Tag: Rock the Runway for Ronan

Tears on the Inside. Sparkly on the Outside.

Ro Baby. Did you see us last night? Me. Your Daddy. Your brothers. Your cousins. Your Mimi Kay. Your Nana. Your Cousins. Your Tricia,Marisa,Danielle,Gay,Gina,Fernanda,Stacy,Sarah,Lindsey,Niki,Uncle Jay, Liz and Dr. JoRo. All of our new friends, too. I know you felt the love. How could you have not. The venue last night, was filled with the most beautiful people, in the world. The only one missing, was you. What were you doing, last night? We’re you watching us dancing along with the music? Were you running around eating all the candy? Were you throwing things off the balcony?? I’ll bet that’s what you would have been doing. If you would have been there tonight, you would have rocked the runway like no other. Nobody could wear a Fedora, quite like you.

I wonder so many things now, Ronan. Everything that is happening seems so surreal. I never truly experienced that word, until losing you. Now I feel this way with everything that happens in my life. Whether it be from being surrounded by so much love last night at the Fashion Show, to running on the canal late tonight and I swear the whole time the path sparkled like glitter. I’m laying in your bed right now, unable to sleep. Even this seems surreal. Do you want to talk about last night? I think we should as it was a night to be remembered, for as much as I don’t want to because I just don’t want it to be true. I want it to not be real and I want to just wake up from the nightmare of having you gone. I just pinched myself and fucking felt it. So, we will talk about last night.

I don’t know why it didn’t hit me, until last night as I was smack in the middle of watching kids walk down the runway that OMG, this is so totally wrong. For as beautiful as it was, it was just as equally as fucked up. There I was, sitting with your Daddy, Dr. JoRo and your Nana, while pictures of you played on the slide show above me and I sat back and watched as all these adorable kids, came dancing down the runway. I kept looking for you. Surely, you had to be next, right?? I waited and waited and waited. You didn’t come. I saw everyone, but you. I kept looking at Dr. JoRo. I didn’t even have to say a word to her. Her eyes said it all. I know exactly what she was thinking because I was thinking it too. Thoughts floated in and out of my head. I think I left my body for most of the night. I would have given my soul, right then and there, to not have had to be there because you got cancer and died. I kept my composure most of the night and managed to smile, naturally. My smile came because of all of the beautiful people in the room. I fully believe that 99% of them there, were for the RIGHT reasons. The other 1%, can FUCK OFF. You know who you are. You see Ro…. I may be new to all of this, but I have a vision for what I want your Foundation to turn into. Something of substance. Something where people are FULLY invested for the right reasons. Just not because they want their picture in Arizona Foothills Magazine. Or because they want their child, in a fashion show. I don’t ever want this to turn into that. It’s so important to me that this message in all of this, does not get lost. It takes a certain kind of person to understand this message and to truly want to understand the real meaning behind it. These are the kinds of people, I want behind us. I’m not tolerating the other bullshit. I just won’t do it because of your fancy last name. I am not an ass kisser and do not plan on starting now.

