The Office

Today was a good day.  I spent the whole day working on the Foundation.  Thank God I have this opportunity to throw myself into Ty's cause.  This is how Lou and I cope, and how we will survive.

The first half of my day was spent brainstorming our upcoming activities with a kind, generous and passionate new friend who happens to be a terrific PR consultant (with lots of breaks in between just to talk about Ty, to laugh, to cry a little and share funny stories in general).  It was so good for me to get out. 

The drive down to Yorktown was very similar to my morning routine drive to Phelps Memorial Hospital with Ty while he was getting hyperbaric oxygen treatment.  He has 60 treatments there over the summer, so it was a routine that is still very fresh in my mind.  I had a good, long cry on my way in.  The car is where I find myself crying the most, and I talked to Ty through my tears during the entire drive.  Makeup is a problem these days because it is always running after I drive anywhere for too long.   Today I pulled over to put some on before I got to my destination so I wouldn't look so banged up and it worked out well.  I may have to remember that :)

I went straight to the office afterward and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone.  There were unexpected packages everywhere!  Things are really coming together here and soon we will be up and running!  A big thanks, too, to Debi and Rich for coming by today and getting the heat fixed so we can actually work here this winter!  We're getting there - look at all this loot!


I smiled big when I opened the box with a gumball machine and blue gumballs for TY.  This entire office is going to be all about him and that makes me happy.  I even brought his candy cart from his room so we can snack on candy all day in honor of Ty.  He is going to be so excited when he sees this place finished.  So am I!

For everyone who has been so kind to volunteer your time or furniture, please know that I read your messages and I am in the process of getting organized.  I will be in touch, and I am so grateful. 

Candy Anyone???

Comments

  1. :) So happy to see things coming together for your office and looking forward to seeing great strides in bringing awareness to pediatric cancer. Ty must be so proud of his mama. As always keeping the Campbell family in my prayers...sending hugs from SC.

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  2. You inspire me beyond words can express. I have decided to shave my 20+ inches of hair in memory of Ty for St Baldrick's Foundation. Thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all.

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  3. Cindy, you are doing it. I can't wait to see what will come out. I know that Ty has a huge purpose, bigger than just treatment and cure for cancer. Ty will change the world. Your 5yo beautiful boy will shake this planet and amazing things will happen, can you believe it? Wow, you are a mom to a powerful force called superTy. I am inpatiently waiting for your directions to us. Anything we can do for your foundation wil, be an honor. I miss you baby boy. Spoke to my kids about you today, as always we were wishing for you and Gavin to be healthy so one day they can play with you. So so sorry that I never got a chance to meet you in person, but your spirit lives on. Love you to eternity.

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  4. So excited for you!!!! Ty is looking down smiling his biggest smile!! You are going to do great things with this foundation!! So glad to hear you had a good day!!

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  5. Yeah!!! So proud of and for you!!

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  6. That's awesome, that's going to be the best office ever! Ty will love it and will be so proud of you just like we all are. xoxo

    Rita

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  7. That is sooo great!!! So proud of you! Ty is so proud of his mommy!!! Always thinking of you and still shedding tears for Ty! He has so touched my heart!
    Lori
    Yonkers, NY

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  8. Very happy for you. Yes the fact that the office is all about Ty is very cool. I really think its going to do well. Ty is the proudest kid in heaven right now. I'm sure you won't need it, but Good Luck anyway.

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  9. Cindy,
    Ty and you will do amazing things - I am sure of it. As much as I am happy to hear that today was a good day, I know it was a day when you haven't cried as much as on other days....
    Please know that you are both an inspiration - Ty with his biggest and brightest smile and his Mommy with the most generous heart and superhuman strength to continue the fight...
    I am sure that he's there with you all the time, in everything that you do and he is so proud of you
    (and of course your new, candy-filled office;)))
    Hanna

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  10. Just the beginning......

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  11. Hi Cindy! Just a suggestion...you should frame Tys artwork and hang it on the walls at your new office. :-) Ginny

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  12. Cindy you leave me in awe. You are going through the worst thing a human being can go through and yet you are still able to see positive things in life. I wish I had your strength. It sounds silly but I wish you lived close so I could be your friend. :) Ty has the best mommie any kid could. I look forward to supporting Ty's organization!

