My Family

Mom

Hi! I am Hannah’s mom.  Many people have commented that Hannah is my “mini” me and I think that is true in many respects- but all of my children share some of my qualities.  Hannah is a lot like me- she even looks like me a bit – but she is also very unique.  No one could deny that she has her own opinions- and often very strong ones.  Also, she has a huge heart.  While she can be silly and sometimes a little absent-minded (the wall of China wraps around the whole world) and she is one of the most caring and truly sensitive individuals I know.

Hannah is very diligent in her school work, and in her dedication to her love of soccer.  She is also an amazing big sister to her baby sister, Betty Rose.  She actually looks forward to spending time chasing Betty Rose around.  Betty Rose learning to walk this summer has definitely been a workout for Hannah.  When it comes to her brothers, Hannah’s competitiveness and stubbornness are at their peak – but that is something the boys share in common with her (and they all inherited SOLELY from their dad).  She refuses to be bested by them in anything- including prank wars, wrestling matches, or any sports challenge.  On any given day you can find them creating new and crazy challenges such as family Olympics or hockey in the driveway.  

Hannah has a love of travel and adventure which are DEFINITLY traits she got from me- so she is a HORRIBLE influence when it comes to planning trips and doing crazy things.  She and I are often planning our next trip even before we have returned from the one we are on.  Covid-19 has really put a damper on our adventures this past year but as a family we have found ways to keep it fun and adventurous by doing silly things like dying all of our hair, learning to play pinochle and feeding our adventurous side by buying a boat and having Covid-19 safe boating adventures. DO NOT ask the kids about the time I took them out alone on the boat and we crashed into a dock, almost got washed out to sea while anchored and THEN ran aground. This summer Hannah set a goal for herself that she would get up on water skiis.  She was relentless in her attempts and after several weekends and a ton of failed attempts, I was so proud when she successfully mastered the art of getting up on skiis.  She refused to accept failure or defeat- especially since Declan had mastered it first- so her determination and competitiveness persevered.  

Needless to say, even as Hannah faces this challenge and the fear and uncertainty that comes with it, Hannah has not lost her sense of fun and adventure- which is a true testament to who she is.  While the surgery and recovery will be riddled with anxiety, unknowns and struggles, Hannah and our family will face it with bravery and determination.  We are very appreciative of all of our family and friends that support us.   We are so blessed to have such a tremendous amount of love and support around us.  Thank you and please keep Hannah in your prayers and positive thoughts! 

Dad

Hi! I’m Hannah’s Dad, Nolan.

Here’s what you need to know about me. I learned at an early age that the only motto a person needs for a life worth living is, “God, Country, Notre Dame.” Enough said. Sure, I also believe family is pretty important also and I usually remember to put that in between God and Country! Unfortunately, for Hannah, Aidan and Declan, I am doing my best to instill that same motto and started the ND brainwashing early!

Seriously, I love my family. The next few months will be tough, but we are tougher! I am choosing to focus on all of the things we will do as a family once Hannah recovers. In the meantime, we will be eating lots of ice cream (my favorite) and dreaming of the next time we get back on the water and celebrate our blessings.
Thank you all for your love and support – it means so much to all of us.

Clarkie

I always said I wanted a daughter (actually, multiple) but never did I envision someone like Hannah to come in and change my life. My name is Kevin and I am Hannah’s (step) Father.

I met Hannah when she was 7 years old and from those early days, I could tell she was smart and motivated. She always excelled at sports and I enjoyed both playing with her, Aidan and Declan or watching and supporting her in games. She always managed to beat everyone in our impromptu family sporting events. In school, Hannah is much smarter than she gives herself credit for. 

As her de-facto math tutor, I always enjoy helping Hannah do her work and witnessing her excitement at learning new things. I learn plenty of new things from her as well, at least how NOT to do certain thing. Outside of the classroom, Hannah is an adrenaline junky… She has never once turned down a haunted house, roller coaster, scary movie, parasailing or any number of things that would terrify a grown man, let alone a 12-year-old girl. 

At times she pushes me outside of my comfort zone on these crazy adventures, but it always ends up being a great time. I am scared for her as she begins to embark down this difficult journey, but I know her strength and positive outlook will help make this something we look back on a laugh about while falling 14,000ft from an airplane with a parachute on

Aidan

This is Aidan, Hannah’s twin brother, I’m 12 years old, I am a 100% better athlete than my competitive sister, and I enjoy doing things that involve strategy and puzzling. I love sports- especially basketball and I am working hard to develop my skills.  

My sister and I have quite an odd relationship. For starters we are the most competitive people you will EVER meet, we fight 24/7, and Hannah can be the biggest pain in the ass in the entire world, although I think the feeling is mutual. Even though we are these things, and we have that kind of relationship I can trust my sister with my life, and I can ALWAYS count on her to have my back. To me, Hannah defies gravity in every aspect of life, not just in the hospital, with a big metal halo on her head.

And really, the hardest thing to think about isn’t the surgery or the halo at all, the hardest thing for me is that I can’t visit or see my sister in person at all until the day she comes home.

Now It may not seem like it but I am going to be counting down the days until my pain in the ass sister comes home. I would give anything in the world to see her in the hospital, but because of COVID-19, I can’t. 

Hannah is the strongest, most determined person I know, If there is anything I can tell you, it’s that Hannah is going to make it through this no matter what. As The Rock once said “If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.” 

Declan

Hi! I am Hannah’s brother Declan and I am 8.  

I love to play ice hockey and ride my bike.  I like food too.  Me and Hannah love each other but we annoy each other sometimes too.  We love to play soccer and work together to play pranks on our family.  

I know that she will get through her surgery and I will have plenty of pranks ready for when she comes home! 

Betty Rose

When I was born, I always wanted a pony. I was very shocked and disappointed when I got home from the hospital and found a big sister, two big brothers and no pony… However, a little over a year later, I think I made out pretty well. 

I have an awesome family that I love (and they seem to love me as well), I get to rule the house, when I cry, I have 3 people that come running to my rescue (Hannah, Aidan and Declan). When I get hungry, those same three people come to feed me… what more could a girl ask for?! Well, let me tell you all about my big sister! 

She is my idol and I love spending time with her. She plays fun games with me, sneaks me extra snacks when mom and dad are not looking and helps me see the world from a different viewpoint (mainly on top of her shoulders). I think she wants me to be an adrenaline junky like her (whatever that means)… every time she picks me up, I get to do amazing flips and twists on my way down.  

She is always there to take care of me and sometimes gives me the tough love I need when I get too fussy. Each morning when I wake up (usually around noon), Hannah comes in to help me get dressed. She has a great fashion sense, but I help by being cute and making the clothes she picks out look great! 

We have a great time together! I am going to miss our adventures while she is at the hospital. I can’t wait for her to get home and come play with me… my snack supply is getting low.