But Ro. Let me tell you about all of the RIGHT people that I had the pleasure of meeting last night, all thanks to you. I didn’t do a lot of socializing, but when I did venture out into our new world that exists it was so sparkly and gorgeous, just like you. While I was in hiding, in the VIP area a girl came in because she thought she saw me. She was the most darling thing and was so nervous to talk to me. She kept saying things like she couldn’t believe she was meeting me, but I felt just as lucky to be meeting her. She told me I was her hero which made me laugh. She must like my use of the Fuck word. I hugged her and she kept trying not to cry, but she had everyone else in the room, crying because of the TRUE, VULNERABLE, emotion that she couldn’t hide. I took some pictures with her. I tried to make light of the heaviness in the room by telling her we could take a naughty picture too. We stood there and smiling, and posing, while we flipped off the camera. She laughed. I hugged her again and thanked her for coming. I saw a girl named Tiffani that I met at the Garage a couple of weeks ago. I remembered her and her name which was huge for me, as I have an awful memory these days. I said, “Hi, Tiffani!” She was so excited and cute. She asked if she could have her picture taken with me. I told her of course. I think we flipped off the camera as well. Whoops! I’ll bet this is the first charity event that has been held, where the middle finger was used in pretty much every picture taken. Classy, Maya. It makes me laugh because you know what?? Cancer is that fucked up that I think it should be mandatory that if you go to an event, in support of cancer, that everybody should flip off the fucking camera. Especially if it is because your child died from it. I got to meet another one of my blog readers, whom I’ve been wanting to meet FOREVER. Michelle. She has been reading forever. She is always supportive, even with my darkest posts. She has a lot of faith which I so respect. She never throws it in my face, which I LOVE. I RESPECT that. I was so happy to meet her, and to give her a big hug. I wish I would have gotten a chance to hang out with her more. I can tell she is an awesome lady.

There venue was filled last night with so many of my favorite people. Some I know well, others I do not, but they always make me smile when I run into them. Nate’s mom was there, Beth. Little Elizabeth’s mom, Heidi. Mia’s mom, Sandra. All mommies who’s babies are battling cancer right now. That meant the WORLD to me. Elizabeth was supposed to be in the fashion show, but she is stuck in the hospital due to a fever and low immune system. She did her own fashion show, from her hospital room. The pictures are PRICELESS. They melted my heart. I have no doubt, the two of you would have been such great friends. She has such a spirit and glow about her. I saw Jen, the mama of 3 boys who is battling Brain Cancer. All 3 of her sweet boys, were in the show. She is in the middle of treatment that she is doing, in California, and supporting you means so much to her that even though she just returned from Cali, she made it to the Fashion Show. Did I mention that she is battling Brain Cancer? Talk about an amazing mama. I know how excited her boys were to be in this. I met them the other day and I can tell you, never in my life have I met 3 sweeter boys. Well, excluding you and your brothers. And those Willets boys. The 9 of you, together, would have had the BEST time.

And Ro. Some sweet man bought that painting for us, that Dash did. The dad of a mommy I know. How sweet is that? It is so beautiful and it was so kind of him to do. People are amazing. That picture reminds me so much of you and will go perfectly in your untouched room. Your room that has your Star Wars figures dumped out all over the floor because I put them there, the other day, so you could play with them. I haven’t picked them up. Dr. JoRo tripped over them tonight and it made me laugh because that is exactly what would have happened if you had been here. I stepped on one with my bare foot tonight as I was coming to climb into your bed. I yelled out “FUCK!” because it hurt. Then I smiled because it made me think you were here. Then I cried because you were not. I’m laying in your bed now. It’s quiet and cool. Your stuffed animals say Hello and that they miss you. I’ll sleep with them tonight for you.

I know you saw the venue last night. It looked amazing. I have a list a mile long of people who I just want to reach out and hug to tell them Thank You. Miss Katie, first. For so many things. Do you know, how I met Miss Katie? I think I told you. I didn’t know her, before all of this. At some point, we became friends on FB, which I don’t even remember because I am now such a FB whore, that I accept every friend request that comes my way. I used to be so private. Guess that all flew out the window, once you got cancer because I decided that I had nothing to lose. I have no idea who half of my FB “Friends” are but some of the best of them, have come out of it, like Katie. I don’t get on there very often anymore, because I tend to get overwhelmed. But when I was checking it this summer, I noticed Katie from the Garage for Kids would often repost my blogs. I remember thinking how sweet that was, because her store was more of a “Kids,” clothing store and my blog is not very “Kid,” friendly. Once we returned from our summer away, I think I messaged Katie to tell her I wanted to come by her store, to tell her thank you in person. We set up a time for me to come by. As soon as I walked in, it was just kind of like, “Oh. Hello.I’ve known you my whole life.” It was actually really weird, but it wasn’t. It just felt like that’s the way it had always been. Then I started coming into her store more and more. Then the Fashion Show idea got thrown in there. Well, Ro. I can tell you something. There is NOBODY, I would have rather done this with. It is so important to me, when throwing your name out there, that it is associated with the right kind of person. Katie is without a doubt, that person and I am so thankful. I feel like we work really well together and we share a lot of the same visions. Everything about last night was so detailed and sweet. From the pearls that dripped off the Miss Piggy Spirit Hood to the wrap around candy bar. I know as this event goes on in the future, that is just going to get bigger and better. I am so excited for the future of this and what’s to come. And that’s saying a lot, because I know you know how hard it is for me to think about the future. I usually refuse to go there.

