Best guest list ever

Nov. 4, 2012

A few weeks back I wrote out the invites to Nathan’s first birthday party with friends. We have had past parties with family which have always been a good time, but this was the first chance to gather school, and outside acquaintances. As I sat and addressed the invites, each brought back memories of fun times past, but one really made me pause from my own experience.

The address was that of the first PMG family we had the opportunity to meet in person. I remember the first e-mails exchanged and the first phone calls exchanged, and of course the invitation to meet face-to-face.

I remember pulling into the driveway feeling almost as nervous as a first date. I wondered what we would talk about, wondered if the boys would be similar or if Nathan would be too much farther behind. I was worried it may be contest of who has it worst, or justification to give up hope.

As we sat and talked, we watched the boys each doing their own thing, but learned that however different they may seem, there are still some very similar stories along the way. It was a great feeling having met the family of a buy a year older, thinking that perhaps they would experience events before us, being able to warn us what to fear, how to handle the situation and potentially avoid some of the negatives.

We could compare experiences on medical appointment/doctors, resources, equipment, activities, etc. I can’t tell you what a good feeling it is to be able to give help as much as receive. The family shared about joining the Miracle League, and helped settle some of my fears.

I’ve never been very good with asking for help, but it’s better if the help comes in the form of friendship. It’s another aspect where my wife does a lot of work and I get to collect in the benefits.

We’re still good friends with the family (we sent them an invite to the party and they RSVP’d already.) It’s times like this that make the PMG process a little easier to manage. The party can’t get here fast enough, we love our friends, all of you, and hope we have a chance to share stories with all of you, face-to-face someday soon.