I've probably written a reply to this thread close to 50 times in my head, never quite knowing how to convey my appreciation. When I talk to people about Neilan, I frequently hear that they can't imagine what it would be like. Trying to keep things light, and joke a bit, I often immediately ask them for their own sake not to imagine, because it's basically terrifying, heart breaking, gut wrenching, and otherwise best not experienced, even from afar.
What I have found, though, is that nobody is interested in that advice. I've come to see that everyone feels this. Everyone hurts when a kid has cancer. When I visit these threads, which I do frequently, I see a growing list of people, many of whom I've never met, making an effort on our behalf. I know that Neilan is in the thoughts and prayers of more people and more families than I could possibly count at this point, and Neilan knows it as well.
It's been my intention to speak to every person involved in putting this fundraiser together and thank them personally. There are a few of you that have done things recently that I have not spoken with yet. You can expect to hear from me soon. I don't really understand this, but when I talk to someone about Neilan for the first time, the really raw heartache sometimes comes rushing back. I will try to hold it together when I call!
There are also a number of you in the angling community that utilized the donation page set up by our friend Sarah Manning, or otherwise sent something our way. Jesse Fowl, Kerry Stratton, Nick Clayton, Rick Lewis, Mike Doherty, Rolf Evenson, SteelyDan, I want you to know that I saw what you did for us, and I appreciate it. There are other names I didn't immediately recognize from the boards, that I believe are Bellingham locals, possibly anglers: Lain Christenson, Ed Deboo, Norman Vigre, Tom Mereckis. There are those of you that posted anonymously, and those of you I've simply missed. There are the admins of Speypages and Washingtonflyfishing. Thank you.
To everyone buying raffle tickets: I know that you are buying them to help, but I also hope you end up with something you really enjoy. Thank you.
This experience has brought so many unwelcome and awful changes to Neilan and to our lives. The connection our family, friends and community have maintained with us is one of the few bright spots. I wouldn't say I was proud to a fault before this, but like most, it's important for me to stand on my own two feet. I wasn't braced for this, though. It's been humbling, but we are getting back on our feet, so far without a complete financial train wreck, and with an appreciation for what really matters.
There's more I'd like to say... about how Neilan is doing, how we are doing, etc..., but for now I simply want to say thanks.