You know what else, Ro? I have this hive around me called The Busy Little Bees. I think I made this up, in one of my blog references and the name has stuck. I like it. It’s cute. It’s sweet. Maybe a little too sweet? Maybe I should rename them, The Fuckin’ Busy Little Bees;) Nah. I’ll keep it clean. And pure. Because that’s what these women’s hearts are. Full of love for you. And me. And our family. And their families. I’ve never in my life, seen anything like them. It’s amazing how they pulled this all off. It’s amazing how they all came together and totally got shit done. It’s because of these women, Katie, and all the generous donors and support of the community, that your event was such a huge success. I am humbled. I am thankful. I am honored to know such beauty in such ugliness. You are so loved.

I have a thousand more words to write, but it’s 4:30 a.m. I’ve got to try to get some sleep. We can talk about my dark run freak out Dr. JoRo left a wedding to pick my ass up tonight because I was hysterical….. later on. I love you so much. I miss you more. I hope you are safe. Sweet dreams, baby doll.

xoxo

Seriously. Thank you. To everyone who is reading this. Who came out last night. Who helped. Who smiled at me. Who hugged me. Who cries for me. Who was there, in spirit. Who donated. I don’t care if it’s a freaking quarter. It’s something. You are doing something, even if it’s just wearing his bracelet. Even if it’s just talking about him. You’re doing so much more, than you think. I love you for this. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. OH! And dear sweet Taylor Swift! I almost forgot! Did you wear that purple the other night on the award show, while you sang your song, just for RO??!! Everyone thinks you did!! I do too:) Thank you, baby girl. My Quinn has not stopped playing your music, since we left your concert. And last night, I honored you at Ro’s Fashion show. I had my friend, Dave write one of your lyrics down my arm. Do you know what it said?? Everyone has been asking, but I wanted to tell you first. It said…..

“And I don’t know why but with you I’d dance

In a storm in my best dress

FEARLESS”

I know why. You know why. He knows why.

Thank you. Love you.

xoxo

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Taylor Swift loves Rockstar Ronan! And I don’t love Obnoxious Complainers! So shut up!

 

 

 

 

Ro baby. I am trying to breathe tonight. I am trying to focus on all the yummy goodness that has filled my days. Because of you, and the effect you are having on the world. I actually had a lady come up to me today and tell me that I didn’t only change her life, but I am creating a movement. A movement, Ro. I hugged her. I cried. But what is new….. I’m always crying. Those were powerful words that she said to me, as she looked me in the eyes as I watched her eyes, well up with tears. I told her it was all you. Not me. Never me. Always you.

