Hey friends,

It’s been a month since Russell passed. Some days have been ok (good, even- am I allowed to say that?) and others have been so heavy. Pete keeps us getting out of bed, but it’s hard some days.

I wanted to say thank you for everything. We’ve received so much in memory of Russ. My team at Evergreen had a tree planted with a plaque in Russ’s honor at the hospital. Someone (it didn’t come with a card, but thank you!) had a star officially named after Russ in the International Star Registry. There were so many donations made to Seattle Children’s Hospital in Russ’s name that his name will be added to the memorial wall in the hospital, where it will stay for 20 years. We’ve received wind chimes, keepsakes, cards and letters, doordash funds, gear for Pete, and probably more things I’m forgetting. Thank you thank you thank you.

I think the thing I’ve been most thankful for is your prayers and continued support. I can’t believe it’s been a month already, and at the same time it feels like just yesterday that I was praying he would please eat. Thank you for continuing to check in on us, make plans with us, and help us grieve or feel normal depending on the day. I say Pete keeps us going, but I absolutely don’t know where we’d be without you all behind us. 

Love,

Bess