Today marks the third year anniversary since we first heard the word Neuroblastoma and our sweet gorgeous girl linked in the same sentence.
It has been a long road and battle, at times never ending, though through the darkness we have seen amazing acts of human kindness, made new wonderful friends and most importantly still have Imogen here with us fighting her biggest battle and enjoying life to the fullest.
We are grateful for all the support and love we have all received over these last three years. A big thank you to you all. : )
We are very proud of you gorgeous girl Imogen and so very grateful we have been able to be here to hold your hand every step of the way. Fight on Baby Doll, We love you.
With Love and Hope
The Holmes Gang
P.S. One of our gorgeous friends we have met on this journey has found us a pram, Thank you Ree and your friend. Thank you to all who sent emails and suggestions. xx
I am writing on the blog today as I need some help, we are looking at getting a double pram. What I need is some recommendations, or if you know someone selling one a email would be great.
Here's what we want - Most importantly first - one that can hold a weight capacity of about 20 kgs (or more) per child; Side by side I think not tandem, as I have read they are harder to navigate; Must be able to lay back flat for little tired people. One that folds down to not too big. I think that is all for the basics of our wish list for a pram.
We looking to get one as Immie is just not handle working around the shops for any length of time, and would like to also use it when going for walks etc as a family. I have been just carrying Ashton and giving the pram up to Imogen especially when she is feeling tired and sick, but strangely my neck, back etc are not that keen on that idea.
We would really appreciate if you could ask around your friends, neighbours or family for any recommendations if you know someone who has ever used a double pram.
I have not written on the blog for so long now as I really have found it hard to put what has happened since the New Year, into words. I have instead been writing down moments in the last 6 weeks that have taken our breaths away. Some moments have been joyfully priceless, some moments have been heartbreaking.
Ashton being able to wiggle his legs enough that he manages to get himself over to the tiled step where he continues to bump his head on it and wonder why he can’t move any further (the little caterpillar).
“Kody can wear my Mr Renier necklace today to make him all better”, “What about you” (half an hour earlier she had not been feeling so well), “Nah I’m all better today”.
Kody beating Granpa in the fishing competition only to almost faint whilst cleaning the fish. While Immie stood by him pulling out the guts of the fish.
Imogen saying “Mummy you know what, my body’s really sick today : (”
Imogen losing not just one but two teeth in two days and even though she only got $2 from the tooth fairy that $2 was amazingly enough to buy a toy worth much more than that : )
Ashton rolling over, and not doing it again..it’s been over a month since that moment.
Kody being placed in art extension lesson at his school, because he’s art teacher could not believe he did not get into PEAC art.
Imogen rollerblading with Aunty Livi, and looking like she has done it for years. (have no idea where she gets that type of co-ordination – definitely not from her mum).
Being told on the 3rd of February 2010….” the tumour has grown again, though amazingly it is still only localized. You will need to do Radiation again to relieve her pain and pressure on her spine”.
Imogen busting her daddy for picking on Kody, when 5 minutes later she is bossing Kody.
Beautiful first thing morning smiles from Ashton.
Doing an around trip in one day with Lil Ashton and Imogen from Alexander Heights to Attadale (Reniets) to Midland (new DR) to Nedlands (Charlies- Radio) to Alexander Heights (and yes I did have a drink at the end of that day : ).
Ashton chuckling at Imogen’s “YOU THINK I’M FUNNY” chants.
It almost being three years since Imogen was diagnosed with cancer.
Tea parties with Granma.
Imogen picking Cape Gooseberries with Granpa, and exclaiming about the size of her gooseberry she found with her face pushed firmly against Granpa’s.
Imogen meeting her Koala named Imogen and then getting to hold the baby Koala named Sunshine. The effort the Caversham Wildlife park team had gone to get Sunshine the Koala ready for the Imogen force.
Dr Wally the clown doctor ringing us at home (even though we have not rung him back..must do..must do)
Kody taking Imogen to the shops to buy her a DS lite game from his money, and letting her choose what ever she wanted.
Mr Reniet saying “The first step is the hardest one”
Jason coming home after the first time he saw his new truck with air conditioning, a personalised crane and central locking.
The gorgeous portrait card written and drawn by Imogen’s class mates, teacher and aid.
Meeting Alastair Nutall, and being sent to see him when two amazing people were there visiting from Cairns.
Imogen seeing Cheeky Louise for the first time in 5 months, huge hugs and smiles.
Kody telling me “it will all be ok mum”.
