I received this message last week as a comment on an earlier post. I decided not to post the comment because of its personal nature; I hope, however, that the author doesn't mind my editing it for privacy and displaying it here as an anonymous message? If the author does mind, please let me know and I will take it down immediately.
Although we have never met, I know that the Brown family is remarkable! I have been visiting Molly's page and now your new page for some time now and felt I could never find the right words to type that would make a difference. I have a son that is Gavin's age ([he] turned 5 in May) and just started Kindergarten and flag football as well. I lost a son to T18 in November 2006 and like you I never got to say goodbye. [He] became an angel before he was ever born. I often found myself checking in on Molly's accomplishments and wishing and wondering what it would have been like for us if [our son] had lived. Molly brought so much hope, sunshine, and optimism to my view of T18 and for that I will forever be grateful. She helped me realize that through the incredible dark hole of sadness that there would be laughter, hope, and sunshine again. She helped me get to a place where I can now celebrate [my son]'s life (no matter how short). [They] are both angels and have both touched my heart and soul and left lasting footprints.
Molly is a beautiful little girl and I will forever remember her smile. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
[Anonymous]
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for taking time to write. Your words mean a great deal to us and we are so thankful to know that people find some comfort and/or understanding from sharing our journey with us. I would say you found just the right words to make a difference. Knowing that Molly's short life had meaning beyond the great joy she brought our family makes more of a difference than I could ever possibly express. I will ask the Bear to give your little angel a hug; I'm quite certain they have met already.
With sincere appreciation,
Sean
Reading that message was like an epiphany. Not that I don't appreciate all the things people have done or said (relative to this space) over the last two plus years, but this note really hit home. I have hoped for a while now that there would be some rational explanation for why I chose to create this relatively public space and fill it with all these predominantly personal thoughts and occurrences. This, for me, might just be one perfect example of why I do this thing. Thanks again, everyone.
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The Brown Family:
I absolutely do not mind your posting my message for all to read. Thank you for editing and taking out the personal references.
I am so happy to hear that my words made a difference. Molly and your family are always on my mind and I will continue to check in and see how you are all doing. Although we are strangers and have never met, T18 has brought us together for a common cause.
Keep up the great work with the fundraising and all the awareness that you and your family are bringing to the T18 name.
Good-luck Gavin in your next football game.
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