Friends

Matt and I are so lucky to have so many wonderful friends. Since Carter’s diagnosis, we have been contacted by several friends we haven’t been in touch with since college, high school, and even younger. Some of these people are the ones that have supported us the most often. We are so grateful to you. Some people have tried to give us “space” during this time, when really you just need support. We get plenty of “space” in the hospitals and while getting treatments. In fact, we are so busy during this time it’s easy to feel alienated. And it’s just then that we have friends who are not only asking us what they can do, they are just doing it. We will be forever appreciative of your helpfulness. Some friends of ours we haven’t seen at all since Carter was diagnosed, yet we feel closer to you than we did while seeing you on a regular basis. This experience has definitely allowed us to have renewed faith in people. Thank you. We hope to be as good of friends to you as well.

One friend Matt and I would like to thank is Shannon. You have been amazing. You have managed the Carter Kipp Fight Fund, which has helped our family in a tremendous way. Thank you for being one of the best friends a person could ever hope to have. You are constantly asking what you can do to help (and doing it), even though we are miles apart. We wanted you to know how much your friendship means to both of us. You are irreplaceable in our lives.

We had a pretty relaxed day at home. We did lots of puzzles, games and make-believe (always on Bennett’s terms). The boys got to play outside in the backyard, which was good for Carter. His mobility hadn’t been good enough that I thought he could manage outside, but he did great today. Walking on the grass can be a little tricky for him and climbing is impossible, but he loves “playing catch with Baby Brother”. He makes me show my belly, and then he throws a ball at it. I’m quite sure Baby Brother doesn’t love this game, but Carter thinks it’s hilarious.