Hope in Our Hands: Cell Research on Harper’s Birthday (Pt. 1)
"The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it..." -Nicholas Sparks
Our 3-day, 2-night visit to Harper’s new “home” at a cell research lab in San Diego was filled with so much joy, I hardly know where to begin the story!
Day one, “Travel Day” of our San Diego Research Visit
As always, Dustin and I traveled to San Diego separately. Ever since Harper and her extensive health care needs we felt it was critical that we minimize our chance of something happening to both of us during travel. So we have always done our best to never be on the same plane unless all kids are with us. After five years of this it’s just habit now.
Our first day brought us to the beautiful, seemingly secluded, garden hotel located a short walk away from the lab where Harper now lives. Upon arrival I got a message from Ashley, Brooklynn’s mom, from Believe In Brooklynn. Brooklynn is a 14-month-old with CDKL5, the same disorder as Harper.
I cannot believe that for the first time in five years I did not think to ask if anyone in or near the area I was traveling to would want to get together. For those of you that I missed seeing, PLEASE forgive me. We will be back!!
Brooklynn is adorable with a fantastic big sister, Madison, who Lily would love to meet. Her family was so loving. Dustin arrived in time to get some Brooklynn love before heading back to the hotel. I was able to get the best shot of some AWESOME CDKL5 DADS. Way to go Dads! You are the reason we Moms are able to do what we do. So often you go unrecognized. THANK YOU, DADS of CDKL5 families.
We returned to the hotel in time to be taken to this amazing little local hangout in Cardiff-by-the-Sea where we finished dinner, then literally crossed the street and got right on the beach. We made it just in time for sunset with the part of Harper I carry with me always!
Day one, “Travel Day” of our San Diego research visit, could not have been a better start to this amazing trip.
Day two, meeting many who helped Harper’s life and story
Being two hours behind Texas, Monday morning in California did not arrive as early as I had anticipated. The day before our appointment at the research lab, Dustin and I traveled to downtown San Diego to see the company that makes the RSHO that completely changed Harper’s life! When your child takes a product that transforms them from merely an included member of your family to a lively and interactive member of your family, you should take the opportunity to visit.
Since we were so close that is exactly what we did at HempMeds! Their office has a beautiful view of the harbor and we thanked every person there for their service. From the receptionist, to the owner, to the scientist, to the shipper; each of them have a job with meaning and purpose and the product they are in charge of is changing lives. Literally Changing Families and Changing Lives! And we wanted to thank them!
And we, of course, could not leave without meeting Mr Drew Schlosberg, host of the Union Tribune San Diego Community Spotlight Radio. He has spoken to me about Harper several times on air and it was a pleasure to finally meet him in person.
We ended the evening at dinner with a view of the ocean. The sun setting over the water’s edge left me grateful for the day of meeting so many who helped Harper’s life to change and her story be told! But in that appreciation, a question….
Had we emotionally prepared for the pinnacle day of our journey, what would have been Harper’s 6th birthday?
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