That's right.  Brady's Smile needs your ideas.  While we know we are going to have another big fundraiser in Clearfield this Fall, we need to have some additional fundraisers between now and then to keep the programs expanding and changing lives.  And that's where you come in!  We need your help in coming up with fun, different and effective ideas to raise money for our programs.  Think big - think small - think about when - think about where - think about how - and don't forget to think outside the box!  Send your suggestions to info@bradyssmile.org or post a comment to the blog.

I've been trying to think about what to write all day.  What does one write on the day that would have marked Brady's 3rd birthday and also marks 1 year since his death?  Do I miss him?  Of course.  Do I wish he was here? Absolutely.  Does today hurt a lot?  You betcha.  Is any of this fair?  No - none of it.  Every email and phone call, card and kind thought has reminded me of this all day long.  But that's our life - that's what we've been dealt and we'll continue to move forward while never forgetting our past.

I heard an expression on a credit card commercial the other day that has stuck with me ever since.  It simply said "Move Forward By Giving Back."  I couldn't help but love that.  The simplicity.  The beauty.  The truth.

That is what we've done.  We've had a choice since Brady passed - curl up in a corner, feel bad for ourselves and sulk or stand up, dust ourselves off and live life to the fullest.  We chose the latter and in creating Brady's Smile we were able to move forward from the horrible pain and sadness by giving back.  Giving back to those people we connect with the most - chronically ill and disabled children and their families and caregivers.  That's right - the creation of Brady's Smile has been the moving force in our lives that has allowed us to move forward.

And move forward we have.  Did you know that our latest figures indicate we touch the lives of over 600 ICU children/parents/caregivers EVERY MONTH?  600 people who are otherwise having a bad day or bad week, a bad month or bad year.  But Brady's Smile is there for them and has helped make life a little bit easier for at least a little while.  Maybe it was a much needed distraction or some good old comfort food.  Maybe it was the soothing music or soft blanket they were able to roll their child up in and keep them warm.  Simple yet effective and impactful programs that not only feel good to those who benefit from them, but also from those of us who make it possible.

Which gets back to you - our supporters.  You have made this possible.  You have helped us move forward by giving back.  You have shown us that what we are doing is important and worthwhile, special and powerful.  You are Brady's Smile.  That's right - you are Brady's Smile - you are the means by which we carry on the spirit of our son - the inspiration of this tiny charity - and means for changing the world one sick child at a time.  You are our heroes.  You inspire us.  You push us to work harder and grow larger and make a difference.  I can't say it enough - Thank You.  On this day to remembrance, I can't help but think about all the happiness you bring us as we deal with all the sadness surrounding Brady's death.

With that, I'll end this post with a final thought.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't struggle with this life that has been dealt to me but there also isn't a day that goes by that I don't realize how blessed I truly am.  To be surrounded by such amazing family, friends and supporters and watch as our new dream of Brady's Smile expands and changes lives reminds me of just how lucky I am and how much worse it could be.  I've chosen to live the rest of this life in service to those who are hurting and hope that you will join me in moving forward by giving back.  It is a journey that is worth taking and feels better than any job or bonus or paycheck could ever feel.  I promise you won't be disapointed and look forward to our future together.

It sure feels like it.  It was in the 60's this weekend, just a few days after a foot of snow was dumped on us!  I don't get it.  But I know this - I am hoping the nice weather is here to stay and no more snow comes our way.

I've tried to keep this Community focused on what we're doing at Brady's Smile and keep any personal entries out of it but this nice weather keeps pushing me down memory lane and making me miss Brady even more.  I'm sure it doesn't help that a week ago last year we were packing up our Pittsburgh apartment and heading back to CT.  It probably also doesn't help that next weekend marks 1 year since Brady passed and also would have marked his 3rd birthday.

But it really is the weather that is getting to me.  For those of you who knew Brady, you might remember that he smiled the most when the weather was nice.  He loved a cool breeze on a warm day, beeming ear to ear while we walked around the neighborhood and hung out at the beach.  As a blind child, he relied on every other sense to experience life and without a doubt he loved the wind against his face, often smiling larger in an attempt to try and "capture" the wind in his mouth. 

So that smell of spring - that nice, warm smell that you only really feel at the beginning of spring and end of summer has once again arrived and is hitting me hard.  I want to go for a walk or take a stroll on the beach.  I want to sit outside and enjoy coffee in the morning or a beer in the evening.  I want to open the windows and let that awesome smell in the house.  But it just doesn't feel the same without my boy.  And it hurts and hurts and hurts.

But we'll continue to channel that pain into something good and continue to grow Brady's Smile.  I can't help but sit back now and then and think about how different our life is today versus a year ago - 2 years ago - 5 years ago.  We spent Friday night cutting fabric to provide to kids committed to making our Brady Blankets.  Haha - cutting fabric!  Our dining room is no longer a dining room but a makeshift warehouse filled with bottled water and books and cd players and blankets.  We can't have people over for dinner anymore! 

But that's our life now - and we love it - and we continue to make sure that smile isn't forgotten and continue to make sure that smile inspires anyone who hears about it.  Often lost in the tragedy of Brady's death is that it also marked the birth of Brady's Smile and a complete and utter change in focus of our lives, one now dedicated to service and helping those who are struggling in the ICU.  I just wish we could have both Brady and Brady's Smile here at the same time, but unfortunately, that's only in my dreams.

I guess that's all for now - sorry for the random post but every now and then a personal post will sneak in there.  I can't help it. 

That's right - Symphony of Smiles came, went, and succeeded.  48 hours later, I can't help but continue to think back to that great day.  All the hard work, planning and coordination was well worth it when I saw smile after smile throughout the day's events.

We are still paying bills at this point so we aren't sure how much we made for our hospital-based ICU programs, however, I think it's safe to say that our supporters were more than generous when it came to supporting children in need.  Annie and I wish we could personally thank each and every one of you who came that day, but since that isn't possible, I'll simply say it here - THANK YOU.

We couldn't have done any of this without our many volunteers.  You kept the show moving like a well oiled machine and the event would not have been nearly the success it was without your dedication and support.  GRACIAS.

And to all of our performers, whether you knew it or not there, you were doing more than giving up your valuable Saturday afternoon.  You were also choosing to make a difference in the lives of ICU patients and their families, people having a bad day, or bad week, bad month or bad year.  You touched every person in that audience and should be very proud of yourself.  GREAT JOB.

On a side note, we've officially hit the big time and made it onto Youtube.  Follow the link below to see the video we put together to kick-off Saturday's big event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-3TJWYZQy4

Finally, if you live in Fairfield (or nearby) and love pizza, please help support Brady's Smile this Weds, March 4th, at Pizza Post in Fairfield, CT.  50% of that day's proceeds will go to Brady's Smile but you MUST bring the attached coupon for money to be donated!  Please print it out and help support children in need by simply eatting at your favorite pizza restaurant in Fairfield.

http://www.bradyssmile.org/PizzaPostFundraiser.pdf

Thanks!