From the Ritchie Family...THANK YOU!

[Libby Ritchie]

As most of you know, my children (Taylor..age 11, and Ryan...age 8) and I were in a serious accident on April 8th. Hannah and Jenny (team 234) printed off the post of well wishes from the FIRST family and I have to say...it meant so much to us!

As my wonderful friend Ken Leung, has pointed out, keep things in perspective in life! I have had to learn this the hard way. I have had to watch Taylor go through two surgeries to repair her intestines and see her in so much pain on a daily basis. I have had two surgeries myself in the past two weeks. I have had to watch my son go through a lot of emotional pain. And, I have had to watch my husband, Scott (234), run from one hospital room to another to do what he can to take care of his family. I have learned that life is short and you cannot take anything for granted. You think nothing will ever happen to you...and within just seconds, it all changes.

For now, we are simply just trying to get through each day and continue to pray for healing. However, we know that in the long run all will be well and these injuries will heal. God has been good to us and we are so thankful.

The FIRST family is amazing and I cannot say thank you enough to all of you for your support, prayers, thoughts, well wishes, flowers, gifts, "get well Taylor" pins, etc. Wildstang...you guys probably wouldn't know my daughter if you saw her walking down the street. Even though Taylor's mom runs team 393 and her dad runs team 234...her favorite team has always been 111! She loves your shirts! Dan Green was kind enough to send a team shirt home to Taylor via David Kelly. Taylor's eyes truly lit up when David pulled that shirt out for her. She has it hanging in her hospital room! Little things like that have meant the world to all of us and it just goes to show you how many wonderful people there are in FIRST!

Thank you all so much for all you have done during this really difficult time in our lives. We appreciate it all so very much!! And to the parent crew/engineers of team 234 and 393...along with David Kelly and Sarah Everhart....thank you so much for all of your kindness and help!

I hope everyone is able to now get some sleep now that it's all over for the year...and make sure you mark your calendars for IRI!! The Ritchie family will be there with walkers and wheelchairs...ready for another GREAT competition!!

THANK YOU!!