We’ll Always Have Seattle.

We’ve been waiting to say this for a long time, so here goes…. “We’re baa—aack!” – in NYC, that is.  After a dreadful and exhausting flight back, we have our feet on solid ground.  As we start to put the pieces of our apartment (and life) back together, we find ourselves still strong and still full of fight.  We can thank the incredible residents of Seattle for that.  Entire communities welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like home.  We owe so much to so many.  Seattle, this post is for you.

When we brought our son out here for medical treatment last September, we did it knowing full well that we were leaving our home and everything behind for at least six months during what would prove to be the most difficult months of our lives.  We knew a handful of people through friends and family, and only a couple of people did we know beyond a name and contact information.  Today, we are proud to say we know so many of you, and are very honored and humbled by the way you embraced our family and made us feel like home.

The members of this community have gone to great lengths to make our stay here not only palatable, but surprisingly enjoyable. Here are just a few of the ways you have brightened our spirits and given us the strength to help our son thrive through his bone marrow transplant:

You picked us up from the airport in the middle of the night when we first arrived.

You opened your home to us — despite never having met us — so that we could have time to find a more permanent place to stay.

You lent your car to us, one of you for two weeks, the other for six months, without any hesitation.

You organized a toy drive for Idan so that he could enjoy every minute of his day that he wasn’t getting probed or poked by someone.

You donated linens, dishes, pots, pans, appliances, and even furniture — so much so that our new apartment was fully stocked in a matter of days.

You donated gift cards to Target, QFC, Safeway, gas stations, and more, so that we would be able to cover our shopping expenses.

You went to Target and other stores to pick up much needed household items for us.

You mobilized so many others in your community to take Idan up as a cause and to make sure that he never wanted for anything.

You prepared and delivered meals three times a week for the past five months, and made sure that every Shabbat we had a challah on the table.

Your children sent Idan cards, handmade gifts, and posters to hang on the walls that he (and we) will forever treasure.

You displayed Idan’s artwork in your school hallway and made him feel so proud of himself, a feeling that not too many toddlers get to experience.

You brought us treats from New York when you were traveling to and from Seattle.

You visited us in the hospital when Idan was in-patient for several weeks and gave us much-needed breaks.

You visited us in our home, took us out for dinner, and have been shoulders to lean on – and sometimes cry on.

You helped pack up and clear out our apartment when it was time to go.

You have prayed for Idan, sent us your well wishes and words of support with every generous gesture.

All in all, you have been the very foundation that we have stood on, and behind the scenes you have been fighting for Idan as part of his army.  For that, we can only say thank you, and hope that some day, some how, we can show the same generosity to you and other families that has been shown to us.

Thank you.

Love,

Amanda, Akiva, and Idan Zablocki