Day 1
Well today all 7 of us (Me, Jasper, and the kids) packed up all our gear into several large suitcases and headed to Wellington Airport. (Thanks to Robyn and Peter for assisting with transport – it was a bit of a mission getting all of us and the luggage in). We flew in a small Link plane, and were spread out from one end to the other – I was in row 16, Jasper and Liam in row 9 and the girls in rows 2 and 3. Liam got to hand out the lollies to the passengers and was very diligent only handing them out on the side he was told to and refusing to give his mother any cause I was on the other side! My Dad met us at the airport after driving from Picton to ensure that we had a car during our stay – Thanks Dad!!
Ronald McDonald house is absolutely fantastic, what a wonderful place to be during this difficult time. We have a huge room and the facilities are outstanding. There is a huge courtyard area with playground, TV’s, communal kitchens with all sorts of things. There are not too many people here at the moment, but more families will be coming in next week. One of the local churches came in tonight and cooked a BBQ and TVNZ are coming tomorrow night and cooking fish pie and chicken casserole for everyone. My sister in law Jo and family popped in with a load of groceries for us which was wonderful thank you!
We popped over to Mount Pleasant for dinner with my Aunt, Uncle, Dad and Grandmother, great feed and the couple of glasses of wine (well if you can call chardon a wine) went down a treat. Although we were a little bit late as we had to go back to the airport to pick up a suitcase which we had left. Whoops. (Am blaming Jasper for that one)
We have a big day tomorrow, not sure what the Doctors have in store for Liam, but am sure its not going to be fun. He is still in good spirits and is enjoying being able to do crazy things with his eyes.
Thanks for all your support and best wishes, it does make this journey just that much easier to cope with.
Becs, Steve, Liam, Ashleigh, Olivia, Jessica and Amelia (From this point forward known as SROJALA)
xx
April 20, 2008 @
Hi Steve, Becs and all the kids
We are thinking of you all as you face the times ahead. We will pray for Liam everyday, stay strong.
Anita, Arch, Frankie, Abbey and Kasey.
April 20, 2008 @
Hey Becs and all
glad to hear you are there safely. If you are meeting with TVNZ you will be interested in this story from the Dom Post today about the lack of child cancer specialists in Wellington. Here is the link if you are interested
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4489709a11.html
lots of love Pen, Dan and Zac
April 20, 2008 @
Just heard the news today. We havent met you Becs, Liam and Ashleigh but we are part of Steves extended family. Just letting you know that we are all thinking of you during this very testing time and hoping Liams treatment gets off to a great start. We will follow his progress through here. Take Care all of you xx
April 20, 2008 @
Hi Guys, was great seeing you all briefly yesterday! I hope today goes really well…will be sending lots of happy thoughts your way! Take care and let us know if you need anything. Rach xxx
April 20, 2008 @
Becs, Steve & kids
Wishing we could be there to help in some small way. Thinking of you lots and loving the blog.
All our love
Mike, Mel, Madi & Imi xx
PS: love the photo of Liam – so handsome like his dad.
April 20, 2008 @
Hi Becs, Jasper & kids,
I am sitting in the airport lounge in Bangkok on my way to India.
We so wish we back in NZ to help in some small way. We are thinking of you daily here in Thailand.
Cheers,
Mike, Hilary, Libby & Alex
April 20, 2008 @
Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet Bec’s but we are friends of Steve and girls. Wishing you all the love and strength in the world to meet this challenge with your little lad. Good luck and God Bless.
April 20, 2008 @
Hi Team,
It was great meeting you all at Glenn & Karla’s, We have fond memories of sharing Kieran’s (cough -60th) birthday with his family.
Just to let you know we are thinking of you all and wish everything goes well for Liam,
Will check your blog often, It’s a great idea and thanks for putting it there.
Love & best wishes,
Colin & Liz.
Hastings.
April 21, 2008 @
Glad to hear day 1 went well… Christchurch will never be the same again! Can you post pictures of where you’re staying and stuff? And the fudge queen has assured me she can deliver any type of sugary comfort food, with her specialty being liqueur based fudges!
April 21, 2008 @
Hi Guys.
We are glad you all got down there safely. Was great to see you before you left on Saturday. Hope all went well with the doctors today. Give Liam a huge hug from us.
Todd, Jo, Kasey & Sasha
April 21, 2008 @
Hiya Guys
Glad you arrived safely. Missing Becs being rude to a whinging pom.Remember to give a whistle when you require anything – there is a stampede of people waiting to help out in any way they can. Hugs Dianne
April 21, 2008 @
Hi Rebecca,
It’s Jen, Dan’s ex here. Just letting you know I am thinking of you and Liam and the family; I hope with all my heart that lovely little Liam can be cured and beat this cancer. My virtual hugs to you all.
Lots of love,
Jenifer.