Most of everyone who reads my blog basically knows everything that goes on in our lives. So the fact that the community of North Branford is once again stepping up and this time BIG TIME should be no surprise. It all began a few years ago when Extreme makeover was coming to Connecticut. Well, REALLY it all began in 1995 when Sam was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia. Funny when you think of it (although I try not to think of it often) but if things were different and my girls were living life without this horrible disease I would be living a boring but beautiful life! 
I won’t go there though because there is just no point. And after all we are living a beautiful life even with Friedreich’s ataxia.
But after Extreme passed on us people started grumbling and rumor had it that there would be an effort to step up and do it without Extreme. I felt myself cringe! Cringe only because it is so very hard to take from people never mind take something of this magnitude. But then out of the blue Extreme was coming back. This time there seemed to be a bigger push. We even got an interview! Although through it all I had a sense that we just were not exactly what Extreme looks for. Remember it is still a television show with criteria and an obligation to their sponsors. So I don’t take it personally and the family that received the makeover was certainly deserving.
So move on now a year after that and here comes Suzie and Laura. There were people all over trying to do something each time there was a movement to go forward I would sweat a bit more. Suzie wanted to start an organization and that she did. Open your Heart, Help the Community was born! The first project would be to do over our home. Yes, it is crazy and yes it seems impossible and YES it is difficult to just sit here and take. What is amazing however is the fact that despite the economy people from this small town are stopping at nothing. They are generous above and beyond. I wrote a letter to the editor when Extreme didn’t pick us the first time and expressed my heartfelt thanks for the support we get on a daily basis and now what will I do to properly thank all the people who are once again are standing by us? How many cookies can you make to properly express thanks for the strength we get from our wonderful community?
Fran Merola is running around like a nut because so many people are contacting him, I am not even sure he knew what he was getting into. The list is endless (there will be a banner) and the positive energy unbelievable.
We became close to our cousin Architect David Strong and his wife Mary. Even if it all fell apart that bond would have been well worth it! We are now connected for life both by the color purple and my parents butcher block table that sits in their beautiful home! We are stronger and better people because of this project!
Without being too serious and grim I would like to try to give a personal overview on why this strength has been so very critical in giving us a positive life here in North Branford. Two very close friends are going through absolute hell right now with their child who has friedreich’s. I love these people like they are my family, in a certain respect they are my family just like all the other parents who share in the challenging life of friedreich’s ataxia. I hear from them and I feel their pain, I feel their powerlessness and their agony. I send them good thoughts, I pray, I call and I hurt for them. But I can do nothing! Just like the past 14 years as I watch in horror as my girls make their way through life. I am here and I do what I can but there is only so much I can do and the rest I must surrender to and accept. I must stay strong and hang onto my faith! This is any parents nightmare and it doesn’t end! But I am able to do it because of the people in my life……..the people in this town!
So enough of the reality. It is a community of friends – really family! It is the smiles and the cheers, the complements and the good wishes. It is the shoulder to cry on and the hug to get us through. It is everyone on this constant growing list to make this project a reality that keeps us going. You give us strength, you give us hope, you show us what a strong and loving community is really all about!
Now how many cookies can I make in a lifetime to show the appropriate gratitude? Not nearly enough! But I will try, believe me I will!
In peace and love
Always
Mary
11:42 am on October 8th, 2009
Your blogs always help to Open My Heart just a littl ebit more. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
1:25 pm on October 8th, 2009
Great blog, Mary. You are very lucky to have the support of such wonderful friends, family, & great community members, and everyone is equally lucky to have you, Sam & Ally in our lives
You make the world a brighter & better place.
3:18 am on October 9th, 2009
Mary, You have been an inspiration to me.
Paul
11:34 am on October 12th, 2009
Mary: great article in the Register and though usually i would find it upsetting to see trees come down, this is cause to celebrate as the real, physical beginning of your project. I can’t wait to see it completed!
7:41 pm on October 19th, 2009
You don’t have to make cookies. You give so much to people in just allowing them to be part of your life. You and your girls make the world a better place, just by being who you are, and being so open and welcoming to everyone. I am so proud to know you!