 2011 at 5:49 am

My best friend has lost two children. And attending a service is both beautiful and heartbreaking. She says that it doesn’t get easier but that you learn a new normal. A new way to live your life. I am so thankful that you were able to feel the love. My families thoughts and prayers are with you!

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Laura

May 16, 2011 at 6:08 am

I am so glad it was such a special night. Ronan and your entire loving family deserved to be able to celebrate his amazing life. Our balloons were released and Mack loved seeing the other ones pop up from different directions. You could feel the love throughout the sky. All our love to you entire family.

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Raquel

May 16, 2011 at 6:21 am

Maya,

You are one amazing mother. Never forget that. And I know that some days will seem like time goes by entirely too slow, and others you will feel like you can’t go on another single second. But just know that you WILL see Ro again, one day. You will HOLD him again, one day. And when that day does come, you will have him FOREVER.

I am truly sorry for your loss. No mother should ever have to say goodbye to their child. No family should ever have to go through, what you all had to endure. No child should ever have to fight to live. And if I could, I would bring him back to you in a heart beat.

We are all mourning with you (but you are right when you say that you are the one hurting the most).

So, I just wanted to tell you that your story has touched so many and because of it so many of us will work harder. We’ll keep bringing awareness, and fighting for others. We will remember your family, and Ro. He will never be forgotten. And one day we will help find a cure for this disease. We’ll make you and Ro proud, I promise.

Love Always,
Raquel

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Kate

May 16, 2011 at 7:21 am

LOVE YOU MAYA, THE BEST MOTHER ON THE PLANET. XO

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Ames

May 16, 2011 at 7:24 am

Thank you for sharing the life of this amazing child. You are in my heart.

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Cheryl

May 16, 2011 at 7:37 am

Maya, I am so glad that you found some peace and felt the love today. You are so amazingly strong, and Ronan was so blessed to have you as a Mom. I want to thank you for sharing Ronan’s story. You are an inspiration to everyone who suffers loss. Continue to spread the word, there has to be a cure for cancer so No One else has to suffer like Ronan. xoxo

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Kristin

May 16, 2011 at 7:38 am

So incredibly HAPPY that you were able to have a great day! Ronan was absolutely with you and your family and friends today, as he is everyday. Close your eyes and feel him all around you if you are feeling down, he loves you, and will always be holding your hand! Have a great day Maya and family!

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Farrah

May 16, 2011 at 7:41 am

Just wanted to let you know that I released some purple balloons last night here in Knoxville, TN. I sent love and prayers to you all in Arizona, and to Ronan. I bet he just loved all his balloons. You are on my mind so much. I am also sending a check to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Ronan. I am planning on making it a tradition, each year for his birthday. Some day, there will be a cure. Love you lots!

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Marquita Ward

May 16, 2011 at 7:42 am

Thank God for His goodness as it overflows the love in your hearts.

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Jamie

May 16, 2011 at 7:55 am

We all love you guys. To the moon and back. Rock on little Rockstar. Enjoy all those balloons. We wrote on ours so you would know they were from us. Love to you Maya. You are so strong.

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Christina

May 16, 2011 at 8:01 am

Maya,
I have prayed for you all week as I have learned of your family’s story. You, Maya, have changed the way I look at EVERYTHING….all that is precious in my life. I promise NEVER to take moments with my children for granted. As a mother who will celebrate my son’s 4th birthday tomorrow, my heart aches for you. Ronan was a beautiful little boy and he has inspired me to be the best mom I know how to be and to count my blessings. He lives on, in Heaven, and as another post said, you WILL see him again and FOREVER! This is not the end. It’s only a new beginning. You have an angel watching over you! Hugs and kisses to your sweet baby!

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BJ

May 16, 2011 at 8:06 am

I am glad you had a nice service! You deserve it! I am sure there will be hard times ahead, but one thing that you need to know, and I am sure you do, is how much Ronan and you have touched the lives of others. I just listened to this song and I thought of all the nice Comments and Followers of your blog whom you have never met…it gives hope in an sometimes ugly world…One Love. So many people are there for you! Rock on Ro!