So, I am trying to let some things off of my chest because there are people who just don’t get this, or who do get it and just choose to ignore this and are not worthy of your story. They just are not. And I have to accept that. I cannot change everybody. I cannot change the person who knows your story, knows who I am but does not care. So, she sits in front of me and bitches about all the stress in her life, like the remodel of the 1 of her several homes. Complains right in front of me Ronan! And I am so pissed at myself tonight. I sat back and pretended like I wasn’t standing right there, as if I was invisible because I know if I let myself get pissed about the all of the asshole people in the world, that I am going to wasting a lot of time and energy on negativity. I have enough Inferno Fuckwad Bob in my life to go around for everyone. Do I really need to add to it? Do I really need to let stupid shit, get under my skin? No. But it does because I am human. And I know what it means to have real things to worry about such as just trying to stay alive. Every day I pray for death because the love of my life, DIED, of Childhood Cancer. I’ve got to come up with a new plan. And it cannot consist of the berserk fantasy moment I had in my head where I ripped this ladies hair out and told her to shut the fuck up because she has all of her babies and that is all that matters. I am going to have to take a less violent approach so I don’t get my ass shipped off to tent city with Sheriff Joe. It will maybe just have to be something like, “Oh, do you know Ronan? (slip her one of your little cards) Oh you do?(because everyone that lives in our very big but very small little city does) I am so glad. He is amazing. You know he died from Childhood Cancer, right? But gosh, I am really sorry that you are so stressed out over your home remodel. I hope it turns out to be beautiful.” Kill em’ with kindness, right Ro? Either that, or just choose to look the other way. Fuck that. I’m not looking the other way anymore. People need to wake up and stop bitching about such nonsense. Your house remodel, is NOT a problem. Your nanny quitting, is NOT a problem. Your nail breaking, is NOT a problem. Kids dying, everyday IS a problem. The dad just diagnosed with Lung Cancer, who is not a smoker, IS a problem.  All of the kids around the world, who don’t have homes or families, IS a problem. Not getting to wipe your babies sweet tears anymore, because he is DEAD, is a FUCKING PROBLEM!!!

Enough with the complaining about make-believe problems. Go visit a Children’s Oncology floor and then see if you can leave there, still bitching about your problems. Actually, do not go and visit this floor. The fact that you sat and complained in front of me today, is your fucking problem, not mine. You are not worthy being surrounded by all the beauty that shines off a kids Oncology floor. You are not worthy of any of the beauty that is going to come from Ronan’s story. Do you know what I heard today, asshole lady? I met the most beautiful family. Little Elizabeth Blair who has Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. She was talking about her bald head and how she doesn’t have blond hair, like her mommy anymore. Her mom just looked at her and said, “But where does beauty come from, Elizabeth?” Elizabeth answered right away. She said, “It comes from here,” and pointed at her HEART. Her heart ladies and gentleman. This 5-year-old knows more than most adults. This 5-year-old knows what is truly important in life. This 5-year-old is going to grow up to be an incredible young lady. I am pretty sure she would have anyway, due to the family that she is surrounded by. But now she has that extra sparkle in her eye, that most people do not. A sparkle in her eye, just like you did, Ro. The sparkle that is going to help to change this world. And hopefully make more people, stop complaining about stupid shit and doing something that will actually help to make a difference. Even if it means they just make their kids’ lunches for school and give the nanny/housecleaner, the day off. So be it. It’s a start. Baby steps can be done. They can be done and they can turn into something much bigger.

Maybe it starts with giving the Nanny the day off, paid of course and actually driving your kids to school, yourself. Then guess what? The next thing you know, instead of spending Thanksgiving basking in too many pies and food to eat, you and your entire family, spend a few hours, in a soup kitchen. Pretty soon it starts to set in that, “Oh my god. I am so thankful. I mean really thankful. I am thinking about that family today, who is having to spend their first Thanksgiving, without their Ronan. I have all of my kids. They are healthy. I want to be a good person. Not just a good person, but a REALLY good person. Because I am thankful. And blessed. And because so many people, are not. But deserve to be. So I am going to work really hard, to try to make a difference somehow, in this world.” Or maybe not. Maybe you would just sit around Thanksgiving, obsessing about everything you are going to buy on Black Friday. Obsessing about the Jimmy Choos that are going to go on Sale at Saks. This is probably the case. So in that case; fuck off. But I really hope your contractors are not late, AGAIN! I mean really, they were an hour late and you screamed and yelled at them because that is so much of a real problem? Those paid employees can be so rude sometimes. I don’t know who they think they are. The sense of entitlement of those blue-collar workers, is just beyond me. Shut up lady. Shut up and fuck off.