Imogen having to do radiation again and her being so peeved because she wants to go to school instead.
Having dinner with the Cook’s, laughs, fun and friendship.
Jason having to roll out of bed, because his abs hurt so much from his new exercise regime (sorry but it was a little amusing).
Imogen beginning new natural treatment.
Dinners bought to us from very very kind people, when the last thing we want to do is cook. Thank you.
Silverchain, and their incredible ability to make you feel at ease, and helping us cover Imogen’s pain.
My family always being there to listen and give the best hugs.
Mum for starting Sunday “Sugar Free” afternoon teas (extremely hard to do
people).
Imogen squashing my face up and telling me that she loves me.
With Love and Hope
Please keep Imogen and us in your thoughts
Happy Zoo New Year for 2010 to our dear friends and family!!
With this in mind can you guess where we spent New Years Eve and celebrated it at the kids friendly time of 9.30pm (much more sensible..I am so sounding old : P).
Yes it was the Perth Zoo, kindly organised by our friends the Ledgers - Dana, Jason, Victoria, Rupert, Lizzie and Penny.
It was an absolute breeze getting there (everyone in Perth must have finished work early as there was no traffic on the freeway), finding parking and then returning home. The kids all went for a walk around the zoo with the dad’s, while the mum’s sat, chatted and talked Ashton into going to sleep : ). After they return we enjoyed a casual feed, and some sword swallowing and Abba singing entertainment. The kids enjoyed dancing along and chasing each other with glow sticks. The countdown began just before 9.30am and was met with a brief fireworks display (can’t imagine what the poor animals thought!!) and more music and dancing.
Lately people had been saying to us, I bet you can’t wait for this year to finish. Upon reflection when we returned home from the zoo, we agreed that this year has definitely not been our worse.
2009 bought us the delightful arrival of Ashton, discovery of new friendships, stronger bonds with our friends who have been with us every step of the way, our gold coast holiday (many many happy memories), arrival of our new niece, Sienna, my sister Olivia relocating permanently to Perth from Kalgoorlie, My mum and dad deciding to remain in Perth (we are now lucky enough to have them around the corner), the success of Jason’s business, awesome report cards from both Kody and Imogen, Kody’s incredible trombone playing : ), a Koloa being named after our Imogen and many more moments and memories that we have been able to experience together as a family.
What an incredible and super year, now we set off sail into 2010, who knows what, will happen. All we do know for sure, is that we’re grateful to have each other.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and super fun 2010
With Hope and Love
Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton
I keep forgetting to add our Picassa Web Album Link, were there are many more photos of our family - here it is -
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis
Christmas Day 2009, was a happy relaxed day. The lead up was crazy and mindblowing, organising two Christmas Dinners at your house for both sides of the family, (lunch and dinner) is not an easy feat. Though with a lot of contribution from the family members the day came together like a fine pecan pie : ). My sister Olivia, the mastermind behind such things as the beautiful Christmas table settings to the organising of the yummy lunch, was so very much appreciated.
With all the lead up towards Christmas, and the added organization involved with the pool, I was not sure how we were going to feel on the day. I should have also added when calculating our emotions a huge serving of sleep deprivation. Our Gorgeous Girl, Imogen awoke at 3 am on Christmas day… we were shortly woken there after, by a very loud announcement of “ SANTA’S BEEN!!!”. After quickly and quietly telling Imogen that even though Santa had been, it was not time to wake up, everyone returned to land of nod. This to us parents was unfortunately short lived with a bounding they came at 5 am onto our bed…at this point I must stop and ask “ Where do kids get all there energy?, and how become when your older you have none!!”..I don’t think there really is an answer….funny that!!.
Well as you can imagine, and as it most likely occurred in most families, wrapping paper was thrown everywhere revealing the gifts from the lists they had written to Santa (clever man, that he is : ). Then this was followed by breakfast..at about 5.30am, that is far too early to eating (or even waking) I believe. Then more presents, from our gorgeous friends. Then the mum and dad presents. Imogen favourite being the Diego Rescue Centre (Well Done to me) and Kody’s was spending the day with us, though secretly I think it was the Star Wars Book from Santa. Ashton, well he had so many Christmas requests..so demanding that child : )..I think his favourite gift would have been a feed from me. I must also mention that Ashton – the perfect spud child, did not wake till 8.45am on Christmas Day, after retiring on Christmas Eve at 6pm (he is truly one of a kind in this crazy family).
