Two years ago we lost our Dad to Covid. It still hurts.

 

The Call that made me Scream

The snow fell heavy, in almost blizzard-like conditions that Monday morning, January 3, 2022. For southern Delaware that meant schools were closed for this rare occurrence. Soon after I got the school closing phone call, I got one of the most sickening calls of my life. It was the local hospital where my Dad had been for almost two weeks, most of that time on a ventilator.

Dad’s ICU nurse called to say he had a bad morning and his organs were shutting down. Covid pneumonia had weakened and battered his body for weeks. His oxygen and blood pressure had suddenly dropped despite being on 100% vent support and multiple meds. He might not survive the day. Our family should come to the hospital soon to say goodbye.

I wanted to throw up. I screamed. My fists pounded the bed as I yelled God. I pleaded with Him not to take my Dad. My tearful pleas - why are you doing this? Why are you taking him from us?

Though I knew the outlook was not good after him being sedated on the ventilator for almost 2 weeks, our family prayed and believed for a miracle. After all, he had miraculously recovered from a massive heart attack almost four years earlier and had been doing well.

It was a slow drive through the country roads thickly covered in snow to go pick up my Mom. She was praying with faith, still believing for a miracle. My husband drove his F-150 through the treacherous conditions, which made the typical 20 minute drive to the hospital take what felt like an eternity. Honestly, I was trying not to pass out. The feelings of fear and grief gripped my body, making me light-headed.

Blessed by a Wonderful Father

My Dad, Byron Outten, was the kind of Dad every girl would hope for. He loved the Lord and his family. He was my encourager, support through life’s hardships and biggest cheerleader in my successes. He told me often he was proud of me and that I was beautiful. I knew death would not be the end for him. He raised us in a Christian home, where he was faithful in his morning devotion time. Even now, there are still his hand-written Bible verses on sticky notes surrounding his desk at home. He taught us that if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we would spend eternity in Heaven.

So much of his life was a reflection of Christ’s love. He had a servant heart and generous spirit that was well known in our community. Dad often paid for someone’s meal or coffee, randomly brought people cookies and treats, and helped many in times of financial distress – no matter how tight his finances. He owned a plumbing business for many years, and I’ve lost track of how many times people told me that he fixed their urgent plumbing need for little or no payment. The world was a better place with my Dad in it.

At the Hospital

The hospital was full of patients, but the main lobby was empty. No visitors due to Covid. Unless your loved one was at the end.

The three of us were solemnly led through the quiet halls up to the ICU.

I had seen my Dad on the ventilator through the hospital’s video facetime many times before that day. I would call the hospital and the nurse, fully garbed up and looking like someone from the movie “Outbreak”, would prop up the tablet on the tray facing my Dad. I could see the tubes in his mouth and hear the air being forced into his lungs through the machine. Rough to see but I wanted to talk to my Dad. I told him about life and the events surrounding the holidays. I would post updates on social media and read him the hundreds of comments from family and friends who were sending love and prayers.  On Christmas Day my Mom, brothers and I called and sang him a few Christmas carols. On New Years Day, my sister and I called him, trying to be hopeful and happy in the new year.

Dad never opened his eyes or responded much in a way we could tell, but the nurse told me his heart rhythms on the monitor would change when we called.

But as we walked into the hospital that day, Dad looked worse than I expected. His religiously clean-shaven face was scruffy, his silky white hair was matted, his skin color too yellow, and his cheeks worn from the adhesives for the ventilator.

The staff was gracious and allowed us to spend hours with him that day, as the snow continued to fall all morning and later subsided. My Mom loved on her husband of 43 years. She prayed scriptures over him and played his favorite worship songs and displayed faith I’d rarely seen. Even in his frailty, she kept praying for a miracle.

More family arrived at the hospital - my two brothers, one’s girlfriend and my Dad’s beloved only sister and her husband. My three young children were not allowed in to see their Grandpa, and they are still upset they did not get to say goodbye in person.   

Dad survived that day. We think it’s so that my out-of-state older sister could have time to come down and be there.

The Day we lost Dad

We returned to the hospital all together the next day, emotionally exhausted. The eight of us surrounded his bed when Dad took his last breath on January 4, 2022. It was exactly one month from the last time I had been able to give him a hug before he became ill with Covid-19.