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Liv

May 16, 2011 at 8:34 am

It was one of the most beautiful nights in my life as well. There was so much love in the air for your family it was breathtaking. I know at times you feel like you aren’t brave. But you are. Thank you for sharing Ronan and your journey with all of us. I am forever changed and grateful.
xoxo.

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Alyssa Crews

May 16, 2011 at 8:34 am

Ronan, I thought about you all weekend. Nonstop. I attached your blog website to your balloons last night so someone else will be lucky enough to get to know. Thank you for the inspiration. And for the immense love you give us everyday.
Alyssa

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Amy Sue Ross (Jevaltas)

May 16, 2011 at 9:11 am

Maya and Woody – I am so so glad that the service went exactly as it was suppose to….I prayed for your family all throughout the day. My husband and I prayed together for you at 10pm East Coast Time. It is so amazing how one sweet little boy has touched this world.

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Emily

May 16, 2011 at 9:16 am

I am so happy you had such a peaceful evening. And although I never knew him personally, Ronan is everywhere and always will be. I got chills when I read that you saw a hummingbird yesterday; every time I see one or anything to do with a hummingbird, i think of you guys and always will…Papyrus cards and all 🙂 it seems like I hear “Dont Stop Believing” and “Firework” ALLLLL the time now….he’s leaving little reminders for all of us and I’m sure some funny little tricks too; I can just see him causing a liitle bit of mischief everywhere he goes and getting the biggest kick out of it. I don’t have any pics of the balloons we sent up, but I know people everywhere sent balloons up to him yesterday and on his bday. I sent up 4 purple ones and my friend sent up a huge butterfly one, my cousin and her two kids in Long Island sent up balloons, my Barre3 instructor and her 2 yr old sent up balloons…and countless others. My aunt who lives in Longview told me how she saw the sky randomly filled with balloons on Thursday afternoon. You should be so proud of your little guy, Maya, and so proud of yourself.

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Val

May 16, 2011 at 10:23 am

Maya,
You are quite an amazing woman, wife and mother. You are in our prayers, and, as is Ronan of course. Glad to hear you had a wonderful service and evening w/ your loved ones. God bless, life won’t be the same for you , the loss never leaves, but you will learn to life w/ life as it is.
val

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Lindsey Hall

May 16, 2011 at 10:28 am

Maya,
I think you were chosen to be Ronan’s momma for a reason. Just reading your blogs I can feel the true meaning of love for your child. You both had a mission in life and it is playing out. You and Ronan have both taught so many moms how to be a true mom. You are a courageouse woman and I love you for that, not a day goes by that I do not think about what your family has gone through and I wish I could give you all a big hug. I wish you all the best.

Love Lindsey from Idaho

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Glenda

May 16, 2011 at 10:29 am

Maya, you have a way of expressing your words of love that I can just feel them. I am so glad that you had some peace and strength at Ro’s service and it was everything you wanted it to be. Ro has been an inspiration to all of us. Ro was right there holding your hand. Ro will always be a part of your life. He holds your heart as he’s captured mine as well.

If you ever need volunteers in the PHX area for any functions to spread the word, count me in. I’d love to meet you some day.

Rock on!!! Rockstar Ro!!!

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Tanya

May 16, 2011 at 10:41 am

Dear Maya,

I have been reading your blog this past week after a friend of a friend posted a link to it on Facebook. I am heartbroken at the suffering you, your family and your precious boy had to go through these past many months. No parent should have to watch their child endure such a terrible illness and then die. And no child should have to suffer like that and have their life cut so short. I looked through your photos and his blue eyes and smile are so amazing. I wish there was something, anything, that I could do to ease even just a shred of your suffering. Or make it so that no one ever has to go through what you, your family and Ronan had to go through. I will always remember him and your heartbreaking story. I can’t even imagine what you are going through.