The rest of the day carried on, guests arriving, a huge feast for lunch, swimming, feeding, playing WII games…only briefly did we have moments of melancholy. There seemed to be a peaceful air to the day, and I have no doubt that this Christmas will not be the last we spend with our little girl. Late that afternoon, surprisingly (not) Imogen fell asleep. I was very grateful she did as I am not sure of the reception Jason’s family would have received if she had not. All the Holmes’ arrived just after 4, for more swimming, food and laughter. We had a lovely evening and Christmas Day drew to an end at about 11pm, with both me and Jason collapsing on our bed into a DEEP DEEP sleep. Christmas day gave us many perfect and precious memories, though everyday we spend together as a family we continue to capture many more.
I will leave you with something my dear girl said to her littlest brother the other day as he smiled at her.. “Oh Ashton, you made me laugh so much it made my heart smile”
May your heart have plenty to smile about in 2010.
On the weekend (20th and 21st of December) we were blessed with a team of Merry Elves including chief ringleader Dean who built Imogen’s wall of Lurve for our pool. The wall building and completion was kindly organised by Dean’s wife Cherrie. We say a huge thankyou to all the men who donated their precious weekend family time. They all made an amazing wall, making the front of our house basically unrecognisable to what it was. We now have only have to organise the inserts between the pillars, paving and pool shade sail.
Vanya, Cherrie, Lauren and the bubba boys : )
We also received the account today for the most important part of this whole venture “Imogen’s Pool”. Barrier Reef Pools were very generous with a substantial discount on the pool and installation cost.
A big Thankyou to Barrier Reef Pools, Owner/Manager - Brad, Site Foreman - Matt, Excavation - Stefan, Installers - Jason & Andy, Truck Driver & Soil Removal - Syd, Side Iron – Concrete pool footings – Brad and Concrete Taxi.
Side view of our front yard
Thank you does not seem to us to cover the smiles and joy you have brought Imogen with her new pool. Though it is not only the happiness from her that brings us delight it is also from watching Imogen enjoy the pool with her two brothers, Kody and Ashton. The memories we will gain from this are priceless.
“Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns.” Author Unknown
We hope you all receive a boomerang full of kindness : ), your generosity will never be far from our hearts and our minds.
We now have completed the whole fence, with Jason accomplishing a mammoth effort by assembling together the metal pool fencing, we purchased from Bunnings, over the last two days (including Christmas Day : ).
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree - Roy L. Smith To All our Family, Friends and Imogen supporters We wish you a Happy and Gorgeous Christmas, it is with your friendship, love and support we have continued to smile and battle on this year and into this Christmas season and day.
Your love & support continue to amaze us,
We dared to dream that this Christmas we would be able to spend the day with our miracle girl. To our Christmas angels, Thank you for watching over Imogen and all of us, we are forever grateful.
I have wanted to blog again for weeks now, except life always seems to get in the way, which in its own way is a good thing. It is good because I have nothing but normal life to blog, Imogen is full of beans and it’s coming up to the fourth month since she
was again declared relapsed.
We have had many special moments this month, most importantly being the first dip in the pool. At first Imogen was cautious, may have been because the water was freezing!!. Kody was in there straight away, doing bombies and diving and swimming.
By day two he had some competition with Imogen swimming across the pool, and competing in the bombie competitions. Imogen loves the pool, constantly begging to
go in, even when it extremely windy. Actually all our fish love the pool, Ashton has even been in a few times.
We are getting the fence built this weekend, which would never have been able to be achieved without our friend, Dean. This incredible man, has been chief foreman for the cement footing. This part of the wall was never actually meant to be his job : /. Dean has arrived at our house from Chidlow every day for the last four days just after 6 am. He is also the main man behind the brick fence building which will commence tomorrow. A big thank you to Dean, and a big thank you to his wife Cherrie who nominated him for this “lurve” job : ). Without people like him Imogen’s dream would never have happened.
We have also been amazed recently by Kody’s assembly and year 6 graduations performance on the trombone. The school carols night and Imogen’s pre primary concert were also very proud moments. Imogen was the cutest star, and made us laugh when she would randomly decide to sing with the class (very casually and on her terms). Kody sang in the school choir at the school carols and did a great job. Kody has given us many proud moments this month, with his ability to give anything a go, his maturity and an awesome report. All our children constantly amaze us. Imogen also got a great report, she is enthusiastic at school and her zest for life is contagious to all who surround her.
Ashton is just gorgeous, big grins and baby smiles; he is such a placid baby and a wonderful time waster.