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  13. So great to see the foundation up and running. I would love to be a part of it in any way shape or form. Truly!!! I know I'm on L.I. and not a town or two away but I can make phone calls or use the computer and just to be a part of it would be truly amazing. Let me know if I'm able to help.
    I wanted to share a quick moment I just had the other day at the dog park. By my apartment there's a great park Blydenburg which has a huge sectioned off area for dogs and trails to walk all around. I take my dog Hazel there and we often walk the trails and this time we went to see the damage done from Sandy. Tons of trees were down blocking the trails but we climbed over all of them and forged ahead. At one point out of nowhere a leaf fell literally right in front of me. All by itself. And at that instant I thought of Ty and my face lit up. It might have been super cold that day but I was completely warm inside. Then about 15 mins later we were on another part of the trail walking out of the park. And as we walked through this section of yellow-leaved trees, one by one leaves just started falling. Ever so calmly, quietly, angelically to the ground. About 30 or so leaves just fell off this bunch of trees as we walked under them. After we passed, I looked back and it stopped...like magic. I truly know it was Ty and seeing ladybugs in ur home like that is not common. lol I very rarely see them esp in November. So yes without a doubt Ty is with you everyday for sure. I wish I could give u a great big hug and take away your pain. Hopefully this virtual one will do <3 xoxo
    Allison :)

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  14. You go girl! So many kids and parents are counting on you and Ty. You WILL make a difference, Cindy! SuperTy Forever
    <3

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  15. Cindy,
    Are you going to publish the address to the new office? I would love to send you some things you might need.
    Thanks,
    Carrie
    Sound Beach, NY

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    1. Hi Carrie - The Gold Ribbons & SuperTy Symbols facebook page shared the address in a few of their posts:

      Ty Louis Campbell Foundation
      91 Gleneida Ave.
      Carmel, NY 10512

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    2. Cindy, Lou, Gavin...and Ty...I don't even know you, but I cry everytime I come out to this page. I fell in love with Ty after my sister told me about his story. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 1 1/2 yr old, so this hits me hard! My older son actually looks a lot like Ty and that makes it even harder to read about your sweet, sweet baby. My boys are the loves of my life as yours are and I want you to know you and Lou are amazing parents and couple. So strong and such wonderful people. Gavin is such a sweet little guy...he will keep you busy! I wish I knew Ty and your family...I think you are wonderful for all you do. Thank you for sharing as I am drawn to his site every day, even though I know I will cry and it will make me miss my boys while I am at work, but you also remind me that even though they are little terrors sometimes, they are mine and amazing. Thank you!

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  16. So very happy for you! Ty must be so proud of his mommy!! You are an amazing, beautiful & strong woman, a true inspiration... thank you so much for sharing your story!

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  17. Cindy like I had said many times, you are so brave and I have no doubt you are going to kick butts with this foundation! we all will support you and if there is anything we can do to help just please let us know!
    Always happy to read this blog and looking forward for new information on the foundation.... lost of kisses
    Maria Savlick

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  18. Cindy -- thanks for all that you are doing and will do in Ty's honor. The Moms and Dads that are fighting childhood cancer are going to change the world...thanks for all you do!

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  19. Cindy I think of you guys all the time. I really do. I cry with you as mother and I want you to know that there are so many of us in the Westchester/Putnam area who send you positive energy all the time. You always talked about wishing to carry some of Ty's pain. I wish we could carry some of yours. Congrats on the beginnings if the office. Looing foward to amazing things. Ps..I will never look at ladybugs, leaves or rainbows the same way again.
    Love,
    a mommy in Yorktown

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    1. Kim, Sleepy Hollow, NYNovember 21, 2012 at 1:06 PM

      My feelings exactly!

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  20. So excited about all the progress and "moving forward" that is going on there! I wish I could volunteer, but since I'm in AZ I will have to settle for knowing there are a ton of lucky people much closer to you that will be able to help. I'll keep doing my part - praying for your family. Have a wonderful holiday... there is still much to be thankful for, even though I would have a hard time with that right now if I was in your shoes. Much love from Peoria, AZ!

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  21. There isn't a day in hyperbarics that we don't mention his name. We miss him soooo much! <3

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  22. Count me in too!! Anything you need - post what you need and you'll have more of it then you know what to do with I'm sure :) We're all here to help in any way we can. Thinking of you guys always.

