Thank yous, the day after a LBC kinda day...

stina1118 said:

@hedonist Thank you. That really means a lot to me. It's something I don't talk about frequently. Honestly, I feel very comfortable talking about it here with you all. I feel "protected".

I've probably opened up to you all here more than we do to some of our family and friends. It's why this is just so amazing to us. We have "friends" for years that know less about our life with Joshua than you guys do.

Tom and I talk a lot and he knows a lot about what we go through. He's been a good friend to us and he knows how guarded we are and he understands why.

We don't have much family to count on and, we don't receive any assistance or respite for Joshua's care. So Josh (Dad) and I just don't know how to count on people. We have very few in our life.

I have several back/nerve issues that have compiled from the wear and tear of moving Joshua. In addition to Fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions. I don't look sick or in pain, but I am everyday. Most people in our life don't understand how difficult it is for me to raise two children when some days I can barely walk up stairs.

We're all fighters and we struggle a lot in this house. Neither one of us likes to complain or talk about it, we feel weak or needy. We try to do whatever we can to make it through each day.

So when I say how much this means to us. I truly mean it. Almost every time I come here, I get watery eyes. Each and every one of you has impacted us and made us feel supported and loved. It's something that our family needed.

If I unloaded a little, that wasn't my intention. Haha Thanks for listening to my rant. Getting ready to move has been very frustrating and another reminder how much people can suck. Hahahaha

Oh... One more thing...

And not to exclude my little 4 year old Maddy, she even gets excited for her brother. Even at her age she gets it. However, she wants to go to a concert and see Fall Out Boy.

I told her no concerts until she is at least 8... That gives me 4 years to set her straight!!

I hope to see you and your family at Wrigley. I and my friends would love to give Joshua a "high five".
thanks for sharing and for bringing some positive vibes to the message boards!!!!

IamTom said:

moretonbayfig said:

maverick said:

Excellent work Tom. I hope Joshua gets to meet the band in Chicago. That would so cool for him.

Yes! That would be amazing!

If Corey Taylor from Slipknot said 'yes' to Given To Live and met with Declan... maybe PJ would do the same and meet with Joshua??? It can't hurt to ask...

Actually Corey also took Declan out on stage with him

We did ask for Philly but he got a shout out that he still raves about and on the big screen with Ed

Philly was awesome!

Bumping this post for Joshua and his family. May they have a wonderful hometown show at Wrigley 2 xoxoxoxo

If I'm not mistaken, Dave Grohl also did a meet and greet with Kayleigh for Given to Live did he not Tom?

http://community.pearljam.com/discussion/258893/help-collection-to-help-given-to-live-present-a-wrigley-merch-package-to-joshua-prizes-added#latest

What an amazing family! I feel privileged that Joshie's story has been shared here. What awesome work Tom and friends do with Given to Live. Best wishes for a super show Monday that has both Love Boat Captain and Yellow Ledbetter (with Voodoo Chile and/or Star Spangled Banner close)...maybe not 13 hours of YLB

Have a good show Joshua, Christina, Josh and Tom!

Enjoy this special moment...what an amazing story and journey we are all on with this "all encompassing trip"
So forever grateful Josh, his family and Tom have crossed my path

I've Got A Feeling that tonight will be very special for one cool family. Enjoy the show Joshua, our lil' Love Boat Captain! Cheers to Josh, Christina, and Tom!!

Crazy weekend, unfortunately we didn't get to meet Joshua, as it was an extremely busy and extremely crowded weekend. I hope you guys had an amazing time and enjoyed the shows. (We most certainly did) although they didn't play LBC, we all hope that Joshua was having the time of his life. I was very glad to see that they did perform YLB which has been Joshua's favorite as of recent. I hope to see you guys at the next show, where we can hopefully get to see the Love Boat Captain set sail again. Hope everybody had an amazing time. Thank you Tom for everything you do, as I know you have made this families dreams a reality. Hope to see everybody sooner than later.