My Granny and Ashton
I must also mention we recently got to see my Granny, Ashton was very kind and gave her the loveliest smiles. We really appreciate the effort my Aunty Donelle went to organise this visit.
Our Friends Hannah, Anika and Peter, also came to visit and try out our pool : ).
We are all looking forward to a happy and wonderful Christmas together at our home this year. My family at lunch and Jason’s family at dinner. Christmas is slowly coming together around here, the festive lights made their appearance last night, and very quickly I managed to blow out the safety switch on the power board – hahaha. Might need a few adjustments I think, and even more lights (Jason is cringing in the corner at the thought ; ).
Life for us has been speeding forwards, though not without a few bumps, like an $800 vet bill, Thanks Molly or a sever shortage of people able to deliver the bricks we are short on for the wall. Though in comparison to where we thought we may be at Christmas in regards to Imogen we are very happy.
We are grateful for Mr Reniet’s incredible ability to help our girl, for the roof over our heads, Jason’s successful business and that we are all still living a “normal” life together.
Imogen and Mr Reniets
I was recently listening to a positive thinking audiobook and one phrase really stood out to me…
As we think, so shall we be.
This one sentence can be reflected into many aspects of our life. Take time out of your life to see the positive things, instead of focusing on all that is wrong in your world.
Thanks once again for all the support and love
Lots of love and fun over the silly season
From the Holmes Gang to you
P.S I just realized I never mention that my two big kids have finished school as of yesterday. An are next year going to be in Year ONE for Imogen and the finally year of Primary school for Kody Year SIX. We must thank all their incredible teachers for the last two years. Big Thanks Mrs Barker and Mrs McDonald from Imogen and Mrs Hodgson for Kody xx
Now I have completed updating the holiday I can begin with the next exciting amazing item on Imogen’s Dream list “THE POOL”.
Though first, I must also blog about the incredibly gorgeous thing that our friends at Caversham Wildlife Park have done. They were that inspired and in love with our Imogen, that have decided to name one of their baby Koala after her. To show Imogen her namesake they made up a beautiful framed picture of “Imogen” Koala. Imogen very proudly took it to school for news, and carries it around for all to see. We are hoping to make a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park soon, catch a glimpse of this little Koala.
I must also mention how incredible proud we are of Kody. Kody recently gave his speech to about 200 primary school students, to hopefully be elected into the 2010 counselors for his “LAST” year in primary school. Kody also just attended his PEAC art audition yesterday, even though I was not allowed in the room, I know he would have done a fabulous job. We find out the results of these two already huge achievements at the last assembly.
Ok one more thing, we all must thank our friends Karen and David for inviting us to their Thanksgiving last week. It was absolutely delicious and a real treat to be able to enjoy the special holiday with you. We are definitely having pecan pie for Christmas, I have been craving it ever since : ).
Now the grand arrival of the pool happened on Saturday the 30th of November. The lead up to this huge front yard transformation occurred over many days. Jason went to the front garden like a crazy chainsaw maniac, our once rusty, bird friendly garden then looked like a flat desert. With my favourite tree gone : (, the boys (as Imogen named them, who are actually the incredible men who have helped getting one BIG step closer to achieving Imogen’s dream) came and began to level out the front garden on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately there was a minor glitch in the afternoon with the phone line being temporary cut and the gas line being permanently cut off (only got put back on yesterday, and had the best shower last night ever!!!). We had to wait till Alinta gas arrived to cap off the gas, so that basically cut the afternoon off.
Very early the next day the soil and dirt truck arrived and the boys began to dig and load the truck up. Even to this point our little princess was still not questioning why her crazy parents would have done this to the front garden : P. It was not until the hole for the pool was being dug, did she ask “Why are you digging that hole?”, to this Jason replied ”to store all daddy’s customers cars”. Amazingly enough Imogen was quite happy with that answer. Within an hour that small hole, became an incredibly BIG hole.
Around the corner at 10am rolled a very long and big truck with the pool and crane attached. Imogen was down the hole helping the boys, so did not see the pool ‘sneak’ around the corner. Jason and I called her out of the hole and then she saw for the first time this big blue “bath”. Imogen took a split second to understand that big pool was going into the hole, not daddy’s cars. Imogen and Kody’s grins were huge and both were begging to go in, before the pool had even hit the bottom of the hole. Imogen and Kody were very spoilt and got an exclusive in the pool after it had landed helping the guys fill it up, with the whole 30cms of water allowed. After settling and organising some more pool requirements, all were ready for a sausage sizzle and salad. This then lead to the end of the first day of the pool’s arrival.
