Thank you for coming to the Claremont Resort
We’re here to thank you for your love and support
We are happy to be able to jubilate this way
As you join us to celebrate Simone’s 16th Birthday
Dancing and Singing right now’s a big contrast
To all that we’ve gone through for the 2 years just past
It started with a visit to the doctor to check out a cold
We had no idea what we would next be told
A Hematologist said something was seriously wrong
Our friends quickly circled ‘round so we could be strong
Ellen Ellis took Moriah, the Rabbi came to visit
Before Simone could even ask, “What is it?”
Spinal tap, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, ultrasound
Broviac implanted because of what they found
Leukemia cells there without permission
But, the doctors quickly put Simone into remission
The Bresslers came to the hospital and sat down with us
To help explain Simone’s treatment and diagnosis
Leukemia chemotherapy is a 28 month process
And you are the people that have been there for us
Other teens who had gone through their cancers, too
Came up to 5 South to share what they went through
For 25 days we made our home in a hospital room
Walls plastered with your cards to shake away the gloom
My mother flew up to sit with Simone despite her foot in a cast
So Debby and I could step out for some fresh air at last
The security desk each day made extra passes
For all Simone’s visitors as you came in masses
We were able to stay in touch with you thanks to Jeanette
Who sent Jeremy’s daily updates out through the internet
How to maintain the home front seemed such a quandary
Until Johanna stepped up and did 2 tons of laundry
Thanks to Ellen Whittom and her volunteers we all got fed
If it weren’t for them Jeremy would certainly be dead.
The Army of people looking after Moriah and Nemo
Let us focus on Simone as she went through her chemo
Finally the day came when we were free to go home
Unfortunately, Simone was not permitted to roam
Thanks to steroids, Simone’s appetite was soaring
Susan Tamchin came by with Starbucks Mochas each morning
Donna, Mallorie, and Murwood moms like Sue and Maureen
Got us through the day by day care of our precious teen
Our friends and family dispersed far and wide
Supported us by being spiritually right by our side
From Portland, Utah, England, the east coast, and the delta dogs in Iraq
Came prayers for Simone’s medicine to give cancer cells a fatal whack
We all felt your prayers for us help us be brave
As you yelled for Simone’s blood to have the right counts and BEHAVE
You were all there to help us whenever we’d call
In the middle of the night …anytime at all
Your gifts, cards, and the songs you would write
Supported Simone as she went through her fight
In May from Camp Okizu to the hospital we sped
As mucusitius put Simone back into a hospital bed
Debbie Enelow blew into the hospital everyday
To help Simone visualize her pain away
McGraths brought mucusitius friendly foods
Caitlin and Laurel coped with Moriah’s every mood
Just how Julia Kurzrock got Moriah to wear pajamas we’ll never know
Angela and the Gerdtz family took Moriah wherever she wanted to go
Simone was able to walk in the graduation processional
Although Hal carried her across the field for the recessional
As we continued into the summer of hell
All of you were there helping, praying, crying as well
Moriah was happy when we said that we’re gonna
Celebrate her birthday with the Hirsts at Beni Hana
When methotrexate spinal paralyzed Simone with a stroke
We worried that our minds and spirits were finally broke
But you rallied round us as we prayed by her bedside
That Simone’s limbs and tongue would soon be untied
Ellen Ellis worked diligently so Simone could speak again
To teach her to chant Torah, Cantor Becker came in
Since Gymboree days Margaret and Stacy you’ve been there
Adrienne goes back still farther to our teenage days of despair
Jeremy’s mom and his sister Olivia with her kinder here for trips
Made for happier moments and for lessened hardships
Finally we entered Maintenance and regrowing hair
And Simone able to carry herself up stair by stair
Special travels this year Simone could now undertake
With wonderful trips to 3 east coast states
Since you surrounded us with love and help like bees in a honeycomb
We can now stand before you happily to recite this poem
16 years ago Simone came into this world early and fast
It’s her birthday today, so let’s all have a BLAST!!!!!!!
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