Celebrating 19 Years of Elijah: A Journey of Love, Resilience, and Joy
When Elijah suffered catastrophic brain damage at just 18 months old, our lives were turned upside down. The doctors gave him a life expectancy of only 2.5 to 5 years. Well, they got that wrong, didn't they?
On Monday, March 24th, Elijah celebrated his 19th birthday - a milestone that once seemed impossible. To mark this special occasion, we embarked on a memorable London adventure filled with love, laughter, and moments of pure joy.
Our London Celebration
We arrived in London on Wednesday, March 19th, checking into the Doubletree by Hilton London West End - a hotel that has become a second home to us over the years. The staff there have always understood our needs and gone above and beyond to make our stays comfortable.
Balloon Planet Magic
Thursday brought the first highlight of our trip when Elijah, accompanied by his amazing support team - Rebecca, Clair, and Helen - visited the Balloon Planet. From the moment we arrived, Elijah's face lit up with happiness and pure delight. Seeing his smile in that moment made everything worthwhile.
Unexpected Challenges
Friday presented us with some challenges when problems arose with Elijah's mobile hoist. We spent most of the day waiting in the hotel room for a replacement to be delivered, which finally arrived at 4:00 PM. Once Elijah was safely hoisted into his powered wheelchair, we made the most of the evening in the hotel's welcoming lounge bar.
Family Time in London
Saturday was dedicated to family adventures around London. Elijah, Hannah, Nicola, Charlie, and I visited Buckingham Palace, passed through Trafalgar Square, and explored the vibrant Borough Market. In the evening, we returned to the hotel where we had the pleasure of reuniting with Bethany, who had previously supported and cared for Elijah. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about how far Elijah has come.
Starlight Express Spectacular
Sunday brought another highlight as we took Elijah to see Starlight Express. What a spectacular show! Elijah loved every moment, as did we all. The excitement continued after the performance when we unexpectedly bumped into two of the cast members - a special ending to a magical day.
Hotel Hospitality Beyond Compare
Our stay at the Doubletree by Hilton was, as always, incredible. Pantelis and his team truly exemplify exceptional hospitality and support. They went above and beyond to make Elijah's birthday special by decorating his bedroom with balloons, a birthday banner, and even crafting a swan out of towels! They also presented Elijah with a plate of fresh fruit, chocolate mousse, and a heartfelt card.
Reflections on 19 Years
Looking back on our journey, I'm filled with emotion. When the doctors delivered their prognosis all those years ago, we couldn't imagine celebrating Elijah's 19th birthday. Yet here we are - proving that love, determination, and the right support can defy even the most dire predictions.
Every smile, every moment of joy that Elijah experiences is a victory. His resilience continues to inspire everyone around him, and this birthday celebration was a testament to the full and loving life he leads.
As we look forward to the coming year, we do so with gratitude for everyone who has been part of Elijah's journey - his dedicated support workers, the medical professionals who have cared for him, and the many friends and family members who have stood by our side.
Here's to 19 years of Elijah - and to many more celebrations to come!