Happy 21st Birthday
In both of Devin's homes Newark and New York a few friends gathered to laugh and drink a toast to him. He would have so enjoyed both gatherings. If you follow this link you will see a video of the occasion in New York http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSN3w6nmBew. Of course the mom didn't take any pictures, she never does remember to do that. To our friends, thanks for taking the time for this is what life is about -- laughter and love. The New York friends ate so many dinners (Hi Ilajean!) and had so many great adventures with us. The Hartungs (http://www.dylanhartung.net/) from Austraila have been there since before Oct. 05. Chloe and her mom from Taiwan played Blokus with us and enjoyed Christmas in July with the youngest Lohan. Eli and his family from Iowa were bowling and baseball companions. David and Cherilyn shared their dogs with us. Computer Rich renamed Larry and could always make Devin laugh. The friends and staff (thanks for the picture of the Cheerleader, blokus and Winged Foot golf) from all over the world and even California (Hi Megan) we will always remember you and pray for you in your challenging times and your mission to care for parents and children.
Another fighter we so admired and introduced us to Blokus Mitch Maxey (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mitchmaxey) joined the poker players in heaven. We so enjoyed being with him and his mother.
Tori who went to Texas on spring break to help the people there sent this note and the photo. She also made it to Devin's birthday party:
Hope all is well. This is of a picture of me, with Devin's shirt, somewhere between Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas on a beach off the Gulf of Mexico. Went to Port Arthur this spring break to do some hurricane clean up. I get a lot criticism wearing a NC shirt being from Granville but I don't care. Plus once I tell everyone the story behind the shirt they always understand. But for whatever reason its one of my favorite shirts now and it is incredibly soft. :)
We thank again all you who completely funded Devin's scholarship at Newark Catholic! Thanks to those who send us wonderful notes (Jill, yes we will go to dinner) all those you think of us (Mason and McKenzie) with flowers.
We are back at the track watching McKi run. Of course it is bitter sweet to be there where Devin spent so much time but we can feel him there yelling at her to "Use your arms, pass someone and try harder!" In all those young runners (junior high) we see so much potential -- please keep working-- Devin so enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. And finally to the seniors on the basketball team who played with Devin as freshman -- congratulations on making it to the Sweet 16. He so wanted to be a coach and it was impossible for him to see you play because of the germs. It was the hardest thing for him to give up basketball.
The Reids and Alison and Dan Hammergren