That same day we saw two other families in the ICU saying goodbye to their loved ones.

We know that we were among the fortunate ones to be by Dad’s side at the end of this life. For countless many, Covid restrictions did not allow that and the nurses and doctors were left with the heavy role of being there in the final moments of life. It really is a truly awful illness.

So much Grief and Loss

Many times since our schools and businesses shut down in March of 2020, we wanted to believe the pandemic was not as bad as they said. That it only impacted people with pre-existing conditions.

Yes, my Dad had troubled lungs and a weak heart prior to getting Covid. But those pre-existing conditions did not make the immense loss any easier.

And this story is not about vaccination status. Please don’t make it so. It’s a story about a relatable loss and grief that millions around the globe experienced over the past few of years. And according to an ICU nurse I spoke with, one of the most common feelings that accompanies grief is Guilt from families who lost loved ones to Covid. We wonder and question if more could be done to save our loved ones.

For our community, early 2022 seemed to be about the hardest hit time. That January four people from my Dad’s church passed away – reportedly two were vaccinated and two were not. Within the weeks following, I watched three other families with women my age suffer through watching a very similar downward spiral in their fathers’ health and untimely death to Covid. Then I heard of several more – so many men in their sixties were dying. It was alarming.

The local funeral home director was so empathetic and compassionate toward us, even during the busiest time he had experienced in his career. It was unlike anything before. So many grieving families.

My Dad’s funeral lasted three hours. It may seem long but there was much to share about his life well lived, and many of those in attendance or who watched online said it was one of the best services they’d ever seen.

A month later, I celebrated my 40^th birthday without my Dad. Then Father’s Day came and I didn’t have my Dad to take out to lunch. My Mom barely endured what would have been their 44^th wedding anniversary in July without her husband. In November ‘22, we remembered Dad and gathered for dinner on what would have been his 65^th Birthday. I even made his favorite blueberry cheesecake. And my mom’s 65^th birthday fell on Thanksgiving Day. Two very difficult firsts without her husband. We miss him greatly. Every. Single. Day.

We lost our Dad to Covid. And so many days, we are not Okay. The grief and loss is real. And it’s because we loved so much and were so well loved. We are just one of millions forever impacted by this terrible virus.

Two years later we have not moved on. That’s not how grief works.  We still love and remember him, yet try not to get too lost in the memories. We adjust our expectations, especially for family dinners and birthday parties where his absence is keenly felt. We cry in private and stay active and busy in public.

On Christmas day, I woke with a heavy heart of sadness knowing that he would not be with us. I covered it and put on a joyous smile to be with my children as they embraced the excitement of Christmas morning. I am so very thankful for the years I had with my Dad, and I’m jealous of those who get more. Each day is a gift. 

Sending out my love, hugs and empathy for all those who understand this.

Miss you and Love you always, Dad.

  

Remembering School Principal Dr. Laura Leach

It has been a year since our local school community was rocked by the loss of a beloved wife, mother, friend and amazing elementary school principal. She was Adria's 5th grade principal, and my daughter cried in my arms for an hour when I told her Dr. Laura Leach had died. 

Today, the Woodbridge School District remembers her by inviting all staff and students to wear Purple, her favorite color. And they will unveil a memorial at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in her honor. 

In May 2020, I wrote this article that was published in our local newspaper, The Seaford Star, about her life.

Woodbridge mourns sudden passing of PWES Principal

By Julleanna Seely

The Woodbridge School District community mourns the sudden passing of Phillis Wheatley Elementary School Principal Dr. Laura Michele Leach on April 29.  Leach is remembered by her friends and fellow educators for her care, empathy and sense of humor.

Dr. Leach pictured with her husband and daughter

“She made every student and every staff member feel important to her. She took time to get to know us and showed us all how much she believed in us, inspiring us all to want to achieve the greatness she saw in us. She was truly an incredible leader,” said Stephanie Vodvarka, fourth grade teacher at PWES.

At just 39 years old, Leach experienced a pulmonary embolism when a blood clot traveled to her lungs. Leach was married to John Franklin Leach for 16 years and mother to her young daughter, Keely Leach.

“I don’t know that I’ve worked with an administrator that had so much empathy for kids and families... She saw in a lot of our families what she grew up with,” Woodbridge Superintendent Heath Chasanov said.