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  23. You are so right- making a foundation and doing good things in his memory is the best way to cope. In my personal life, my mother's foundation in memory of her brother had been going for 5 years now- and it's the only way we as a family cope.

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  24. Kim, Sleepy Hollow, NYNovember 21, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    I live 2 minutes from Phelps and both of my little boys were born there...I didn't realize that Ty's treatments were here. Another connection to the Campbell family. Thinking of you all always and sending prayers your way.

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  25. Ty has an amazing family. Your foundation is going to be truly great. I would really like to help in any way I can, I work in NYC and live in Queens so I am not too close to you - but if you ever need anything in NYC I would be more than willing to volunteer. If there is ever a need for volunteers that could work remotely in the evenings (I work full time) I would be more than happy to help. There needs to be a greater awareness for pediatric cancer and you are the one to do it. I'm not sure if you are going to have a list of volunteers you can call on but I would like to be on the list if there is anything I can do.

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  27. Hello,

    I am thrilled that you are opening up an office for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation & will be continuing the work in " SuperTy's " memory.

    I am looking forward to continuing to be an active donor & participant in the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation - in honor of my hero, " SuperTy."

    My continued thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

    God Bless,

    - Rob Swan

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  28. Wishing you the best with the new office. Will keep checking your posts to see if there is anything I can do to help. I often read about Ty's candy cart but I must admit, seeing it blew me away! I just know he's smiling down on his amazing family!

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  29. This is wonderful! I do believe that Ty is seeing everything and he's proud of what is coming together. Your little boy will always be an inspiration to many people. I have never met you or him, but I feel like I know him in some way. I cry when I read your blogs and I also think aboout Ty, allot, and how he's now in heaven running and playing, and having a ball. Hang in there. Its gonna take time.... Betty W.

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  30. I am so glad you have the foundation. I just know that you will do great things in Ty's honor. You will help save so many kids and families! I know Ty is so proud of his parents! Enjoy eating all of that candy. Ty is with you all of the time and I know he has that beautiful smile on his face. Sending hugs your way ~ Angela K.

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  31. Today I was raking leaves and found a ladybug...my first thought? IT'S TY! This ladybug stayed with me for over an hour. I lost it 4 times but every time it came back to me...the exact same one! Definitely Ty! It's wings weren't working but that didn't stop it from trying. I kept saying "You're going to have to fly like Ty!" and in the end, it did. <3 Ty is everywhere and still so amazing. You are going to change lives with your foundation. God bless ya'll.

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  32. Profound...is the sound of the silence...where there was once a laugh, a voice. So loud is this missing sound. I cup my hands near the back of the chair, where there once was his face, his his smile, his hair. I keep my hands there, my empty hands, empty heart, but seeing him still sitting there. Where are you, where did you go?!! It took two years for him to finally come to me in a dream, with a message. I wondered when he would come, didnt he see me, see me doubled over in pain? I needed a message then you see, a message for me!! He was magic now wasnt he? No, I know now, what he is, he is wiser than me. Still empty but yet...beauty will come, fleeting perhaps, but oh so Heaven sent!!

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  33. You're going to do amazing things for so many children. You're an inspiration! Awestruck by your strength. Hang in there SuperMom.

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  34. Hi Cindy! I just have to tell you that I only discovered your blog after Ty passed on. I was instantly hooked to his beautiful smile and gorgeous personality. You are an amazing mother. I may not know you all personally but Ty will always live on in my heart. I saw a ladybug today and instantly thought of him. He is everywhere. :) Congrats on the foundation and may your beautiful Ty rest in peace. :)

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  35. Thinking of your family daily. Hoping that as the days pass, things will get easier for you all. Praying for you everyday xoxo All Our Love from Long Island, The Fevola Family

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  36. Thinking of you today, Happy Thanksgiving!

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  37. Jennifer Russo, Lake Grove, NYNovember 22, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Thinking of all of you today. I am thankful to you for sharing Ty's story with all of us and giving us the gift of your sweet boy. I hope that your memories of Ty will bring you comfort and peace.
    -Jennifer

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  38. Wishing the Campbell family peace and love this Thanksgiving. I know the holidays will never be the same - but may you find comfort in the arms of friends and family. And know that Ty will always be with you in spirit.

