The Auction.

I have no choice but to begin again with the line...
People are good.
People are kind, generous and hopeful, and nights like this past Saturday's night keep me warm.
The Utah Motor Sports Foundation holds an annual silent auction and dinner. This event brings several people, prominent in the racing community of Utah, together to have a good time and help others.
Terry and Mike Nish, two long-time friends of my dad's, gave my family the pleasure of attending and being the first recipient of their Youth Donor Program. They have worked so hard organizing and marketing on behalf of my baby boy, and hoped their efforts would bring in enough money to help cover the costs of Deak's growth hormone treatments for half a year or so (roughly $8000.00).
As Murphey's law would have it, Deak was having a rough time Saturday night. He was a little tired and cranky and refused to stop crying unless everyone around him copied exactly what he was doing with his hands at all times (not kidding). I was a little worried that when they began the auction, he wouldn't show off his cute little disposition for the people who were being so generous with their time and money.
It was soon our turn to walk to the front of the crowd. I grabbed Deak and Ab and hoped Deakon complied (something that his little two year old brain does not always do anymore!)
As if on cue, Deak came back. He saw the crowd of 200ish looking his way and a smile crept across his face. Then the clapping began, which was so thrilling for him, he almost could not control his movements. His little body began squirming in my arms and his pulse began racing. The adrenaline rush triggered the opening of his entire bag of tricks..."Bye-Bye" waves, clapping, and all-sensation encompassing laughter.
The foundation began the auction in a unique way, by asking for donations of the heart, with no material gift given in return.
In about three minutes, they had raised $16,000.
In about ten - close to $30,000.
It was unbelievable.
Deakon can transform a room in seconds. He does it all the time. His eyes are a gateway to the heart of any person he comes in contact with. He restores goodness and faith; with two little hands and a laugh that cures.
This money is truly a blessing. It has been hard for me to accept that this was not something I could fix, and foregoing the treatment for Deakon was not an option. I am indebted to the generousity of this amazing group of people who took it upon themselves to organize and "fix" this for me. I would've never asked, and I know I would've lost my sanity trying to save Deakon's treatment all on my own. Quite honestly, I am still in shock.
This post would not be complete without mentioning my Abby. She understood the depth of this evening, and tried her hardest to be polite, kind, and drama-free. She talked with people whom she had never met and allowed her brother to take center stage for a while; two things that are pretty difficult for a six year old. My biggest worry for her is that she may grow up with some resentment of the attention her brother gets/needs at times. But, she consistently shows that although she is a child who needs and wants attention, she is wise beyond her years - and "gets it." I love her with my whole heart.

Those friends who gave their money Saturday night did not just give us the financial ability to move forward with Deak's treaments. They gave us peace of mind, and hope for our future. They gave us a night to remember and grow from.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.