Oh Ro. Sorry your little post got Hijacked tonight. I just had to get that off of my chest. UGH! I have ONE more thing to say. Hang tight, little man. DEAR PEOPLE WHO STILL HAVE ALL OF THIER CHILDREN- Please STOP. I do not want to hear anymore, “Oh… Ronan is happy. He is in Heaven. God is taking care of him, you don’t need to worry.” I’m warning you NOW. If I have to hear this one more time, it is not going to be pretty. I get that most of you mean well, but you also have all of your kids. You get to watch them play soccer, you get to hang up their art work, you get to kiss them goodnight and tuck them in bed. You get to do all of those amazing things, therefore you do not have the right, to tell me my child is in a better place. Because I can tell you, I can fucking guarantee he is not. He is not here, with me, which is the only place he belongs. So please, keep your he is with GOD and in a better place comments to yourself. It may bring you peace, but it only makes me angry. Pray for me all you want. Bring on the prayers. But stop saying the things above. I’m going to start carrying a weapon with me, like Silly String. The next person that says this to me, is going to be douched in Silly String. You’ve been warned.

On to the amazingness, RO! Moving forward. Breathing. Inhaling the smell from your GiGi that is covering my face. It smells like you. Let’s start with the darling Taylor Swift. That’s a good story to end with. Or how about the “Fan Mail,” that I am getting sent to Katie’s Shop, like the Foster the People signed concert poster. Ummm… Hello lovie who sent me that. So rad. Thank you. Or all of my Ro Baby Maya’s Mafia Fans whom I met today, by chance, who just popped into Katie’s store to buy bracelets. So sweet. I loved meeting a few of you today. The love you have for us is so inspiring. The awaking I am seeing in these beautiful people, Ronan, is very moving and powerful. Just like you.

Crap… sidetracked! I just have too many great things to blab about! Back to T’ Swizzle. Who told her about you? Because I am so very sure, it was one of your little Fairy God Mothers down here. I was contacted by her event manager. “Taylor would like to extend two tickets to her show, plus a meet and greet with her, before hand. Are you available?” Was I available? Why yes, of course. I knew with all the amazingness going on, that I wanted to see if I could work my magic just a little. I have no shame, so I asked for 5 tickets instead. Poof! My wish was granted. Now, I just had to come up with a plan to reward some very special people in a very special way. I told Katie about the email. I knew the two of us, would come up with something very yummy and delicious to do. We thought about having people bid for the tickets, to raise more money for your foundation. We knew the tickets, could have gotten a lot of moolah. But that seemed to be defeating the purpose. We have been watching how hard, our little Rockstars have been working, to raise their 200 dollars to model in the show. Then Katie showed me this FB Wall post written by Elizabeth’s mom, the little girl with Stage IV Cancer.