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  39. Hello,

    My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family today - Thanksgiving Day. I know that " SuperTy " will always be with you in spirit.

    God Bless.

    - Rob Swan

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  40. Happy first Thanksgiving in heaven baby ty. Tell me, are the Turkeys stuffed with candy????

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  41. Very excited to see everything done with the office and have it up and running in Ty's memory. I know you will do wonderful things with this Cindy. Ty must be proud of his mommy right now. Thinking of you and your family on this Thanksgiving Day. May you have comfort and love from your loved ones. God Bless you always.

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  42. Dear Campbell Family. Tonight is Thanksgiving and I've spent the last few hours catching up on SuperTy. Although you've been on my mind just about everyday (especially when I see ladybugs and a lone brown and black Butterfly yesterday), I've not checked in to the blog for a few weeks. I ve tried to imagine your world as I go about my own life. My heart aches and aches for you. I pray for strength, sunshine, random acts of kindness, signs from Above, and happy times Ahead. When you have a minute, try to find the gorgeous and meaningful song "Wonder Child" , sung by Irish singer Mary Black. I've loved it for years, long before I became a mother. I have always wondered if the song was about a child who died, "I see him now, flying over the universe". Or about a child who's life has a super-hero quality.... Maybe both? "He's your wonder child, and my dream come true".

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  43. And the lyrics to Wonder Child, written by Irish songwriter Jimmy McCarthy. (hope you don't mind me posting them here)

    This child he means the world to me, There is no more enchanted. A child can take this place of ruin, And magically enhance it.

    I see him in a golden room, With the book of life before him. Strange instruments upon his charts, And the crystal glow inside him.

    He's your Wonder Child, And my dreams come true. You've searched all your life, I see him now flying over the universe.

    This child will build a violin, One will follow the traveller's love. Another will the bow apply, To reach the one above.

    I see her in a golden room, With the moon and stars above her. Her simple smile is Heaven's gate, With the Queen of all beside her.

    She's your Wonder Child, And my dreams come true. You've searched all your life, I see her now flying over the universe.

    Your Wonder Child, And my dreams come true
    You've searched all your life, I see them now flying over the universe.

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  44. Thinking of your family today. I hope you're all holding up ok. I'll pray for Ty to send you comforting signs.

    Mahopac Father

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  45. It is Thanksgiving and you all are in my thoughts. I am thankful for you sharing Ty's story and your grief. I am thankful that you all came into my life. I am thankful that Ty did so much in his short life. And I am thankful that his story will live on. Hugs and tears from NC.

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  46. Cindy, It's amazing to see your office for the foundation coming together. PLEASE let me know in which way I can help. My biggest contribution would be to help with writing for the foundation,if the need arises. I lost my father to colon cancer almost a year ago, and the only thing that helps me with this infernal grief and pain is to wtite about my experience.(You know more than anyone how that works). Losing an elderly parent is no comparison to what you are now enduring, but helping you and your cause in honor of Ty would be the greatest honor for me, and on a more slightly selfish note, help me deal with my own loss.
    Oh, but Cindy, the ladybugs are sure sign of Ty's love sent from above, because i had the same experience with my father. He keeps sending me butterflies, real ones in the warm weather and fake ones in the cold. Seeing them all around me always stops me in my tracks. Also 4 members of my family, including myself,randomly found $20 bills in various places within a few months after my Dad passed. He so often would hand my 8 year old daughter, whom he adored, $20 whenever he hugged her. Now, honestly could that all be a coincidence? It's definitely not! I believe the strong connection with our loved ones, at any age cannot be broken, even after death. So enjoy and revel in these miraculous occurences. Let them heal your soul, like I do, and continue to take your baby steps. Praying to my Dad and Ty for you and your family always, to bring peace and healing to your minds, hearts and souls. Fran C.
    I am only about an hour away from you in northern Westchester county. Let me know when you're ready for my help, in any way!
    fcjland690@aol.com

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  47. Wow! I am SO SO SUPER excited for you Cindy! I usually end up all choked up after reading your beautiful, inspirational and heart crashing pain....today, I have goose bumps, I am teray eyed, but today, they are tears of joy and excitement for you. You are right. This is going to see you and Lou through. And yes, Ty is going to be super excited when he see's it too. The office. =) xoxo to you always in Fishkill.

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