Chasanov remarked that the community is feeling numb in the wake of many recent losses.

Last fall, Woodbridge High School quarterback Troy Haynes passed away after battling kidney cancer. Since then, the Woodbridge community has lost former long-time staff members – Beth Judy, Diane Jones, and Sara Greene. Just a month ago, the vice president of the school board, Walter P.J. Gilefski, passed away after decades of service in the district and many years on the board.

“I feel like we’ve been grieving all year,” Heath added. “With Laura, it was just shocking.”

Leach became the principal of PWES in the fall of 2019 after serving as vice principal of the school for a few years. The school serves 3^rd to 5^th grade students in the Greenwood and Bridgeville area.

Zachary Huber has worked with Leach since 2013, and became PWES vice principal in the 2019-2020 school year when Leach took on the role of principal.

When asked how he and the school staff are responding to this loss, Huber said, “Heartbroken and devastated to say the least. This has all been surreal. She will always be remembered by our staff and community as a compassionate leader who always put an emphasis on putting teachers and students first. Our staff and community is more united than ever as we mourn her loss.”

Leach was born in Wilmington and earned degrees from Delaware Technical & Community College and Wesley College, before completing her Doctorate in Education from the University of Delaware.

Huber added, “Not only was Dr. Leach a fearless leader but also a phenomenal mother and wife. While working side by side with her, I was fortunate enough to witness her compassionate interactions with students but most importantly, I saw the unbreakable bond she had with her daughter Keely.  My thoughts and prayers are with her husband John, and daughter Keely as well as the rest of her family as they are facing this loss.”

Parents and students from PWES share the impact of her life.

“I will remember her for her support with my child’s education. She would do whatever she could to ensure all students were treated equal and their needs would be met,” said Katie Birmingham, mother of a PWES fifth grade student.

“Also, I remember her sweet smile and her humor.  Dr. Leach always had a smile on her face no matter what was going on. She will be greatly missed.” Birmingham added that her son Alex said that he will miss the jokes that she told during Monday announcements.

Leach was known for sharing these jokes and even as the coronavirus pandemic resulted in Delaware school buildings closing for the year, she shared jokes with her students on Class Dojo, an online community connecting students, parents and teachers.

Huber fondly recalls a Leach’s fun-loving side, “She made me paint my face green as the Grinch for the holidays and go to each classroom to visit students because that was what she often called me during the holiday season.”

Katie Sears is the school counselor at PWES and worked with Leach for nine years. This year she earned the honor of Delaware’s Elementary School Counselor of the Year after Leach nominated her and encouraged other staff to as well.

“I will miss the close relationship that we had as well as what an amazing leader she was at our school” Sears said. “She cared about our staff and students immensely and it showed in everything she did at PWES.”

Stephanie Vodvarka has taught with Woodbridge in the Phillis Wheatley building for 16 years. The last few years with Leach as an administrator.

Vodvarka shared about how Leach took great pride in the school, staff, and students. “She wanted it to be a welcoming place, and would get so excited when a visitor would come in and comment on the positive and inviting atmosphere in the building. She understood the importance of connection and the direct link between meeting social and emotional needs and academic success,” Vodvarka said.

“She wasn’t afraid to stand up for something she believed in, which wasn’t always easy. The difficult conversations, when she could get a little feisty just go to prove how much she really cared.” Vodvarka added.

With the support of Leach, Vodvarka earned the title of 2020 District Teach of the Year. Leach wrote a lengthy letter of recommendation for Vodvarka to be considered for National Teacher of the Year. Her writing in this letter gives evidence of Leach’s care and support of her staff and students.

Leach wrote the following in the letter last September:

“She [Vodvarka] is one of the most determined, caring, gritty, rigorous, innovative and reflective teachers, and person, I know… She sparked my interest right away because she had many of my previous students in her class who I had the privilege of teaching when I was a third grade teacher. I knew many of them needed extra attention, extra love. Some needed extra food, clean clothing. A couple even needed to shower at school because they didn’t have running water at home… I watched as Stephanie built the most amazing classroom environment I have ever seen in my entire life. See, I grew up very poor myself. School was never, ever a welcoming place for me… I succeeded in life in spite of many teachers, not because of them. I watched in complete and utter awe as Stephanie cared for her students…”

Courtney Diamond has taught fourth grade for all 15 years at Woodbridge. She explains what she experienced while working under Leach, “Dr. Laura Leach was an advocate for children…It really didn't matter the challenges that they may encounter as low income, underprivileged, or coming from broken families.  She was proof, and she let it be known that no matter the situation they can rise above it and achieve greatness!  She had this innate ability to bond with students...even the tough ones!  She made us feel as though we were one big family.”  