Oh my SWEETNESS! Holy Willy Wonka! Today was the absolute BEST!!! Today we ran, walked, skipped, piggy backed, wheeled and twirled a 5K to fight Childhood Cancer at Grand Canyon University “Pinkalicious Style!” What does “Pinkalicious Style” look like you ask? Well, let me tell you we had everything from argyle to piggy tails, rainbow to more rainbow and lipstick! You can’t forget the lipstick. And oh my, the most AMAZING, “Beauty comes from within the heart” t-shirts designed by our multi-talented long time very special friend Chris Wahl!! He designed the most perfect shirt for my most perfect little girl. E’s Team consisted of not only the most incredible besties that a girl could ask for but also her past preschool teachers, babysitters, and new friendly faces of the kindest individuals who truly give the meaning to our team shirts. Beauty comes from within the heart. Team Elizabeth showed genuine beauty today. Each and everyone of us crossed that finish line in true pinkalicious style whether it was by wagon or walking, running or riding, age 5 or age 50. Medals were made and miles were gained all in the fight against childhood cancer. And well, Lymphoma, it can kiss our determined pinkalicious butts! Because we rocked it out there today! But, that’s not all. The kids also rocked it in our front yard today. They ROCKED it GOOD! As promised, Elizabeth, Kate and Bryce were fundraising full force with their Super Duper Candy Scoop Shop featuring a Rainbow of candies and Rainbow Manicures. Although, there was no rain, they each had a pocket full of sunshine and were ready to make things happen with a rainbow of colors in Pop Rocks, Gumballs, Lemonheads, cherry rainbow and pink lemonade Swizzle Sticks, gigantic Jaw Breakers, Gummy Bears, rainbow heart cookies, and rainbow manicures. Have I mentioned Elizabeth LOVES rainbow anything? The proceeds of todays fundraising efforts will benefit The Ronan Thompson Foundation. The Ronan Thompson Foundation and The Garage Boutique for Kids are hosting a Rock the Runway Fashion Show Event. My 3 kiddos are all participating. Although they may not all model, they all 3 are certain they want to help raise money to help in the fight against Pediatric Cancer. These kiddos made BIG BIG accomplishments today! I would say a top accomplishment for each of them to date. Their goal for today was to raise $200.00 each for a total of $600.00. Are you ready for this? Are you ready to hear what my kiddos raised in our front yard to fight Pediatric Cancer? $1019.64!! In three hours, these determined children fought for their sister, they fought for their cousin, they fought for their friends, they fought for your family, they fought for our family, they fought for Ronan and all the other children who have won or lost their battles to childhood cancer. They fought hard and they fought proud! My husband and I are so completely impressed with how busy these little bees worked today. But we are not surprised at the results! You, our community, our family of friends are more than generous. We had a complete stranger drive up and give $100.00! Oh my SWEETNESS! We have a toothache tonight from all the sweetness. We are blessed, thankful, and just so happy for all the kindness, love and of course beauty that comes from within all of your hearts. So whoop there it is! $1019.64 going to The Ronan Thompson Foundation. You are beautiful, The Blair’s P.S. Elizabeth went back to school on Wednesday!!

It was a no brainer. We wanted to extend the invitation to The Blair Family, to go with us. I had Katie call them today. She said it there were tears all around. My heart fluttered. I had not met The Blair Family, until today. Until after this phone call was made. About an hour later, they came bouncing into Katie’s shop. I hugged Elizabeth’s mama tight and we both cried a little. I rubbed the top of Elizabeth’s smooth, bald head. It made me miss you so much. Turns out, The Blairs, LOVE Taylor. They already had tickets. They gave their tickets to some friends and Elizabeth’s brother and Daddy get to go as well. We are so exited to take Elizabeth, her mama, and older sister, with us- to meet Taylor and to sit in some really good seats. It is going to be an amazing night. That Taylor, has a heart of gold. Just like so many of the lovelies that seem to be coming out left and right, Ro. They all love you so much. Amazing things are happening, my little man. All because of you.

Ro baby. I wish I could tuck you in but I can’t. So I will cuddle with your blanket instead. I will go to sleep, without my Ambien because the pain is something I need to be in. I cannot mask or cover it up. I will fall asleep with my tears soaking my pillow because it is where I need to be, now. I love you so much. I miss you so much. I hope you are safe. Sweet dreams, baby doll.

xoxo

ROCKSTARS unite for The Ronan Thompson Foundation!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Rock the Runway For Ronan

Garage Boutique’s Annual “Fashion for Philanthropy” Event

Benefiting The Ronan Thompson Foundation

October 17, 2011

Scottsdale, AZ.

Garage Boutique is a lively place, full of kids, designer duds and good shopping mojo. But Scottsdale’s premiere children’s boutique for infants and tweens isn’t just about clothes. Owner Katie Wilson believes in philanthropy, and her young customers do, too.

