Here I have been, sitting in front of a blank screen, watching the curser tick. 
I know, and have known for weeks leading up to this week that it is up to me to write something in the newspaper for you. 
But what does a Mama write that is worthy? Where all I want to do is wish I was writing in celebration for your 21st. But I am sitting here trying to finding the words to write a remembrance piece because you have been gone now 6 years. 
How do I put in the 30 words or less what we feel? How much we miss you. How much we yearn to have you back.
On top of the day to to day stresses, throw in our home burning down 5 months, living out of a suitcase and not been able to get a good night's sleep in FOREVER due to having the images of you dying in my arms entering my mind when I try to drift off to the land of nod.
Sleep and night time are some of the hardest times. 
We are hurting. And always will be hurting and missing you. Even more so, knowing that your 21st would have been this coming Saturday. 
I love you so much, G. So much and forever.
Love, Mummy.

Now how gorgeous are these?!?!  😉
Mary Pappas has been generously and lovingly making and donating beautiful hand crocheted blankets to Giovanna's Gift for over a year. When we check our post box, we get tickled pink with excitement to see what creations have been made 😍
This melts our hearts ❤️
To know that there are such amazing people in this world that care, take time out of their busy lives to think about others. 
Mary, thank you 🙏
Your pieces of art are heading straight to Ronald McDonald House Parkville

"All the money that you raise, where does it go?"
Thanks so much for asking, we've been itching to get the lowdown details for you :)
Every SINGLE dollar raised through Giovanna's Gift goes to funding a room at Ronald McDonald House Parkville in Melbourne. Your heart filled donations also go to purchasing items, gift cards, including grocery store vouchers ( think Coles, Woolies ) Fuel vouchers and iTunes, Google Store Vouchers plus more. Since forming Giovanna's Gift, this is what YOU have helped us raise so far ❤️❤️
Over $45,000 in funds to keep our sponsorship of G's room at Ronald McDonald House. 2017, YOU helped achieve this: 24 families used the room, with more than 50% of those families staying more than 3 months! On average, families using the room stayed for 18 nights.
We cannot wait for what the rest of 2018 brings 

In the lead up to what should be a wonderful weekend, time spent together as a family, celebrating your Mum - pause your thoughts for a moment and remember that many Mums this weekend will be finding it tough on Sunday. 
You are supposed to go before your child, not the other way around. 
For all bereaved Mama's, I hear you. I see you. And I hold how you are feeling so preciously as I too, feel the exact same way. 
This is my 5th Mother's Day without Giovanna. It doesn't getter better. You just accept that grief will always be a part of you. 
So if you know a Mama that will be feeling so many things this weekend, let her know you love her as these milestone days are extra tough ❤️
Oxox, Ange.

Ovarian Cancer Day. 
A day, where I know that everyone would wish never existed as it would mean that there was a cure already. 
The majority of the time, Ovarian Cancer is silent. There are symptoms that can be mistaken for other things. 
Ladies, please,please,please. Listen to your body. 
If something doesn't feel "right" don't postpone,but go seek a medical opinion immediately. 
Life gets busy. Days turn into weeks. I get it. Make YOURSELF a priority so we can fight this, head on. 
YOU are your biggest advocate for your health. 
We hope to one day soon hear and learn that a cure has been found for this devastating disease. 
G, lost her battle. 
We hope, pray and do everything we can with love, to one day know that no one has to ever again ❤️
Oxox Ange.

Giovanna's Gift was fortunate enough to be Club Merbein charity of choice last Friday night, when they hosted our Trivia Night. I could not let this opportunity pass me by as they don't come around too often. So, to help make this night a success, I had to bust people's chops to buy a ticket!!! Believe you me when I say, I absolutely dread having to ask people to put their hands in their pockets for me, especially when I know myself that there is never any $$$ in my pockets. I also understand when it seems every single person is asking for money for some cause, I know the EYE ROLL "oh no, not again" is an automatic response behind closed doors lol 😂 I get it, I do it myself too. I suppose when it comes to stuff like that your money is paying for a lippy, unlike when you support me your supporting a family you don't even know. This is why I have to work up the courage to ask for help.. As we don't have family support here in Mildura, I have to get my friends on board to take up the slack, and I have to say I have the most amazing people in my life who come and stand beside me no matter what. I can NEVER imagine living my life without them. 
The Trivia Night last Friday was a HUGE success with at least 70 people ranging from young ones, to older folks who would be out past their bed time attending which is huge for little old Merbs. What a night full of laughs, it was fantastic, I LOVE TRIVIA NIGHTS...
Drum roll........
We RAISED $2900!! 
What an amazing amount that all of you put towards Giovanna's Gift. Thank you. Thank you so much. These funds will be going straight to funding Giovanna's room at Ronald McDonald house in Parkville in Melbourne.
To everyone who donated $$, bid on the silent auction items, purchased raffle tickets and attended, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 
And a big shout out to our sponsors and corporate supporters for the evening, thank you so much for your support.ox
Club Merbein
Troy Robbins ( Chef )
Mcgintys merbein butchery
Simplistik Hair Care
@Jackabell Mildura
McDonald's
KFC
Pizza Cafe At The Grand
Andy's Kitchen
Big W Mildura
@Wingara Wines 
Greg and Jenny Byrnes
Therm-Ace Pty Ltd
Coles
Chemist Warehouse Mildura DC
Ritchies - Merbein
Mildura Boat Hire
Mildura Golf Club Resort
Stay tuned for news of our upcoming event in October 2018
Details coming soon. 
Ange ox