Diamond also appreciated Leach’s humor and said she will miss that the most.

“Her untimely death has left a gaping hole in our community.  We are absolutely heartbroken.  However, I will be forever grateful and feel honored that she was not only my friend but our trailblazing principal that reached countless students and that was her life goal.... to PROVE THEM WRONG!” Diamond said.

Vodvarka summarized the feelings many share for Principal Leach, “There is a John Quincy Adams quote that says ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.’ Well, she most certainly was, and darn good one, too.”

 

 

 

 

 

Journey to becoming a School Board Member

It actually happened. The election for the open seat on the Woodbridge School Board. And I won.

Tuesday night with my parents after election results
were announced. My 8 yr old daughter Johanna said,
"Make a silly face!" 

It’s pretty crazy really. I went to the Department of Elections office in Georgetown back in early January to officially register as a candidate. A few people in the district urged me to consider running after my support of the referendum, so I spent months thinking about it and talking with school personnel and other Woodbridge parents. I finally went public with my decision in early March.

I was running unopposed until the very last day a candidate could register for the position. Darrynn Harris would be running as well, not for his first time.

Elections were scheduled for May 12, 2020.


But the world shut down for a pandemic and everything changed.

Our 11-year-old daughter Adria had just returned home after weeks in AI duPont Hospital for Children. Because of issues related to her Spina Bifida, she had undergone extensive bilateral leg surgery on February 19 to help improve her walking. She was looking forward to returning to school but never had the chance.

Suddenly in mid-March, Delaware school buildings closed and I became a home schooling mom to 3 young children. In truth, I never figured out a great balance between teaching my young children with remote learning and managing all my client’s needs as a Realtor, but we did our best.

In fact, as a newly licensed real estate agent I closed on my first home at the end of January. By the end of May, in the midst of coronavirus upheaval, I closed on 12 properties!

Simultaneously, my husband and I started construction of our first spec home on January 23.  We built it for investors on their lot in the Town of Bridgeville. The project went great and by mid-June a woman was happy to be moving into her new home!

I feel so fortunate and humbled because I know those months have been very challenging for many.

The Woodbridge School District specifically saw many tough losses in the first half of 2020. In mid-January we said goodbye to an incredible woman, Beth Judy, who was my husband’s aunt and a life-long teacher well-loved by so many in the Woodbridge community.  

In April, 15-year school board member and long-time Woodbridge educator and administrator Walter Gilefski passed away. His 5-year term was about to end, so his position on the board has been vacant since then. Now, I will fill that void.

Later that month, Adria’s incredible elementary school principal, Dr. Laura Leach suddenly died. We were all shocked and heart-broken at the news – she was just 39 years old and experienced a blood clot in her lungs. My fifth-grade daughter sobbed into my shoulder when I told her.

Then perhaps the most heart-wrenching of all was when we lost a 7-year-old princess and WECEC first grader, Bella Moore on May 13 after an inspiring battle with brain cancer.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, no large funerals were held for most of these dear souls.

And the School Board elections were pushed back to June.

Then again rescheduled for July 21, 2020.

This is a tough day for me.

One year ago on July 21, 2019 there was a terrible accident at my workplace at the time. A vehicle ran into the office, ultimately causing my dear friend and co-worker Kaity West to lose her life. She was a stunning beauty at 31 years old. Fun-loving, kind and poised for great success in her home sales career.

I realized more than ever how frail life is. How we are never guaranteed the next moment.

It is part of what brought me to this day.

Life is a gift, and we largely decide what to do with it. I want to enjoy it, embrace it, and support others in their life pursuits.

One way of doing that is being on a team that impacts many of the educational decisions for our community, my children included. I realize that being on the school board is not a flowery position full of excitement; it will come with some new and unique challenges for me.

