Most of you don't know ... but a few years ago I wrote a series of kids books about Foster care. Two are completely finished, one is about to be. Never really did anything about them.
The other day, Zoe was looking at one and asked if I could write a book about her. She thought it would be a nice way to share with her teacher and classmates about cleft lip and palate.
Why not? What a great idea.
Anyway, I'm not an artist so I decided to just use her photographs. It would be almost like a photo album but include the words to explain about cleft issues such as tubes, surgeries, speech, etc. Besides, I think the pictures have a realism about them that artwork just can't convey. And as I got to showing it to a couple of people, they thought it might be nice for other families too. I don't know.
So I started to research and found VERY few cleft resources. The few that come up to the top of the search are fine. We've read them. They were just not what we were looking for. So maybe there is a small market for this afterall. So I'm considering it. I'm looking into printing costs versus the ebook option, etc.
If any of you are interested in looking at the very rough draft, please email me at goredan@hotmail.com and I'd be happy to send it to you. There are several pictures missing at this stage but you can get the idea.
Right now I have her copy ready ... it includes about 4 extra pages which include info about her syndrome that she has in addition to the cleft issues so it's highly personalized but I've left those pages out for a general cleft book.
If this idea works ... I have already started on a book for Manny about tube feeding, wheelchair, muscular dystrophy.
So that's what we've been up to lately.
May 31, 2011
May 25, 2011
Hap-E Birfday to Youp Zoe, age 6
6 years ago today (give or take a few days), a little princess was born. I've wondered about her birthmother's reaction to see the cleft face (and other obvious "deformities"). I wonder if she knew before the birth or not until then. I've wondered if she was young and unmarried or maybe married and thrilled to be having a baby. Who knows.
I've also wondered about the next few days and how the decision went to take her to a place and leave her. Who did it? Was it hard?
They do not know how long she was in this "finding place" before someone found her. (It is only by the Grace of God that she was found ... she was not left in a "traditional" place.)
She eventually was taken to a poor Orphanage and was TINY. With such a severe cleft, it was difficult to feed her. She wasn't doing well.
A wonderful Chinese lady (Hannah) was assigned to go to the orphanage that day and get a baby to take to China Care Children's Home. She picked Zoe. She probably saved her life that day. And by the Grace of God, I have had the honor to meet and become friends with Hannah. (Who but God could orchestrate such a thing?)
Once she arrived there, she was nursed to health, given surgeries and then placed with a wonderful loving foster family.
She spent most of her first year with her. By the Grace of God, I've been able to meet her too. And even go to her house! (Again, who but God?)
Her last day with this foster family was her 2nd birthday. 3 weeks later, we went to pick her up.
Before I got her, I wrote a song called ""One Day" . And once she came home, I put that song to pictures of Zoe. If you want to see it ... Here is "One Day"
On her 3rd birthday, she was with us. Our first birthday together. That morning, before we were even out of PJs, I told her it was her birthday. She started singing her own version of Happy Birthday. I grabbed the camera and caught THIS ... and in case you don't understand a 3 year old born in China with a cleft lip and palate, she is saying, "Happ-E Birfday to Youp"~ LoL
These are just a VERY few ways God has been involved with this little girl since before her birth. We are blessed beyond belief to be her parents.
Happy 6th Birthday sweetheart!
I've also wondered about the next few days and how the decision went to take her to a place and leave her. Who did it? Was it hard?
She eventually was taken to a poor Orphanage and was TINY. With such a severe cleft, it was difficult to feed her. She wasn't doing well.
A wonderful Chinese lady (Hannah) was assigned to go to the orphanage that day and get a baby to take to China Care Children's Home. She picked Zoe. She probably saved her life that day. And by the Grace of God, I have had the honor to meet and become friends with Hannah. (Who but God could orchestrate such a thing?)
Her last day with this foster family was her 2nd birthday. 3 weeks later, we went to pick her up.
Before I got her, I wrote a song called ""One Day" . And once she came home, I put that song to pictures of Zoe. If you want to see it ... Here is "One Day"
On her 3rd birthday, she was with us. Our first birthday together. That morning, before we were even out of PJs, I told her it was her birthday. She started singing her own version of Happy Birthday. I grabbed the camera and caught THIS ... and in case you don't understand a 3 year old born in China with a cleft lip and palate, she is saying, "Happ-E Birfday to Youp"~ LoL
Now today, I put this picture (below) as my Facebook picture. It's the earliest picture we have of her. You can tell she is tiny and frail. Today, a friend (who has been to China) said she's seen this shirt before. I asked when and she said last summer that a little boy arrived and he was so tiny that their regular clothes didn't fit on him. They found THIS shirt in the back of the clothing bin.
 |
| Zoe in the shirt ... about age 3 weeks. |
 |
| Apparently this little guy needed the same shirt last summer (I was told it was one of the few outfits small enough for him). So while I don't know who this little guy is exactly, I feel the need to pray extra for him. Join me will you? |
 |
| Just for perspective of how tiny he is and how tiny Zoe was. |
Happy 6th Birthday sweetheart!
May 23, 2011
Dentist and the ER
Zoe has been home sick with pneumonia and residual cough for almost a week. She felt finally well enough to go back to school today ... but not before a stop at the dentist first.
