January 31, 2024
1 Year + 346
Almost a year ago we were given the contact information for Tatum’s bone marrow donor. Tate had been chosen to meet him at a Gala in NYC. So initially, I didn’t reach out per the rules of the “blind first time meeting.” I admittedly did do a quick look on the internet and had put together a “story” in my head. That Gala opportunity disappointingly didn’t come together for us.
Fast forward months and I’ve had a half written letter this whole time. For the same reason I haven’t been able to get myself to get a handicap placard for the car, I couldn’t finish it. Our gratitude is so beyond words. I wanted to share that with the huge “Thank you for saving our daughters life.” I didn’t want to share the follow up. I only wanted to share happy, grateful words and emotions. I wanted to protect our donors heart and not take away from this incredible gift he gave not only Tate but all who love her. I didn’t know how to do that.
If you’ve been around us in person, you’ll hear us reference “Patrick.” Patrick gets credit for Tate liking new foods, loving to watch sports and even seasonal allergies. I think of him daily.
During Tates admission in Dec, I looked at Instagram and a blog of sorts popped up. A beautiful young woman mentioned a move to Dallas with her husband, Patrick. The similarities were too great for what I knew and I impulsively sent her a message. I’m never on IG and didn’t see a response from Gabi until this admission which confirmed the connection. On Monday, I had an opportunity to message with Patrick. To know how many donors we went through and the difficulty and delays getting to transplant, Patrick (and Gabi) were clearly chosen by God for Tate and our family. We are so grateful to be connected and excited for this new friendship and to officially know someone who has been part of our family for almost two years now. The emotions that came with this connection are difficult to describe. I included a small excerpt from Patrick. His message gave us a look into his beautiful heart and left us in tears. You all prayed for Patrick too. For the match, for him as the marrow was harvested and for his cells to do what transplant was designed for.
There is so much more to come.
God Bless these two.
Patrick and Gabi, we love you.