Magic happens when you don’t give up, even though you want to… Remember the universe always falls in love with a brave and stubborn heart!!
A LIFETIME LOVE!
QUITO, 2022
I wanted to share with you the incredible journey I’ve been on for the past two years. In that time, I’ve discovered a love so profound and enduring that it feels like a lifetime encapsulated in moments.
It all began two years ago when our hearts synchronized, and love bloomed effortlessly. Over six months, we nurtured this love, growing together, weaving dreams, indulging in playful moments, and living a beautiful reality. Undoubtedly, these moments have become the highlight of my entire existence.
Today marks what would have been River’s second birthday. I imagine him running, playing, laughing, crying, eating, learning, thinking, talking, and asking countless questions—a typical day in the life of a two-year-old. However, the universe had different plans, choosing him to be eternal.
In homage to River, I’ve embarked on a journey akin to the phoenix rising from the ashes. I am creating a CarpeDM dream—a testament to his enduring spirit. This endeavor is not just about dreams; it’s about seizing every moment, cherishing every memory, and embracing the beauty of life.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I invite you to share in the joy and inspiration that River continues to bring into our lives, even in his absence.
With heartfelt gratitude
Fher Merino
The phoenix rising from the ashes
In the aftermath of overwhelming tragedy, each attempt to rise felt like the hardest fall, a journey taking years to rediscover life. I explored every avenue—Ayahuasca, I immersed myself in work, I immersed myself in helping those who were going through an agonizing moment, I immersed myself in emotional dependence, and nothing helped me. Exhausted I ceased resistance. The only escape from this abyss was to embrace humility and courage, reaching out for help.
Even the strongest person needs help. I patiently awaited each day, searching for the strength to start the path to resurrection, miraculously I was still breathing. We can lose everything except faith, or at least the faith River had in me. In the moment of realizing I had lost my reason for life, a guiding presence urged me to cling to life, seeking inspiration to honor the memory of my eternal guide, River. This propelled me to rise and combat deep depression, anxiety, and panic attacks stemming from the trauma.
Focusing my heart and mind, I channeled my energy into building the CarpeDM Dream—a tribute to River. He taught me invaluable life lessons: the brevity of life’s learning journey, the essence of unconditional love, the humility to accept the uncontrollable, and the joy of giving. Through giving, we earn a piece of heaven.
Today, as River watches over from heaven, I find solace in remembering him through the eyes and smiles of every child on their journey home. In their innocence, I rediscover that dreams can manifest on earthly grounds. Life, after all, is for dreamers—those who dare to live fully and never lose faith, no matter the challenges!
“A bit of madness is key
To give us new colors to see
Who knows where it will lead us?
And that’s why they need us”
So bring on the rebels
The ripples from pebbles
The painters, poets, and plays
And here’s to the fools who dream
Crazy as they may seem
Here’s to the hearts that break
Here’s to the mess we make
I trace it all back to then
Her, and the snow, and the Seine
Smiling through it
She said she’d do it again”
To the fools who dream – LA LA LAND
RIVER LEGACY
Flowing through time, a river carries the legacy of nature’s narrative, carving landscapes, connecting hearts, and whispering tales of resilience and continuity.
THIS CARPEDM DREAM IS A RIVER FULL OF LOVE!
Do you still remember yourself as a kid?
What was your dream? / Have you made that dream come true?
Sometimes we forget to take care of our inner child. I hope this project leads you to find him/her and helps to make those neglected dreams come true! We need to embrace our here/now because we don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow. Our time is only today! In honor of River, CarpeDM has created a beautiful and touching project with your kind support and love. Every Feb 15th we (you and us) will contribute to making a kid’s dream come true…
In the heart of our community lies the River Legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and shared dreams. This legacy flows with the collective efforts of those who believe in making a positive impact. Join us on this inspiring journey as we explore the profound influence of the River Legacy.
In honor of River, CarpeDM has created a beautiful and touching project with your kind support and love. Every Feb 15th, we (you and us) will contribute to making a kid’s dream come true before they fly home. Join us in this heartfelt initiative, ensuring that River’s legacy continues to inspire joy and fulfillment in the lives of these brave young souls.
Together we are stronger!
Be a Lifesaver: Join the River Project and Make Dreams Bloom
Welcome to the River Project, a heartwarming initiative that invites you to be a part of something truly extraordinary. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bring hope, joy, and the magic of fulfilled dreams to children battling cancer. By joining hands with us, you become a lifeline for these brave young souls, turning their aspirations into reality.
Why the River Project:
- Creating Ripples of Joy: Imagine the joy of a child seeing their dreams come true. The River Project is all about creating ripples of happiness in the lives of kids facing the challenges of cancer. Your participation makes these ripples possible.
- Building a Community of Support: In this river, we form a community bound by compassion and dedication. Together, we stand as a strong support system for children and their families, fostering a sense of togetherness during challenging times.
- Making Dreams Sail: Every child deserves the chance to dream big, and with your support, we can turn those dreams into tangible experiences. Whether it’s meeting a hero, going on an adventure, or experiencing something magical, your contribution helps make these dreams sail.
To make this possible:
Casa CarpeDM is dedicated to giving back.
- We commit to donating 1.5% of our annual profits
- On Feb 14th-15th, we pledge to contribute 100% of those profits towards fulfilling the dreams of children facing cancer.
- Additionally, our staff will devote 1.5% of their time to volunteering in programs for kids. Your support and participation will help us make a meaningful impact on these children’s lives.”
How to Get Involved:
- Become a Donor: Your financial support is the driving force behind the River Project. By becoming a donor, you directly contribute to making dreams a reality. Small or large, every donation counts.
- Volunteer Your Time: Join us in organizing events, fundraisers, and dream-experience days. Your time and effort can have a profound impact on the lives of these children.
- Spread the Word: Help us reach more hearts by sharing the River Project with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about it, the more dreams we can make come true.
By being a part of the River Project, you become a beacon of hope for children fighting cancer. Together, let’s weave a river of dreams that flows with love, compassion, and the unwavering belief that, with your support, anything is possible. Join us in making a difference, one dream at a time.
Ways to be part of:
Join us in making a difference. Together, let’s create a legacy of hope and joy!
- Sign up to volunteer during your time in Ecuador.
- Purchase River’s T-shirts (price $10, all money goes for this project)
- Donations are very appreciated (You can use PayPal under River’s name)
- Sponsor a child’s dream
Be part of the CarpeDM community. Stay or travel with us and let us help you discover the beauty of Ecuador. Join our projects and contribute to making a positive impact!
If you’ve been touched by the loss of a child, or if someone close to you has, please don’t hesitate to reach us out. We’re here to offer support and understanding during difficult times… Don’t give up!
Join our River Project, where every ripple helps children battling cancer find hope, joy, and the magic to make their dreams come true. Together, let’s create a river of dreams.
RIVER 1.5