I have been given permission to post this update.
Today our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and hope. Nolan spoke his very first word since the accident … “Vanilla!”
It was actually his birthday, and he was enjoying some ice cream. As he picked up his spoon and started eating, someone asked him, “Which one is your favorite?” And then came the sweetest, most beautiful word … “Vanilla.”
I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
To most people it’s just the name of an ice cream flavor. To our family, it was the sound of hope, healing, and answered prayers.
Nolan is recognizing the people he loves, participating in rehab, and making wonderful progress every single day. We know there is still a road ahead, but every small step feels like a giant leap forward.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single person who has prayed, shared a kind word, sent a message, or simply kept Nolan and Michael in your thoughts. We truly believe those prayers have surrounded this little boy with love and strength. Watching people from our Island, across the country, and even beyond come together has been nothing short of incredible. We will never forget it.
As for Michael, he is feeling a little better today. His healing journey will be a long one, but he continues to move forward one day at a time. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as his body recovers from so many serious injuries.
Today, we are celebrating. We’re celebrating one simple word. One brave little boy. One incredible family. And the power of hope, faith, love, and prayer.
Please keep those prayers coming. We are filled with hope, and so incredibly grateful. Thank you all for walking this journey with us.
One word … vanilla … And it meant everything!
Happy Birthday, Noli! God is great!
In regards to a lemonade stand that was put on by local children to raise money for Nolan: Sometimes the biggest heroes come in the smallest packages. These amazing kids spent their day cutting lemons, squeezing fresh lemonade, setting up a stand, and working hard to raise money for my grandson, Nolan.
They didn’t have to do it — they simply chose kindness. Their generosity, along with the $250 they raised for Nolan’s recovery, has touched our entire family more than words can express. In the middle of one of the hardest times of our lives, they reminded us that compassion still shines brightly. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, your hard work, and your beautiful hearts. You are making a difference, and we will never forget your kindness.
Michael Ellis and his son Nolan were in an accident and suffered serious injuries earlier this month when their electric dirt bike collided with a pickup truck on Sea View Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Dolores Borza, Michael’s mother and Nolan’s grandmother, posted this update to Facebook on Friday, July 28, and gave The Times permission to publish it.
