We Love You Ali

Ali's doctor, John Maris, said that she never let cancer get in the way of her being a kid. The fact that these words were so true is no surprise - they came from a man who is a rare combination of brilliance, compassion and pure goodness. We thank you Dr. Maris and Diane Baniewicz for giving us four years with Ali since the time she was diagnosed.

Ali lived every single day to the fullest; embracing life like no one I have ever known. Whether it was learning to ride a bike in one day, teaching her little brother Blaise to swim, skiing, or learning to read and write, her boundless energy and passion for living allowed her to experience more joy in her eight years than most people will in a lifetime. She was kind, caring , loving, very funny and as one of her school reports said a "truly good friend."

Her sense of humor was evident, just recently when she got her beloved hamster "Nibbles." She of course needed to know everything about hamsters, so we did our research on the internet and she became an expert on all things hamsters. Just after that, we were at clinic and Dr. Maris, as he always did during our visits, asked Ali if she had any comments or questions. Ali thought for a moment and said "Nibbles doesn't look Syrian? Are you sure that is where he is from?" Dr. Maris said that was an excellent question and we all had a good laugh.

She was a little girl who liked nothing more than snuggling with her mom and dad after a long day and watching TV or reading a book. Each morning when we would ask her how she felt, she would say "Good, how do you feel?"...and she meant it.

So, her legacy is, first and foremost, one of kindness...but it is also that of a courageous fighter. From the time she was born six weeks early, she faced obstacle after obstacle. And she met each one head on - and won the battles. Now, it's time for her to rest - you fought longer and harder than anyone could ever be expected to, honey, and now you can be at peace.

From time to time, over the last six months, Ali would ask me if my father was sleeping when he died. I told her "yes, he was fast asleep and having happy dreams." And she would say "he was lucky, that is just what I would want." God granted her wish, she passed peacefully just as Papa Frank did, and now they are together.

Last week at the hospital, when she was in and out of consciousness, she heard Marianne say that she was cold. We thought she was sleeping until we saw her reach down and hand her precious blanket to Marianne. This says so much about her and about Marianne - who Ali loved so dearly. Thank you for giving up so much of your own life to make Ali's (and Blaise's) better. We can never repay you for your selflessness and love.

Ali was so lucky to be surrounded by such loving family. One of the highlights of every week was our visit to Mare's house and Ali's annual birthday party at Mare's, where she always felt so loved and welcome, was looked forward to all year.

Nana and Papa gave up a year of their life to be with us when Ali got sick and we are forever indebted to you. And no matter how difficult life was, she could get through anything knowing that her next trip to Florida to visit them and Uncle Kevin and Aunt Missy was just around the corner.

I'm not sure how we would have made it through the last year without Jude and Marcea's love and support. Not only did you provide us food, shelter and everything else we needed, but you gave Blaise a place in your home and hearts when we couldn't always be there for him - he could not have been in better hands. Ali's love for Natalie and their very special friendship made Ali's world complete.

Thank you to both of our families for the endless stream of phone calls and visits over the last four years, and the last nine months in particular. It has meant the world to us, particularly when Ali recently said, after scanning her hospital room full of 30 people, "I really have a lot of people who love me, I'm very lucky."

From Kathleen's daily presents in the mail to Caitlin's friendship bracelets, to our trip to Tommie and Margaret's at the shore, where Ali and Katherine had their record-breaking lemonade stand and rode the waves with Uncle Tommie, Ali's smiles were never ending.

It is time to say goodbye for now, but not without saying thank you to you Ali for being such a precious gift for almost nine years. The happiness and joy that you brought us with your love and kindness will be with us always. We love you more than anything sweety - and that is forever.