Friday 3 May 2013

People are Awesome


Mel's diagnosis last May changed our world completely and I honestly can't fully wrap my head around her passing on Wednesday.  The one thing I know for certain is that people are awesome.  For us it was a terrible situation to be in, but everyone around us made it easy to focus on trying to get Mel better .  I am so grateful to so many people who helped us out over the last year.   Our family has been amazing, and that is all I really need to say about that. On the health care side, we had such positive experiences with every nurse, doctor, tech, therapist, and receptionist we encountered.  It is comforting to know we got the best care possible for Mel.  The community we live in offered such amazing support.  We had people dropping off meals, baking, and countless offers to help with the kids.  I have a few tupperware containers in the drawer that I know we never bought....sorry if you didn't get yours back.  People just wanted to help and do what they could to make things more manageable for us.  One day we came home and found someone had taken down our Christmas lights while we were at an appointment. Even on social media and email we had such tremendous support.  It felt strange posting a blog on Facebook after Mel passed, but I know so many people were concerned and it seemed like an effective way to let all those who cared know.  Both Mel and I had close friends, friends we grew up with, friends we went to university with, people we has lost touch with all reach out with words of support.  I have read all the text message, emails, comments on this blog, and  all the Facebook comments sent my way (and also on Mel's page).  All that support is appreciated. Things didn't work out the way we wanted, but there was a good lesson, that people are awesome.  Thanks.

Will
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10 comments:

  1. Geneva Burton 4 May 2013 at 07:13

    Hi Will, Sophie & Liam.

    I never had the opportunity to meet Melissa, and I'm not in touch with you much anymore. However, as an old friend, and as your peer, I wanted to reach out and send my condolences to each of you. I have nothing original to say, my heart is guiding me to say "I am so so sorry", and I am very glad to know that you have such a vast team of support and love holding you.

    Please know that there is love, prayers for strength and healing being sent from our entire family out to yours.

    In reading through this blog, without ever being lucky enough to have met her, Melissa shows her amazing grace and strength of spirit. What an incredible woman you were blessed to have shared part of your life with.

    I am proud of you, I know you will do well, and continue to raise your beautiful babies in the way that you both had intended to do, together.

    I am not sure when I will see you again, we'll run into one another down the road I am sure, but i have a big tight hug for you. Until then my friend, be well, and take care of you too.

    Geneva Burton

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    Replies
    1. Sibylle de Loi4 May 2013 at 08:48

      To Thomas Family & Pratt Family,
      Melissa was so cheerful, with that great smile of hers. I have fond memories....our trip to Disneyland! Dressed in black wigs for our performance of American Woman, endless pictures of the dance team having fun in California! I remember her childhood home, some sleepovers and when she had to suffer through her jaw surgery, with liquid food shakes!
      She was always positive, kind and caring.
      A big hug to her kids and especially you Will, for taking such good care of her. Love Sibylle

      Delete
  2. Anonymous4 May 2013 at 12:06

    Will, Sophie, Liam and family,
    We are truly saddened to hear the news of Melissa's passing. Words are very difficult to gather at times like these however please know that you are in our thoughts.
    David and Christina Clark (Paul L's friends)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown4 May 2013 at 17:29

    Will,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will deeply miss her. I am a better person for knowing her! I will forever cherish our memories...
    You and the entire family are in my constant thoughts!

    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jay Newell5 May 2013 at 14:58

    Dear Team Pratt,

    I must say, your latest blog post was amazing, they all have been. People ARE amazing! And their amazingness is only amplified when dealing with people like you and Melissa and your families. You guys have been out of this world with your communication to us, the other people who care so much but aren't there with you in your inner circle. My family and I thank you and Mel so much for sharing the fears and joys, successes and setback, laughs and tears, throughout this last year and giving us the opportunity to share such a high level of connection to you.

    We are so sorry for your loss, at the same time as being so happy to know Team Pratt!

    Much Love, Jay Newell

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  5. Anonymous6 May 2013 at 21:11

    Dear Will,

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Although we never met Melissa, it was very good to read the blog that you both wrote. Your love for each other is so evident and we hope that your cherished memories will help you greatly as you move forward.
    We are praying for you - that the Lord will provide you and your children much peace and comfort at this time.
    Sincerely, Bob and Caroline Isaak

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  6. Anonymous6 May 2013 at 22:14

    Will, Sophie, Liam, Jeff and Kathy, our condolences go out to you all in the passing of Mel. Mel had a shorten life on earth but she will have eternity in Heaven. We will continue to pray for all of you and hope God will comfort and surround you with His love as well as give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Love and blessings, Jan and Kim Kascak

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  7. Anonymous7 May 2013 at 16:02

    Will,

    We are so sad to learn this news. Please know that you and your family are in our constant thoughts. We are sending all of our strength!

    Barb and Kevin Cutjar

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kerry7 May 2013 at 21:51

    Will,

    We will continue to be there for you in the future. I hope you understand that people want and need to help for their own healing, so please don't be afraid to let everyone know what you need. Mel touched a lot of lives and your situation affected so many of us deeply. The community of friends share your sorrow, and I hope we will some how be able to take some of the burden from you. Our greatest sympathy goes out to you and Sophie and Liam.
    Much love,

    Kerry and Aart

    ReplyDelete
  9. maggie.danhakl@healthline.com10 April 2014 at 13:30

    Hi,

    Healthline just designed a virtual guide of the effects of chemotherapy on the body. You can see the infographic here: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/effects-on-body

    This is valuable med-reviewed information that can help a person understand the side effects they are experiencing from their chemo treatment. I thought this would be of interest to your audience, and I’m writing to see if you would include this as a resource on your page: http://theprattteam.blogspot.com/2012/05/chemotherapy.html

    If you do not believe this would be a good fit for a resource on your site, even sharing this on your social communities would be a great alternative to help get the word out.

    Thanks so much for taking the time to review. Please let me know your thoughts and if I can answer any questions for you.

    All the best,
    Maggie Danhakl • Assistant Marketing Manager
    p: 415-281-3124 f: 415-281-3199

    Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health
    660 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
    www.healthline.com | @Healthline | @HealthlineCorp

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    ReplyDelete

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