Our district is a very diverse population and there are many lower income families. Our schools, teachers and administration do a great job and generally care deeply for these children and youth. If there’s any way for me to support them in furthering the opportunities for a better life for these young people, I’m in.

Let’s do it.

My strong hope and desire is to reopen schools in the fall in some capacity. You better believe this hard-working mama is going to push for that, focusing on the safety of student and staff.


It has been quite a journey this year.

Thank you to those who voted and supported Julleanna Seely for Woodbridge School Board! I look forward to serving you.

   

My Too Tight Jeans

Yesterday I pulled out a pair of black jeans that have been tucked away since last winter. They were tight fitting jeans then but now…well, I could barely squeeze in and fasten the button! But I did. And wore a long, loose shirt to hide the squeeze.

For some reason, I kept them on all day and was so relieved to change into lounge pants and a T-shirt when I returned home.

The reality is that it’s not been a great fitness year for me. I still run regularly but far less than I have in the past. This time last year I had just completed my third full marathon – running and walking 26.2 miles along the hills of Maui, Hawaii overlooking the Pacific. It was an extremely tough race in the heat and hills but a wonderful vacation with my husband.

Looking at my RunKeeper app on my phone, I had logged 679 miles of running by this time in 2018! I’ve got 242 miles so far for 2019 – not bad but almost a third of what I did last year. I still eat healthy-ish but I certainly don’t meal prep or avoid carbs and sugar. I haven’t packed on a bunch of weight but there are a few extra pounds showing up.

My RunKeeper App showing the miles I ran this year vs. last year...Much Less this year.

Meanwhile, I look around me and see friend after friend sharing how they’re much healthier than a year ago – eating better, losing pounds and inches, lifting more weights, running faster and farther. I am amazed and so proud of them! It takes so much discipline, planning and self-control to achieve what they’re doing. It’s great to see people taking charge of their bodies and strive toward healthy living and greater self-confidence.

It is tempting to compare and feel disappointed by my own lack of fitness discipline recently. But I know that’s foolish and totally unproductive. I am still active and healthy. I take care of myself and feel beautiful. And I know that I’m doing what I can in this season of my life.

Unexpected Changes

It is autumn. The season of change. Any my life has been full of it the past few months. Some heart-breaking changes mixed with exciting new things.

Over the summer my husband faced health challenges that we kept more private. Then the tragic accident happened where I worked, resulting in the loss of a beautiful, young friend and co-worker. A few weeks later, I suddenly lost my job.

Yes, I have cried a lot these past few months. And I know many others have too. So many of us in this community have endured tragic, heart-breaking losses. Being forced to say Goodbye to young souls far too early. Unanswered questions lingering in our minds while we grieve.

But we remain. And I believe the best way to honor and remember those we have lost, is to live with purpose, intention and a thankful heart.

A New Goal

Before all the changes and challenges of the summer hit, I had a goal I was working toward. It was something I had thought about for a couple years but never committed to pursue. It would take a lot of time, which is something very precious to a full-time working mother with three young children. But for various reasons, I knew that I would want to make a job change within the year, so I took action.

In May, I signed up to take the 99-Hour Delaware Real Estate licensing course online. I plugged away at it, one hour at a time. Usually I fired up the laptop at 9 p.m. after putting the children to bed and went through a section of the course and took the Exam for that portion. Sometimes I woke up as early as 3 or 4 a.m. to get in a couple hours before getting the kids up and heading to work.

The course material was extensive but not too difficult, since I have been selling new homes for the past 12 years and know a great deal about land, home features, mortgages, etc.  Some weeks, I did not get much done, especially during the challenging times of summer but I pressed on. After the tragic death of my co-worker, who had the same sales position as me, I had no idea what the timeframe would be for making my career change.

It ended up being decided for me. I was let go from my job of 6 years at the end of August. Though that rocked my world a bit, it gave me time to finish what I had started.  Exactly two weeks later, I completed the course while sitting on my couch at 4 a.m. and passed the 3-hour long Delaware Real Estate License Exam the very next day! Victory. What a relief.

I joined a successful real estate team, and my official Real Estate License arrived in the mail just last week! The next few months may not be easy as I establish myself in the highly competitive real estate world, but I’m ready for the challenge. I know a great deal of people in the area and have a proven track record of being able to sell homes. Plus, the faith that God will provide.

