1/19/09

Sun 01/18/09 - - All About Ava (The Spaghetti Dinner Benefit)

Today was the Spaghetti Dinner benefit for Ava, and despite some slick roads the turn out was unbelievable. Though we were not there (we were in spirit), the feed back was that everything was well organized and in the end, was a great success.

Instead of posting here the many "Thank Yous" Teresa and I owe everyone who organized this event, assisted with this event, or participated in this event - - we would like to for now just share the letter we wrote that was read during the event. Truth be told, Teresa and I are still in a state of shock as to how successful the event was and the fact that there are this many people in Ava's corner.


[ As drafted Saturday 01/17/09 by Teresa and I ]

Good afternoon,

Though we cannot personally be there today to thank each and every one of you for coming out in support of Ava, we would like to share some brief words about her and our gratitude to everyone who has supported us through everything she has faced thus far.

Ava has truly been a blessing to us in so many ways. Though we haven’t had what many would deem a “normal” life with her because of the many challenges that have presented themselves along her short life’s journey, we feel that everything is happening in accordance with God’s plan for her and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ava has battled congestive heart failure, two open-heart surgeries, and a serious form a staph infection - - all within the past few months. She currently is working through some digestion issues stemming from everything she’s been through, and with time she is expected to be a healthy and normal little girl.

Ava has revealed to us what’s truly important in life - - faith, love, family, and friends. She has shown us true bravery and strength throughout her trials and has taught us how to take nothing for granted in life; because like Ava, life is just too precious. When times were at there worst, Ava even reminded us to somehow keep positive and patient.

Through everything, there has been an overwhelming flow of support for us and Ava. Everything, from cards, to text messages, emails, phone calls - - hospital visits and home cooked meals- - prayers, warm thoughts, and encouraging words, to events like today’s… Everything has truly made us feel humbled, loved, and most importantly allowed us to remain at Ava’s side in the hospital. We are truly grateful for everyone and everything and personally feel indebted to you all. There are many who are not as fortunate to receive the same and for that we are certainly blessed.

With the time table not being explicitly defined, we will continue to take Ava’s recovery one day at a time. For any and all we will try to keep her progress updated on the blog (www.avashines.com) and look forward to the day we can finally leave the hospital and share this amazing little girl with the world.

With deepest love and gratitude,

Bryan, Teresa, and Ava Smith

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