We released purple balloons for Ronan last night from Tempe 🙂

Much Love,
Tanya

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Nicole

May 16, 2011 at 10:41 am

I have been readin your story and my heart breaks for you! I have lost many people in my lifetime and a grandmother to cancer but I don’t think anything could ever compare to losing a child. I have a 4 year old and I feel so blessed that he is healthy but there is also a sadness in my heart for the pain you are going through. No one will ever be able to understand your loss, no matter their situation. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to hear about Ronan and what a wonderful soul he was and how he continues to touch lives! I know I will never forget him and I will always pray for you. Right now God seems so far away to me and that saying everything happens for a reason still causes my blood to boil for my own selfish reasons. I hope you continue to feel your sweet little boy as you have been able to experience even after he is gone. Your twins are lucky to have such a wonderful mama and to be the big brothers to such a special boy. I will continue to think about you and your family. Much love coming your way!

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JennP

May 16, 2011 at 11:57 am

You are truly an inspiration….
I am so glad that you were able to get through the day…

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.”

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Jennifer Benedict

May 16, 2011 at 12:50 pm

I am so proud of you & so honored to have been and still be a part of Ronan’s fight.

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Stephanie Stirniman

May 16, 2011 at 1:53 pm

I read this with tears streaming down my face. I only met Ronan and you guys the one time, at the Willit’s residence, but I have heard about the hellish year that you have gone through. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I hope that you can find peace, comfort and support surrounding you.

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Paula

May 16, 2011 at 1:53 pm

Maya,

You amaze me with your strength. I hope sometime soon it gets easier to breathe.

To the moon and back xxx

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Jaime Harris

May 16, 2011 at 1:54 pm

I’m so glad for you that the service went just how you needed it to and wanted it to! Praise! God bless you! Always in my prayers!

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Pamela

May 16, 2011 at 4:57 pm

Maya, thank you for giving us an update on the services, I am so pleased that you found some peace during such a difficult time. You are an amazing woman and I admire your courage and strength. You and your family continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers, please take care of yourself, your husband and boys need you.

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May 16, 2011 at 5:07 pm

[…] Big Jet Plane Ronan. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through this evening. But it turns out, it was exactly what I […] […]

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Kristin

May 16, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Maya – I thought of you while listening to “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars. Take a listen if you haven’t heard it. You are in my prayers. You and your entire family.

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Jenn Chavez

May 16, 2011 at 7:55 pm

Maya,
I heaved a HUGE sign of relief to read your post! I was really worried about you and how you would fare during Ronan’s service. I am so glad that you were at peace and that you were able to take in the atmosphere of the moment. Cherish those thoughts while you grieve. I am praying that your journey gets better and that you move forward a little everyday. Lovingly, The Chavez Family

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Heather in Phoenix

May 16, 2011 at 10:20 pm

Im so relieved to hear that you made it through the day. You are a strong woman and have a wonderful supportive loving family to help keep you that way. Not many are blessed with that. I emailed my pics from my phone.. I hope you got them. I will always have your family in my thoughts & prayers. Sending love & hugs to you!!

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Mary

May 16, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Maya – we released balloons here, but didn’t take pictures – – so keep this in mind and multiply the pictures you do get by thousands.

So glad to hear the service for Ro warmed your heart – I was praying for that and will keep praying for your family.

I don’t think you have any idea how many people you’ve touched and how much you and Ro have changed the world and will continue to change it. I hope that will be a little comfort to you.

xoxoxo

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Ellie

May 17, 2011 at 12:12 am

Reading your latest post was music to my ears! I have been praying continuously for you and your family. And I am so happy you felt it. That you were able to feel the love that so many people have for you and your family. But most importantly, you felt Ronan’s love. As you said he is everywhere and his presence will be constant. He is right there beside you, Maya, every minute of everyday loving you like always . It still is and forever will be “Just you and me baby.” Thank you for courageously sharing your son with us. Ronan is truly an inspiration, as are you.

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Ashley

January 2, 2013 at 9:02 pm

I have no idea how I come about your blog today……searching for someting none relative and some how your blog came about….and I can stop reading…for hours now I have been reading and reading….I have cried more for you tonight than I have cried in years…I have never met you but your words speak volumes….please know that your story is still reaching people…”Ro” is still bringing people here to read your story of love and heartbreak….is is touching lives! I kissed m 5yr 100000x more tonight because of your story…..praying for peace and understanding always. Your are an amazingly strong women/mother/wife! And that husband of yours sounds like one awesome man! Praying always…..will keep up with your story!

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