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Message from Adam and Dana | What we learned from Michael
July 2005
On July 29, 2005, our son Michael would have turned five years old. We would be preparing for kindergarten, saving our pennies for college, and dreaming about our future astronaut, army general or president-in-waiting. But Michael was born with a chromosome disorder called trisomy 13, and he lost his fight for life only four short days later.
Now, instead of his birthday, we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of Michael’s Feat, the charity named in his memory, and dedicated to helping local families of seriously ill newborns. We approach this anniversary filled with sadness in his absence, and pride in his legacy. But what have we learned from him in these last five years?
We’ve learned to be grateful. We are grateful for a supportive family and parents who held us up when we no longer could. We are grateful for the three healthy children who followed Michael, and who continue to reflect his beauty and courage in their smiles.
We are grateful for the best set of friends that any person was ever worthy enough to have. The Board of Directors of Michael’s Feat continues with undiminished enthusiasm, the passion of a parent, and the heart of a heavy weight champion. We are grateful for the businessman and woman who gave of their money and time to help realize the dream of a shattered family.
We’ve learned to be grateful for the stranger, who reads about this small cause, drops an email of encouragement, and keeps our spirits up when the children are crying and the bills are mounting. We’re grateful for the public officials who recognize the cause in proclamations and by their presence. We’re grateful for local journalists who report on our successes, and spend many hours with us helping to re-tell Michael’s story and the reason behind this cause.
But most of all, we are grateful for Michael. In four short days, he taught a lifetime’s worth. Never give in. For nothing, great or small, large or petty. Life is worth fighting for. Hope is not defined by how long you are here, but rather, by what you leave behind.
Special letter
of thanks from Adam and Dana
August 1, 2000
When we were at our lowest, you were there to hold us, encourage us
and remind us you were near.
When we hadn't the strength to care for ourselves, you were there with gifts
and food and prayers and hope.
When we felt completely alone, you were there with cards, letters and phone calls.
When Michael was brought into this world, you were there to congratulate
us and offer your blessings.
When Michael left this world, you were there to share our pain, remember him in
your own ways, and most of all, to remember his message to the world
Cherish life, fight for it,
Be heroic, be brave,
Never give in,
For nothing great or small, large or petty,
Never give in except for honor, courage and convictions.
We would like you to know that you will remain in our thoughts and
prayers all the days of our lives.
Thank you and God bless you.
Love,
Adam and Dana Puharic
All donations are tax deductible.
The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.
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