Halo #7: The Gaya Family

I have a neat little story to share about this family before you read his letter.  Often times when I visit Hailey, I'll walk around and visit some of her "neighbors."  There was one in particular that really struck me because it was so beautiful.  The stone was pink and had white cursive writing on it.  Twin girls were named with their tiny little footprints imprinted into the stone.  I loved the names: Emma Jane and Madelyne Rose.  I often visited them and took family and friends over too, as I wondered about their story.  After giving out this Halo in Hailey's name, we received a thank you letter from the father.  As I read the names signed at the bottom of the letter I realized that I recognized two of the names.  The next day I went to Hailey's Place and walked over to visit those two little girls and believe it or not, it turned out to be the same two little girls that I often visited and wondered about.  They are two of three triplet girls; the third, Abby, survived, but still struggles with some difficulties.  I couldn't believe it!  What an honor to help this family, especially after feeling such a connection with them from the start.  Here is their letter:

(From - The Father)

I cannot tell you all how much I have thought about our conversation since Sunday night. As soon as I got off the phone I turned to my wife Kelly who could see that I had been crying. I could tell she was worried as she thought that I had just received some bad news, but through my blubbering and my tears I was able to at least say, "No no... it's a good thing, just give me a minute." And then I proceeded to tell her the little bit I knew about you guys and Hailey. At that moment, it dawned on me that in the midst of my disbelief, shock and loss for words, I didn't ask you all about your story and Hailey. I didn't ask about ANYTHING even though I had a million questions going through my head. I have to apologize for that!

I've had some time to look at your blog and of course went straight to the beginning. While I planned to sit down and email you tonight, I sit here at work with tears running down my face and can't help but take a moment to email you right now. You guys are all so strong. Wendy, thank you for sharing your story with so much detail. At one point you wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this" but let me just say that as one of the newest Vassilaros Family Fans, I'm happy and grateful you did. I am filled with the spirit as I write this email and can barely even read my words because of all the tears. Thank Goodness for spellcheck.

And Wendy, on a lighter note, I have to mention that I LOVE your writing style. It's candid, honest, sincere, heart felt, and has the perfect touch of wit and humor along the way. (The diet coke thing....wow. If I didn't know better I'd say you and my wife were sisters!)

I'm not sure how much Brooke and Jake told you all about Abby and her sisters Emma and Madelyne, but we also have a blog going.  It was actually started by a friend when Abby was in the NICU and then I took it over. I haven't updated it in about 4 months...right around the time our son Jack was born!  But you can still pop on to see some more on her. Obviously we would be happy to summarize Abby's story in a paragraph or two and put it on Haileys website.  I will work on that next week.

There is so much more I want to ask and to say but all in time I suppose. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart for our Hailey's Halo gift. As I mentioned on the phone, this money is so very much appreciated and literally could not have come at a better time. This is truly the Lord's work at hand and I am thankful to you guys for being so strong, so steadfast and so faithful during this time in your life. To channel your energy toward a foundation to help others is just amazing. I love it... I love it... I love it. Kelly and I are excited to participate with the Hailey's Halo Foundation in anyway we can in the future. For the moment though, we are so humbled. So humbled.

Love,
The Gaya Family