True Friends ~ The Best Medicine 12/29/13

Yesterday Forrest and his Family received an infusion of life giving love, powerful music, and the purest form of positive energy, true friendship!

When we realized Forrest was not going to make his own "Open House Celebration" yesterday, we reached out to of few of his close friends and.....

SHAZAM the party came to Forrest at WHC!  The hospital generously accommodated our crazy request to have a surprise Birthday/ Christmas party and lent us a corner of the cafeteria. Their staff quickly got into the idea, finding poinsettias, rearranging tables and chairs, baking loads of pizzas and even a big birthday cake! 

Nathan, Kyle, & Mike hauled in a keyboard and guitars and friends texted and called each other and carpooled into DC. The neurosurgery team got Forrest cleared to travel down to the cafeteria and Grandmother Norma provided the cover story with an invitation to get Forrest out of his tiny hospital room and go down for lunch.  Of course, Forrest told us later he saw texts on my phone and knew something was up, but he graciously played along!

There was music, laughter, animated tales of shared adventures, joking and merriment, all sorely needed at this particular time. Since Tom Sweitzer couldn't be there with you in person, he sent a recording of himself singing "The Impossible Dream" so that you and he could sing your duet for the gathering.   It was a magical interlude, providing Forrest and his bedraggled team with renewed energy, faith, and hope for a brighter future. 

To Forrest's friends:  Donna Roberts wrote, " A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." Together, you all have helped Forrest hold on to his song and have given him the courage and motivation to keep singing even when he couldn't find the words.  As you head back to college, know that you are loved and admired.  Thank you for giving Forrest the most precious gift in life, true friendship. 

With a grateful heart,

Mum