Update # 142

Aug. 29th marked I year from Ethan's passing.
He was such a kind and brave soul.  We all miss him
and think of him always.  RIP little buddy.

Update # 141

I think it is time to close out this blog.  I am not sure
what I will do with it, have received several suggestions
and will think about them in the days to come.

Ethan's services were held on Monday 8 September.
Grandma  and I did not attend, having said our good-by
with him privately.  We will in time visit the cemetery - just
not yet.

I guess it is human nature to try and express sympathy to those
you know who have experienced a loss.  And through all of this
the most meaningful to me have been from those who share that
they are without words.  That is fine, more than fine in fact,  as we
as a family find ourselves that way also.  Thank you !


Because it is our loss, I tell myself there is no answer to -  why ?
I also am good with not knowing,  somethings should be beyond
human understanding.  It  IS  what your faith is based upon and about.
However,  I received a photo from someone in Israel that I will share at the
bottom of this post.  I do not know the woman who sent this picture
but she has followed Ethan's blog and felt that this is what Ethan
was sharing with me.  He was such a sweet boy and perhaps he
was renewing the softness to my heart.  Thank you.

I will keep the blog up for a while, so please post if you wish to
and thank all of you, from all around the world, who helped Ethan
through his final time with us.

This is not Ethan, but
the message is !

17 Sept. 2014

Update # 140

One week ago today, Ethan passed away.  During this
past week I have missed him  terribly and often ask myself
why this had to happen.  I do not have an answer,  nor
do I actually want one.

His Dad (Kent),  Uncle Keith,  Grandma,  and Papa
(myself) are doing quite well.  We are humbled by
the kindness and support that has come our way.  We
see and feel Ethan around us constantly  and are
amazed at how he seems to have touched so many of you
as well.  Perhaps that touch was his reason for being here,  his
way of making every one's life a bit nicer.  It does not
matter that I am his Papa, I think he was quite an
amazing young boy !

I still do not have any "for sure"  information on
services, still waiting for that.  For those of you who ask
about what you can do or how you can donate in Ethan's honor,
I have listed two wonderful suggestions in blog # 139.

We again want to thank all of you for your prayers
and support. 

Post # 139

I've been asked to provide an address for possible
donations in the memory of Ethan.   Listed below
are two suggestions that I have praised several times
in this blog.


1.     Dr. Anat Epstein's Lab at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
        can be done on-line at  :   chla.org

2.     Southern California Hospice Foundation
        can be done on-line at  :  socalhospicefoundation.com


Thank you so much for your consideration of either of these sites.

I would also like to thank all of you who have and continue to
provide support and prayers,   our family is very thankful.

Update # 138

I am sad to say that my special buddy / grandson Ethan
passed away this afternoon.

      Ethan Marcus Collins
      3 Nov. 2007  -  29 Aug. 2014

I cannot think of anything to say, will try another day.

Thank all of you for your support and prayers.

Update # 137

Ethan's Day  532

Wednesday evening and night were difficult for Ethan.  He
was having a hard time breathing and saliva was building
up in his throat.  Thursday morning was a real rough time
for Ethan.  Thank goodness we have a great nurse (Marta)
and our involvement with So. California Hospice Foundation.
We have had a doctor, round the clock nurse time and lots
of calm support from all of them.  A Great Team !

Thursday evening saw Ethan a bit calmer and resting.  His
breathing is so shallow, it is almost scary.  I fear his battle
with DIPG may be coming to an end (very sad face).  His
lead doctor (and friend) Dr. Epstein has come by to see Ethan.
A long drive in holiday traffic and still she came.

Will keep you all informed as news becomes available.  As of
now he is resting and seems comfortable.

As always we thank you all for your support and prayers.  And
a special thank you to all the medical people that have helped
these past two days and So. California Hospice Foundation.

Update # 136

Ethan and Papa have an on-going conversation happening.  We have been

talking about Blog post # 135.  He likes the map and we have great

moments as we discuss where Ethan is in relation to visitors to this

Blog.  The conversation is very difficult as Ethan has very little to

no speech available.  It turns into short statements followed by positive

or negative gestures from Ethan.  Hard but not impossible to keep

his thoughts going.  Time becomes the biggest barrier as he becomes

frustrated when we do not understand what he is trying to say.

Ethan's current desire with this blog is to tell some of our most

recent visitors from outside the USA  hello.  Below is his request

in Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Polish, and German.  We will keep 

you informed if he gets any replies - hope so.

          Ethan wants to thank you for taking the time to view 

          his blog.  When you view and comment ( please ) it 

          really makes him happy.  Thank you and have a good day.

We hope the translations are accurate and we look forward to hearing

from you.  Thanks for keeping Ethan and his family in your  thoughts 

and prayers.