Since then a temporary fence has been erected, more work has been done on the plumbing etc (BIG thank you Matt!!) and bricks order and arrived (within 4 hours of ordering..no flies on Midland bricks). Compacting around the pool should be done by Friday, with hopefully a dip into the pool by Friday afternoon or over the weekend. Which would be awesome as the temperature for Sunday is forecasted into the high 30’s.
Imogen’s dream is official on the way, we all can’t wait to be able to share with her a care free and happy Christmas and summer holiday by the pool. Without the assistance of the boys : ), your generous donations and the incredible support of the Kids Cancer Support Group we would never have been able to reach this goal in such record time.
We send a big Thank you to all with Love and Hugs from the Holmes Gang.
Blog again soon
With Love and Hope Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and the incredibly cute Ashton : ).
Wednesday our 5th day was our quiet day, the weather was bleak. Mum, Dad and me went to Pacific Fair Shops again for a look and a few purchases, like some extremely cute bathers for Ashton : ). Meanwhile Jason and the tinlids swam and watched tele. In the afternoon, we relaxed. Later on My Aunty Anne and her grand daughter Erina arrived for a visit. They both live in the outer suburbs of the Gold Coast an Hour and half drive, a fair trek from our hotel. It was great to see them both, it has been a long time since I saw my Aunty Anne, but an even longer time since I had seen my cousin Erina who I remember as a little kid. Another day came to an end on Imogen’s magical Make a Wish.
For all the relaxing we did on Wednesday, Thursday our 6th Day at Dreamworld made up for it. Dreamworld was awesome; there really is something for everyone. From Wiggles land to Motorbike racing to Nick world to TigerIsland, everyone was covered.
We spent a lot of time in Nick world, where Imogen and Kody test trialled every ride at least 3 - 4 times. Imogen must have gone on the ride Angry Beaver’s Fishing over 10 times, she actually did not get off for about ½ hour : P. The tigers were gorgeous and very clever at their show, jumping and catching, just like “extremely” big kittens.
n Wiggle world, Ashton and I had a photo taken with Dorothy the Dinosaur. Both of the big kids had a heap of photos taken with Sponge bob, Patrick, Dora and Angelina.
The highlight of the day was when Kody entered the “Slimebowl”. This live TV show involves a red and blue team fighting it out through mini competitions, with the ultimate prize of being slimed. Yes, I know to any adult this sounds crazy…you get slimed for winning…but to an 11 year old boy named Kody this was an awesome idea. Anyway, first you must get picked to be one of team captains out of a crowd. Kody was going to make sure it was him picked, by jumping up and down and pleading with the hosts to pick him. Luckily he was chosen : ) for the red captain, now he just had to cheer his team on and hope they won the competitions that would allow (??) him to get slimed. Game one, red was winning, game two, blue was winning and game three red WON!!!. Team Red won the whole competition, and Kody GOT SLIMED!!!!. He was so happy to be slimed and I think he thought he could have now walked on water, taken by the huge smile on his face.
It was great to see Kody get to do something he really wanted to do, without the influence of his little sister’s illness. At times even though he knows Imogen has been very sick and had to endure many procedures it is hard to watch her get so much attention. Getting slimed was a win for Kody, which made Jason and me very happy.
After a few more rides and purchases, the day came to a close, with everyone leaving the park with beaming smiles.
WE LOVED DREAMWORLD!!!.
The next day it was time to pack up. We had an early check out, so we walked down to Broachbeach shops. While Immie and Jas hit the beach for a swim with no bathers, hence rudey girl, Dad, Mum, Me and Kody hit the shop for a few staples for a Virgin Blue Flight.
The airport transfer arrived at 12, to the airport for a big delay. This then made our stop over in Sydney, extremely short – woo hoo. Ashton was a saint the whole way home, Imogen made a new friend and Kods went and sat with Mum and Dad. For some reason the company who organised the flights for Make a Wish thought it would be a good idea to place me, with all three kids about 20 rows apart from Mum, Dad and Jason…hahahaha…I don’t think so, I was quick to swap some seats around.
Finally home, we were greeted with the PerthAirport beginning to shut down due to a fire alarm. Luckily the kids and Jason got out before the entrances were closed, which just left me and the old folks to walk out to the entrance. We arrived home and collapsed, very grateful for an incredible once in a lifetime Make a Wish for Imogen and Us.