My black jeans may have fit too tight yesterday, but I had the realization of a different goal in my hand as I placed that new licensing card in my wallet.

And thus begins a new chapter in our adventurous journey.

In Loving Memory of Kaity

Generally, I don't like to wear waterproof mascara, but about a month ago I purchased some. I needed it to help keep a professional face in the wake of an unbelievable tragedy. Every day I wear it to work to avoid unsightly black mascara smears, just in case there's a weak moment and a few tears escape as I look at the empty office beside me.

It's difficult to put this into words. It's almost impossible to believe it actually happened. But on Sunday, July 21, my dear friends and co-workers Kaity West and Zach Evans had just arrived to work at the model home in Greenwood. I'm often there with them on Sunday, but it was my weekend off. Almost inexplicably, a vehicle ran directly into Kaity's office while she sat at her desk. That day was a blur of activity and emotions for so many. For the next two weeks, the community rallied around this beautiful girl, supporting and praying for her and both her personal and work families, as she was treated under expert medical care.

Our hearts were broken when her journey on this earth ended early on Sunday, August 4. We gathered together on Sunday afternoon, two days ago, to remember and celebrate her beautiful life. Hundreds of people arrived, who had been touched by her positive personality and beautiful soul. We hugged her family and loving boyfriend Andrew, wanting them to know how special she was to all of us and how we ache for their loss.

My way of processing things and healing is to write it out. I did not share anything publicly that day at the gathering, but this is what I wrote that morning as I thought about what I never would have imagined... saying a long goodbye to Kaity West at such a young age. I contemplated whether to share this, but then I thought about what her mother and father asked at the gathering - Keep her memory Alive.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is for Kaity

Over the past month, we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of love and support for this amazing woman who touched the lives of so many in her 31 years. I am one of the fortunate ones, who got to see her almost every day for the past few years.

I first met Kaity West about 6 years when I started working for Bay to Beach Builders. At the time she was a talented loan officer for one of our preferred lenders, Tidemark FCU, and her ability to get my clients construction financing helped me finalize many home sales and even finance my own new home.

Then, I had the opportunity to help her build her first home with Bay to Beach Builders. She was seriously one of my best clients ever. She was organized, decisive and actually did what was asked of her in a timely manner. I was totally impressed by this beautiful, young woman.

When the time came for our sales team to grow 2.5 years ago, Marc Keeler and I were apprehensive about who they would hire. We had a great working relationship in this competitive, commission based sales job. When the Parkers told us they hired Kaity, we were so excited and could not have imagined a better fit for our team! I trained her how to sell a new Bay to Beach home, and we soon were a tight knit team.

Since that time, Kaity and I became more than co-workers sharing an office space, we became friends. We experienced many highs and lows together. We said goodbye as friends and co-workers Marc, Kristy Andrew, and Jeff Murphy moved on. Then we welcomed Zach Evans, Chase Marvel and Evelyne Adams. While all these new youngsters made me feel old, we clicked so well and formed a special bond with Kaity at the heart of it all.

In 2018 Kaity experienced some challenging times in her personal life, but she did not bring drama to work. Instead, she powered through it and came into 2019 with a fresh focus that was impressive. By the end of July, Kaity has sold 20 new homes, far surpassing her total sales from last year and well ahead of both Zach and my sales numbers. She was truly the Sales Super Star of the Year! In addition to a successful sales year, Kaity took on extra projects that she spent a lot of personal time completing. She had put together an electronic version of our home selections in the Design Studio, and we were all impressed.

But it was so much more than these successes that made us love Kaity. She was fun, welcoming, quirky and entertaining. She loved dogs to her core and would play with any that came into the office, sometimes even rolling around on the floor with them. She would eat her healthy meal prepped lunches and pickled peppers for snack. She taught us about make-up and eyelash extensions. She was the SnapChat queen and had sent almost 200,000 snaps, mostly of her dog, healthy food, outings with friends and the beach. She was a great friend to so many, as we can see.

Kaity was strong physically. She woke early and went to the gym most mornings and completed rigorous routines of strength and fitness. She even told me that she could hold a plank for 6-7 minutes. Amazing!