This year, local kids were invited to apply to model in The Garage Boutique’s Annual Fashion Show, which will benefit The Ronan Thompson Foundation. Maya Thompson, author of http://www.RockstarRonan.com, lost her 3-year-old son, Ronan, to neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer, in May 2011. Maya’s blog has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. The Ronan Thompson Foundation vows to change the fact that pediatric cancer is the least funded when it comes to cancer research.

Wilson said, “Garage isn’t just about style, fashion, & the cool sweet factor, but also about making an impact. My mission is to educate, inspire and empower kids to make a difference in their school, and community through volunteer work and community service. The 75 ‘Rockstars’ in The Rock the Runway for Ronan Fashion Show all committed to raising a minimum of $200 each for the Ronan Thompson Foundation.”

Maya had three main goals in mind when she started up Ronan’s Foundation. To support in research for Childhood Cancer, to help a local family once a year that has been affected by Childhood Cancer, and to help local charities such as The Ryan House and MISS Foundation. The Ryan House is a non-profit in Phoenix and helps care for families dealing with life threatening illnesses. It is where Ronan spent the last week of his life and it is where he passed away. The MISS Foundation is a non-profit and was started up by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. They are committed to helping families in dealing with the loss of child, from any cause.

The Fashion Show is November 10, 2011 at Casa Blanca Lounge (7134 E. Stetson) in Scottsdale. Doors open at 6pm and the Fashion Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $25, and available at: http://www.RunwayforRonan.eventbrite.com. Limited tickets are available. For more information, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/garageboutique.

 

Thank you to all our ROCKSTAR friends and family for your generosity and support! Please remember that occupancy is limited in our venue, so if you plan on attending it is important that you purchase your tickets in the next 24 hours. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this year’s most rocking event! 

The Magic Purple Leg Warmers

Ronan. Survived. Again. I think. I feel sick. Sick to my stomach. Rough day. Rough night. Nothing new. For your 5 months today, I put on my purple wig and went down to Garage Boutique for Kids today to meet up with Katie so we could draw the names for our Rock the Runway for Ronan Fashion Show.

I met up a lot with Katie, last week, to take a look at the kids’ applications and how they answered their questions. We asked them things like::::

1) If you had an alter ego Rockstar name, what would it be?

2) Tell us 3 ways you will raise money to benefit Childhood Cancer.

3) If you could have dinner with any Rockstar, who would it be??

I sat with Katie and we read over them all. I read about the little girl who cut off her hair and gave it to her cousin, who has cancer. Katie told me how the little girl, Elizabeth, who is 5 and has just been diagnosed with cancer, sat at her bar and filled out her application. I cried after reading and hearing these things. I looked up at Katie. She knew what I was going to say. How could we possibly not have all the kids, who took the time to come down to Katie’s store, in the show? What if the little girl that had her Daddy drive her from Tuscon after school, didn’t get picked?? The thought of any of these kiddos, getting left out, broke our hearts. We decided, that we would let all the kids in the show. Who cares if it is over the number of kids we had agreed on. Rules were meant to be broken, right? We decided a few days ago, we would break these rules.

We brainstormed during the week on the way we would announce the news. We didn’t come up with anything genius, except we knew we would have to be wearing purple. I called Liz and asked if she would help, since she has such a flair for the dramatics and is used to being in front of a camera. She was so happy to help. We didn’t have a script. We sent up my computer and pretty much winged the entire, ridiculous thing. I talked Liz into talking in our very bad, British accents… mostly because I knew if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to hold it together. Katie didn’t do one which is probably one of the reasons she pretty much lost it, at the end. Beautiful, Bad British accent saved my day. I wouldn’t have been able to do the silly video, without mine. I missed Macy. She would have been a riot to have in the video. It turned out cute, raw, silly, and ridiculous. Sometimes, it’s best not to have a script in life .

