Reflections

Please take a minute to read the following letter that was sent to us by Ali's grandmother, Mary Driscoll ("Mare" to Ali), who is in our eyes, a living saint. We love you Mare.

Dear Ed and Angela,

Enclosed is part of a bouquet of flowers (it was four times the size) from last night’s tribute to Ali at the Inly School. The classmates of our sweet angel each took a flower, lit a candle and offered a prayer of love and thanks for all of the wonderful times and special memories they shared with Ali. The exceptionally kind and loving community assured us that she will be forever in their hearts. Inly will forever honor you, Blaise and our girl so wondrous.

Last night we shared an emotional time of joy and love, full of many tears and much laughter as we told dozens of stories about our darling sweetheart. Each teacher reminisced of Ali’s infectious smile, indefatigable spirit and unique way of seeing the world. Her magical way of expressing her thoughts and feelings in such measured tones was the source of so many fantastic tales. Her out of the blue remarks about everything from the merits of growing asparagus, to Mommy’s brand of facial cream du jour to Blaise’s attempt at warming his winter boots by placing them in a hot oven, kept everyone apprised of all the goings-on at home...and kept everyone at school laughing.

Donna (Head of the School) read “The Little Engine That Could” and continued on to recount Ali’s sweet determination, quiet authority and great concentration. She spoke of how Ali, too, managed to somehow climb mountains that were seemingly impossible to scale.

It is hard to understand this life, but I do know there is more to it than just this. The agony of losing a child murders the luxury of life. I find some solace in talking to her every day, throughout the day, as I do with Daddy and Stephen. I pray for her and I pray that she will give you and Blaise the grace and strength to make it through each day that goes by without her. Ali’s spirit will live on through you and all of the people she touched, and many good things will happen as life goes on.

She will always be my special, wonderful little girl and I know my Dolly Doll will be waiting for me.

I Love you Blaise, Ed and Angela,

Mom

The following letter was sent to us by Janet Dolan, Ali's tutor at the Inly School in Scituate, MA. She is a supremely talented reading and writing specialist...and an even better human being:

Dear Ed and Angela,

Words can not express my sadness over losing Ali. It seems like a brief moment ago that we sat together and read...and laughed!

I would like to share some memories of Ali with you. Perhaps they will be a little bit rambling, but this has been such a difficult letter to compose.

I always thought that if a book were written about Ali, it would be entitled “Through Ali’s Eyes.” She had such a perceptive way of looking at the world. Unlike most children her age, she truly “thought” about life and its meaning. Consequently, she understood her friends, her family, and her work as a student.

In her final year at Inly, she was “Queen of the Hill.” She was always busy at work and playing with her friends. Watching Ali and Michaela was quite a sight! She had a serene confidence. The girl had arrived!! How well it worked that she spent that year at Inly!

Often when we worked together, Ali would say “you know, some day I am going to...” She had such wonderful dreams...I am certain she would have been such a successful and wonderful adult; however, through Ali’s Discovery, she will be immortal in her fight to cure childhood cancer.

With humor, I remember her camping trip...the planning, the planning!! As I recall, the weather wasn’t great and I wondered how Angela survived! I knew Ali had it under control and she said it was wonderful.

I remember her stories about her family. I could never quite master everyone’s names, but Ali loved all of them and so looked forward to her family “parties.” I think all gatherings to Ali were parties. In our last summer of tutoring, she NEVER went swimming, but ALWAYS had a pool “party” to plan.

Ali on naming things: each stuffed animal she brought to school or my house had a well chosen name. Ali really thought about the name and the animal quite a bit before she came up with the just the right name. I would offer suggestions - and get either an eye roll or a giggle. Oh, I loved those giggles! I remember giving the Vermont Teddy with the hospital gown. At the time I thought she would never need the hospital gown...how wrong I was.

I remember when you brought the professionals in to talk to us about Ali. I so remember the frightened look on Angela's face and wishing a miracle would happen for Ali and your family. I believe I told you at some point that my beautiful niece Holly died from cancer in 2003. I knew that frightened smile quite well.

I remember when Ed would pick her up from tutoring; we would see him arrive from my room at school and Ali would get so excited! What a blessing for you, Ed, that your schedule over the last few years gave you such precious moments with Ali. She always looked so protected in your strong arms!

And Blaise - such a lucky boy to have Ali love him, worry about him and direct him. She would sometimes ask if she could “pick him up” at after school before Ed or Angela arrived. And she would ask with authority!

And learning to read...I was so delighted to see on her website how she loved to read. Thank you so much for asking me to help on her journey of learning to read. Our sessions were wonderful. Even though she was sometimes tired, she worked hard - very hard - and delighted in her progress. Of course, I always had a snack on hand, and during the summer, she would often read her final story to my tiny Pomeranian dog, who would sit up and be the most attentive audience with her big brown eyes looking up at Ali. Of course - Ali always gave a command performance!

At some point, I would love to speak with you and hear about Ali’s final year. How did the new school work? When did she get sick? I had heard she was ill, but I had no idea she was so ill. I will always regret that I did not get to see her only one more time.

Well, I will close for now. I will think of you all each day and I would love to get together if you are in the area.

Every day, I will think of Ali - with a cute outfit, little go-go boots, a stuffed animal, Blaise and a book, siting on a window seat wishing on a star. Tonight let us all wish on that same star that no one will ever have to see a child suffer from cancer.


With much love (and many tears),


Janet Dolan