Kaity was strong emotionally. Even when she faced challenges in her life, she didn’t lose her cool. She remained professional and rarely shed a tear in the workplace.

Kaity was strong mentally. She displayed incredible grace and patience with her clients. We see the best and worst of people when they invest hundreds of thousands of dollars with us, and she handled the challenges well. She developed great relationships with her clients and provided them with wonderful service. 

Almost immediately after the accident, family and friends started sharing about her with the hashtag #KaityStrong. Bracelets, stickers, t-shirts, hats and banners were made in a community show of support for her. We hoped, prayed and believed for her healing and recovery. But even as we mourn the loss of such a dear soul, we are Thankful for the positive impact that she had in our lives. And now we will be Kaity Strong Forever!

Girl, we miss you sooo very much!

Your friend,

JuJu

Our 2018 Highlight Reel

No Christmas cards were mailed out from the Seely home this year. I usually send out over 100 cards with our smiling faces on them, but it just didn’t happen. And truthfully, I have no regrets. But sorry if you missed getting one.

Our Family at the Spina Bifida Assoc. Christmas Party

Instead, I’ll spend a few minutes spewing out some thoughts about our year, if you care to know how 2018 panned out in this house.

We started off the year with the girls trying something new and both taking a gymnastics class, which they really enjoyed. This fall Johanna went back to gymnastics, but Adria really wanted to take a martial arts class so she’s trying that out…and looks totally adorable in her white uniform.

Adria turned 10 in September! And just like that, we are officially parents to a child in the double digits. She continues to amaze us with her hard work, determination and spirit. She is a straight A student in her 4^th grade class, and this year was accepted into the Gifted and Talented Program at her school. And let me tell you, they have some seriously challenging assignments in that class, but it’s given her the opportunity to stretch herself and I see a budding writer in her. #proudmama

Adria in her martial arts outfit

Just a couple weeks ago, we had the opportunity to become part of the Spina Bifida Association of the Eastern Shore (Maryland) and participate in their annual Christmas party. What a wonderful experience for Adria to meet so many others, including several girls her age, who were also born with Spina Bifida. They enjoyed crafts, food and gifts from Santa while the parents feasted on a delicious meal. Adria keeps asking when we can get together with them again J

Johanna recently celebrated her 7^th birthday with a few of her “Besties”. Our spunky, fun and sensitive little girl makes friends wherever she goes with her bubbly personality. We’ve enjoyed watching her grow and learn to read in first grade, where she also earned straight A’s the first marking period. So thankful for wonderful teachers at the local public school! The girls are both riding the bus to and from school for the first time this year, so that’s been helpful in getting them to school on time (cough) and mommy getting to work early more often.

Judah is ready for Christmas!

Judah is growing fast and this 3 year old spends much of his time playing with trains, trucks, dirt, water, and balls. Total boy and Daddy loves it. They continue to have a special bond, spending their days together while the girls are away. Judah does go to preschool in Milford two days a week in a class with six boys and a girl. He loves his big sisters, especially messing with them while they're playing or coloring.

Adrian celebrated a milestone birthday, turning 40 in November. His birthday wish was to have all his siblings in town together, and it came true! They came from British Columbia, Texas, Ohio and locally so the 7 of them ate dinner together at his parent’s table for the first time in 11 years. So special!

In November, Adrian turned 40 and we
celebrated 15 years of marriage.

Another big milestone came on Thanksgiving Day, which was also our 15^th Wedding Anniversary. We actually celebrated it in October when we took a week-long trip to Maui, Hawaii (without the Kids)! It was a long flight, but a beautiful place where we experienced many exciting things. My first helicopter ride over the island of Molokai literally took my breath away, and a couple’s zip-lining adventure had us laughing through the air in the rain and posing with rainbows. With this trip, Adrian has now officially been to all 50 of the United States of America!!!

I completed my third full marathon while in Maui. And those were the most difficult 26.2 miles I’ve run/walked yet… Though I had trained for months, I was not prepared for the trifecta of Heat, Hills, and Humidity along the lovely Pacific coast. It took me an hour longer to complete than my other 2 marathons, but I crossed that finish line on my own two feet and came in 250 out of 552 runners! I continue to run 5K races and just posted my best time ever of 26:15.