I couldn’t get across the screen, how thankful I am. How honored I am, that so many people are coming together for this for Ronan’s Foundation.  I wanted to say so many things about how you, Ronan, would be so happy to know that something like this was being put on, because of you. Because every kid, deserves to be a kid. Because the kids that get sick with cancer, deserve better. Better treatments, answers, outcomes, and CURES. Everything serious that I wanted to say, could not be said because I cannot say any of this, without ending up bawling and in tears. So, I guess I’ll say it now. On the platform that I am able to say it best on, behind the scenes, so you all don’t have to witness my tears. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Ronan, for being my sun, my moon, my stars. Thank you for teaching me so much in such a short amount of time. Thank you to all of wonderful friends and family. Thank you to Miss Katie for having such a vision, my same vision, for this event. Thank you to all the parents who have continued to read about Ronan. Who want to fight for Ronan. Who are taking my pain, and turning into something beautiful. Who are not afraid, to continue on with me, and who are not afraid to educate their own kids about something so scary like Childhood Cancer. I am aware of how gut wrenchingly painful, this story is. I know that when you see me, hear Ronan’s story, that it is your  worst nightmare, come true. It takes people with true passion, heart, and soul, to continue on the with me. I know how easy it would be to just walk away and go back to your lives, before all of this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for not doing this. I think you all are so very brave and inspiring as well.

To all my busy little bees helping, doing, “getting shit done.” You are all the most amazing women on the PLANET! You could rule the world and I am so thankful, to have you to work with. I know this event is going to be everything Ronan would have loved. Thank you.

To all my readers/ out of state people who wish they could be at this event, but cannot, I am sorry. We are going to put together something very special, so you all have a way to be involved. I want you there, in some way shape or form, if you cannot be there physically. I’m working on this and will let you know when this idea is a little more ready to go<3 Thank you for continuing to read, love and support. It means the world to me.

Alright Ro. It is Monday a.m. and I have a lot to do today. I made it through the 9th. Your 5 months of not being here. Not without doing something a little insane though. I left for a run, last night around 7 p.m. You should have seen the radness of my outfit for you. Purple shoes, purple shorts, and the icing on the cake…. purple leg warmers. Yup. You heard me right. The most awesome purple leg warmers that I have ever seen in my life. My friend, Mandy wears them to work out in. She bought some for me and dropped them by our house yesterday. So sweet of her. I headed out for my run. It was dark, of course. The best time to meet Inferno Fuckwad Bob sometimes. I started running. I was so not feeling it at first but I continued on. I ran through a bunch of sprinklers. I got a major cramp at mile 4. I tried to stop but the voice inside of my head said to me, “What’s worse. Then pain of this or the pain of losing Ronan?” I said, without hesitation, it was the pain of losing you. I kept running my 8 minute pace. I ran over a freeway over pass. I stopped to take a picture of the moving cars. Where the hell am I??? I thought to myself. Who cares. Keep running. I finally stopped when the pain from the chafing burns under my arms started to feel like they were on fire. I looked at my GPS on my phone. 8.2 miles. Ummm…. what? 8.2 miles away from home. That can’t be….. how did I get that far away from my house?? Crap. I called Woody. He didn’t answer. I walked for a bit and found a church parking lot where I cooled down and stretched. I called Woody again. No answer. What street am I even on? I sat and stretched some more. Finally, Quinn answered. “Can you put your Dad on the phone please… thanks baby.” “Can you come and get me please. I’m on Central and Missouri, in a church parking lot, thanks, see you soon.”

20 minutes later I was rescued. My body was becoming cold but amazingly I was not tired or sore. I actually felt like I could have turned back around and ran home. It must have been those purple magic leg warmers. How have I ever lived without those? Thanks Mandybee:) I’m going to wear them every time I feel like I need a little extra help on my runs. Or actually I may wear them on every run because they are that awesome:)

I gotta go, Ro baby. Your brothers are home for the week. Fall break. I know if you were here, we would be off doing something fun as a family. I’m sure we would be in Washington visiting Nana and Papa. I’ll be lucky to survive this week, without you. I love you. I miss you. I hope you are safe.

xoxo