Amaya's Journey with PFFD: Love Party

Last night we had Amaya's love party; it was a huge success. We thought of the love party about a month ago. As Amaya's lengthening surgery approached, Amaya began getting nervous and having some nightmares. So we thought that a party where friends and family could come and give her lots of love, hugs, kisses and support would be a great way to "send her off" and fill her with good, positive energy. Since Valentine's day was near we decided to call it a "Love party" which I think was a great way to celebrate and spread love. It was nice because once we planned the party Amaya now had something positive to look forward to.
Our cousins Amanda and Mark graciously opened up their home to us (thanks again guys!). And lots of family volunteered to make food, buy drinks and help decorate. It was nice having lots of help in planning and making the event happen. It was such stress free party planning, thanks to all the help we received. Which was great, because the last thing we need right now is more stress.
The past few weeks we've had very high temperatures, but the morning of the party we awoke to fog and it was drizzling down the hill. It reminded me of Alanis Morisset's song ironic, "it's like rain on your wedding day (or love party day)." We knew it would be a great day so we didn't let the weather bother us. When we got down the hill, it was cloudy but rain free, so we were a bit optimistic. We started setting up, while the girls bounced in the Star Wars bounce house(the girls are big Star Wars fans). Once the tables were decorated and we set out all the food, a few minutes later it began to rain, then pour. It was kind of funny, almost predictable. We quickly brought everything in then set up inside the house. About an hour later the weather broke, and the girls and some friends got to bounce again (a nice treat since they won't be able to for quite some time). The rain came back and then we just moved the party inside for the rest of the evening.
As each guest arrived my heart filled with joy just a bit more and the smile on Amaya's face was priceless. We had family, co-workers, Amaya's teachers, and old friends. We greatly appreciate how far some friends traveled. Those who couldn't come sent their love by phone, text or Facebook, which was nice to add their well wishes to the day. As the house filled with people you could feel all the positive energy rise. The house was full of people who love us, want the best for us, and are rooting for us. It was great!
Some people brought gifts, which we weren't expecting, but the girls loved! Today as they opened the gifts we were overwhelmed by people's generosity and thoughtfulness. Amaya received dresses, nightgowns, and skirts to wear over her fixator. She also got a mix of candies, paper, crayons, journals, color pencils, coloring books, clay, DVD's and stuffed animals. Lidie also got some treats which was nice too. Josh and I gave Amaya an American Journey girls doll (that looks like her auntie Gwen) and the set with a wheelchair, crutches, two casts, ace bandage, and ice pack. She loved it!
My favorite gifts were the kind words that people wrote in cards and in two journals that we had (one for Amaya and one for Josh and me). I thought the journals would be a great reference point for us all to go back to during the next ten months when we need some hope, strength, and encouragement. Reading thru people's notes I was overwhelmed by the kindness, and amount of love and support we have by so many amazing people. We are so lucky to have so many people with us on this journey. We took pictures of our guests to print out and put into a photo album for us all to look back on as time passes.