Getting ready to run in Maui

It’s been an interesting year for me in new home sales with lots of activity some months and very little others, but it looks like I’ll finish 2018 with a strong December. I recently sold my largest home in 11 years of doing this and am excited to see it built with great views of a Delaware bay!

One other major event happened earlier this year; on February 20 my amazing Dad went into cardiac arrest and we briefly lost him. It was a frightening time, but our community came together in prayer and support and Dad miraculously recovered. We are thankful beyond words.  Then in July, Dad and Mom were able to celebrate their 40^th Anniversary.

It was another year full of life, love, struggle, laughter and tears. And we are thankful for it. And for YOU sharing with us in it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A beautiful sunset on the Pacific that we experienced in Maui

Helicopter ride over Molokai island

Feeling the Love for my Daughter

Adria's 3rd Grade picture - Spring 2018

Truth is, I don't usually think of myself as a parent of a special needs child. Adria is nine years old. She is growing into a beautiful, independent young lady who is so determined and capable.

But there are times when I become keenly aware of her differences. On several occasions this year, these times are precious moments when individuals display an extra special level of care and concern for her well-being.

Let me explain.

Adria is a third grader in a typical classroom setting at our local public school and does not require any special academic assistance. WooHoo!!! She excels in her classes, getting straight A's on her report card, except for a B in Reading the second marking period.

She does receive specialized physical therapy services at school due to her orthopedic impairment (low muscle tone in her legs and need for leg braces), which is very typical in spina bifida children. Adria also goes to the nurse's office every day after lunch to care for her bathroom needs. It's incredible to see how much she's progressed over the last year or so, because now she can catheterize herself without any assistance. Again...WooHoo!!!

The point is, in most ways she functions as many other students but there are still those areas of uniqueness.

The Scooter

Early in the school year, Adria's teachers noticed that she was lagging behind on the walk from her classroom to the playground. It's a decent distance and she was getting fatigued. She has a wheelchair, but we keep that at home and want to encourage her walking as much as possible.

Her gym teacher at the school came up with a great idea to help Adria. She suggested this scooter that she thought Adria might be able to use as a fun and faster way to get to the playground. Of course I was on board with trying it.

Adria's gym teacher got her this scooter to use getting from her classroom to the playground faster. She loves it!

Next thing I know, they ordered the scooter and Adria was coming home from school telling us how much she loved it! Then they took it to another level, so that Adria would not be alone. They bought a second scooter that a friend can use to ride along with her to the playground. Both scooters stay in her classroom and when it's time to go to recess, Adria draws names to see who will help her and ride with her that day.

I just think that's so great and thoughtful. All this initiated by people around her who care. Thank you!

The Cheer Shoes

Outside of school, I was moved by the care of someone who had just met Adria. At the beginning of January, I decided to try something new with the girls, especially since Johanna had been asking about it for a long time, and I signed them up for Gymnastics.

Honestly, I was kind of concerned about how it would go for Adria and how she'd respond. To my delight, she absolutely loved the first class and tried her best with gusto! In fact, Johanna was the one standing in the corner frustrated that she could not do a cartwheel and not even trying for a while. Oh, such different personalities those girls have!

The challenge was that Adria does not have the ankle and foot strength to run around and do activities barefoot like the other children. However, regular sneakers could damage the soft mats and gym equipment. The instructor, known as Mr. Pickle, at The Little Gym was impressed by Adria's desire to try gymnastics and took it upon himself to research and make several phone calls to determine the best option for her to be able to participate. He found that cheer shoes are a type of sneaker with rounded edges that she could where with her braces in the Gym. We went to Shoe Show and found a good pair for her!

Adria tries out the balance beam with assistance at The Little Gym. Her cheer shoes make this activity possible!

For the last few months, she has been enjoying her Gymnastics class every Monday night and Johanna has come to love it too. They are still figuring out how to do a cartwheel, but they've both shown great improvement and confidence to try new things.

So Thankful

I am just so thankful for these caring individuals along with so many others who show love to our daughters and family. This past week was Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week. Both Adria and Johanna have had wonderful teachers and nurses again this year at school.

THANK YOU ALL FOR PROVIDING GREAT CARE AND LEARNING FOR OUR CHILDREN!!!

Johanna's Kindergarten school picture - Spring 2018