Norah's Celebration of Life

While I did not keep this blog updated, it seemed an apropos spot to share information about our Norah's Celebration of Life. We were so sad to have to say goodbye to Norah, but we could not have asked for a more beautiful, peaceful, and perfect sendoff for our girl. Our home was full of family, friends, and immense amounts of love for Norah. We are sad but so incredibly grateful as well. And this past week, while hard beyond words on our family, brought with it overflowing support and love from those whose lives were touched by Norah; and that has helped to bolster us against this sadness. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, stopped by, sent/brought us food and flowers, emailed/texted/messaged and supported us from near and far. You are Norah's community and we will never forget the vital role you played in our sweet Norah's life.

We are hopeful that you will all come join us in celebrating Norah's life. Near, far, close family or friends we only knew through Facebook-- you will be welcomed with open arms and hearts. We will have lots of activities for kids to do, as well.

Here is the Evite where we would like everyone to RSVP so we can get a handle on how much food we need. Everyone is welcome!! 

http://evite.me/14N8kQjyR7

We would love for everyone to wear bright, happy colors to celebrate Norah and her vibrant soul. Her favorite colors were red and yellow, but she loved all bright colors! Just be comfortable-- kids can be outside playing, weather permitting :) 

We don't have everything planned yet, but so far we know that her Celebration will be held at her school, High Point. We are so grateful to the administration for allowing us to use this space where Norah spent so much time and had so much fun. Going to school brought her so much joy and I couldn't think of a better place to gather to celebrate the truly amazing life she had.

We will be gathering starting at 11:30am on Saturday, October 20th. We will serve lunch and then we will have a more formal ceremony time with readings and time for folks to share anything they'd to about Norah.

I created separate blog posts for information about High Point, nearby hotels, as well as Norah's obituary. See the list of posts for September to find all that information.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that people consider making a donation to North Star Reach Camp. We attended family camp there this past year, and it was an unforgettable experience. We would love to help make that experience possible for more children in the future.

North Star Reach Camp
1200 University Camp Drive
Pinckney, MI  48169
734-680-8744
https://www.northstarreach.org/support

    

    

High Point Information

High Point School

1735 S. Wagner Road

Ann Arbor, MI  48106

734-994-8100

High Point is part of the Washtenaw County Intermediate School District. It is located on the Western side of Ann Arbor on Wagner Rd, between Liberty Rd and Scio Church Rd.  The school is on a campus shared with an administration building (see map below). When you pull onto WISD Drive, you'll need to follow the road around to the back of the campus, passing the administration building, until you see the single-story dark brick building. Park in the lot in front of the main entrance (see photo above).

We will have signs up to direct you which door to enter through. We will be spending time in the gym, cafeteria, and also on the big accessible playground. There is a good deal of accessible parking and the school has accessible bathrooms with large changing stations.

I would request that those who do not have accessibility issues park toward the back of the parking areas. I expect the accessible spots will fill up quickly, so having closer spots available would be awesome for those families.

Nearyby hotels by area

Because we are a bit spread out, I am providing a short list of hotels in Ann Arbor (where High Point is), Ypsilanti (where Brian and Cena live), and Canton (where Mark and Liz live). I'm sure there are others as well, but these are the ones closest to each of those locations.

Ann Arbor (West side, near High Point)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ann Arbor
323 N Zeeb Rd
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
734-827-1100

Hampton Inn & Suites Ann Arbor-West
2910 Jackson Ave
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
734-994-1100

Wyndham Garden Ann Arbor
2900 Jackson Ave
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
734-249-6157

Weber's Boutique Hotel
3050 Jackson Ave
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
734-769-2500


Canton (near Liz & Mark's house)

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Detroit Canton
5760 N Haggerty Rd
Canton, MI  48187
734-844-0088

Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit-Canton
1950 N Haggerty Rd
Canton, MI  48187
734-844-1111

Baymont by Wyndham Canton
5700 N Haggerty Rd
Canton, MI  48187
734-981-2440

La Quinta Inn Detroit Canton
41211 Ford Rd
Canton, MI  48187
734-981-1808


Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor (near Brian & Cena's house)

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ann Arbor Ypsilanti
326 James L Hart Pkwy
Ypsilanti, MI  48197
734-231-2292

Ann Arbor Regent Hotel and Suites
2455 Carpenter Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-973-6100

Comfort Inn & Suites
2376 Carpenter Rd
Ann Arbor, MI  48108
734-477-9977

Norah's Obituary

http://www.mccabefuneralhome.com/obituaries/details/2249

With deep sadness, the family of Norah Elizabeth Hambrick announces her passing on September 10, 2018.  Norah slipped peacefully from this world at home, in her mother's arms, surrounded by the boundless love of her family and friends. For seven vibrant years, Norah was a beacon of joy for her blended family and community.  She taught us that life is about quality and not quantity and that we need to slow down and cherish each and every day.

Norah will be lovingly remembered by her mother Liz, father Brian, stepmother Cena, stepfather Mark; stepsisters Caitlyn, Makayla, Emily, Skylar, and Kieran; and her dog Buckley.  Norah was adored and will be missed by her large family, including her grandparents Chris and Doug, Pat and John, Mitzi and Jim, Linda and Brian; her aunts and uncles Katie and David, Kris, John, Chelsea, Matthew, James and Katie, Jason and Niki; her cousins Mitchell, Cormac, Isaiah, Ethan, Eli, Zaeden, April, Zoey, Dotti, Judeah, Avery, and Jasper; her nannies Nancy, Janel, and Vicki; her teacher Jessica, as well as a vast community who followed Norah’s journey from near and far.

Norah’s favorite things were snuggles, dancing with daddy, sucking on mama’s shoulder, going to school, playing with her sisters and cousins, listening to music, swimming, Sesame Street (especially Elmo), Moana, curly ribbons and beads, hands-on art, and kicking over blocks and nearby food or water with her “happy feet”. She loved swinging, being dipped down quickly and brought back up in our arms, and having air blow through her magnificent hair. She was an inspiration to all who met her and lit up the room with her infectious smile and bright blue eyes. Norah developed her own way to communicate that transcended language. With both her amazing range of facial expressions and determined hollers, she always let us know exactly what she wanted. We are so proud of our sweet Norah.

Norah was born with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 2 (PCH), a rare genetic disorder, and beat the odds to live a full and happy life thanks to the love and care of her family, friends, and caregivers.  The family is particularly grateful for Arbor Hospice’s pediatric team, led by Dr. Patricia Keefer, who were so important in maximizing Norah’s quality of life over the past three years.

Norah’s family is hosting a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at her school, High Point School, 1735 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.  More information is available at http://allfornorah.blogspot.com/.

Donations in memory of Norah may be made to North Star Reach Camp, 1200 University Camp Drive, Pinckney, MI 48169 https://www.northstarreach.org/support.  Norah attended camp there this year and had a wonderful time with her entire blended family.