We knew her teeth were bad ...but I had no clue just HOW bad. (sigh)
When we first got home from China almost 4 years ago, we immediately took her to this dentist and he worked on 10 of her 15 teeth. Well... we're about that bad again. (Yes she brushes ... well. Cleft kids tend to have a lot of issues with porus teeth and cavities.)
After many xrays, they made their plan. They won't have an exact plan until he talks to the Craniofacial surgeon but he has his proposal. Basically, he will put silver crowns on several teeth (try to save them until it's time for them to fall out and the silver crowns are the best bet). He will also extract several teeth. The problem is... 3 of the ones he needs to extract (due to extensive nerve involvement) are IN the palate. If he takes them out, they run the risk of collapsing her palate. But if he extracts them and they immediately start working on palate expansion in preparation for the bone graft.
Basically, her 3 silver crowns she has are fine. Her 3 permanent teeth she has are fine. The rest ... ALL are getting work! There is so much work to be done, he wants to take her to the hospital and put her under and do it all at once. (Much more merciful this way.)
Now about the other reason we were there ... the Cleft surgeon wanted to get a Panorex (panoramic view of her teeth to see what teeth might be erupting soon). HIS take on it was that the bone graft would need to be done in about 6-9 months. But he also said this wasn't his call. Her xrays have already been forwared to the surgeon. But if she agrees, this means we need to start fairly soon with the Orthodontist to work on expanding her palate.
So ... now we wait for the VPI test (to see if she needs pharyngeal flap surgery) and if so, they'll combine the teeth and that surgery. If not, we'll do the dental work soon. In the meantime, she's on antibiotic as she currently has abcesses. (Poor baby! She must be in so much pain but never says anything.)
I eventually got her back to school. And then I noticed that Manny's one cast (remember, he wiggled out of the other one on Saturday) was slipping. Several of his toes were no where to be found. The toes I *COULD* see were turning blue and he was in pain. So I prayed about it and felt I needed to get him to the ER. In the van, I tried one time to see if I could slip it off (it was that low). And he SCREAMED. So ... no.
Into our Local ER. The front desk nurse couldn't figure out what I needed ... even though I provided him the script from the PT/orthotist which says this child is in a serial casting program, it's only for stretching, not for breaks or surgery. The note says if a child presents with pain, they are to remove the cast and not recast it. Seemed straight forward to me. I showed him the green line where his toes WERE and where his toes were now. Thankfully a second desk triage nurse understood and sent us right through.
Once in the back, we got a nurse we've had before. In fact, the last time I was there, she was telling me about her granddaughter who'd just been diagnosed with heart hole and wanted prayer and advice on a good cardiologist. So today I asked about her and there was a praise report!
And then the ER doc was one we've had before. He immediately knew what to do and calmly ordered the right equipment. The last time there, he was very concerned about Manny as his heart rate was almost 200. He was really trying to get to the bottom of the diagnosis. So today I told him that even though it was unrelated, we knew his diagnosis. He asked the complications and I told him. One is lung ... and he immediately walked over to listen to his lungs. (So sweet.)
I loved that it was a doc and nurse who knew us so they didn't think we were nuts or anything.
The guy cutting the cast off was ... uh, scared. I don't know why he was the guy but he was scared. He kiddingly asked if I'd sign a waiver if he accidentally cut the baby. I told him how they usually cut it off and coached him through it. He did great. He was much relieved when it came off. Manny was also thrilled and kept saying, "Boot off!"
The baby's foot looked HORRIBLE. There was a lot of skin abrasion. But the most concerning part was an actual cut on his foot (not from the guy who cut it off). I have no clue how there could be such an injury on his foot. Strange. His toes immediately started to look better. His circulation was being cut off quickly. I don't know how long it would have been before there was a major problem ... but not long. That's for sure. I made the right call.
We were in and out in like 1 hour. (record). And the whole time, Manny was quite entertaining. He was talking (which they've never heard because he's usually very sick when we take him there). He saw the number 3 over the bed and said, "QRS". I told him it was the number three. To which he said, "4,5,6". He was crackin' everyone up!
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. (Well, if you count that I still have the flu uneventful.)
We knew her teeth were bad ...but I had no clue just HOW bad. (sigh)
When we first got home from China almost 4 years ago, we immediately took her to this dentist and he worked on 10 of her 15 teeth. Well... we're about that bad again. (Yes she brushes ... well. Cleft kids tend to have a lot of issues with porus teeth and cavities.)
After many xrays, they made their plan. They won't have an exact plan until he talks to the Craniofacial surgeon but he has his proposal. Basically, he will put silver crowns on several teeth (try to save them until it's time for them to fall out and the silver crowns are the best bet). He will also extract several teeth. The problem is... 3 of the ones he needs to extract (due to extensive nerve involvement) are IN the palate. If he takes them out, they run the risk of collapsing her palate. But if he extracts them and they immediately start working on palate expansion in preparation for the bone graft.
Basically, her 3 silver crowns she has are fine. Her 3 permanent teeth she has are fine. The rest ... ALL are getting work! There is so much work to be done, he wants to take her to the hospital and put her under and do it all at once. (Much more merciful this way.)
Now about the other reason we were there ... the Cleft surgeon wanted to get a Panorex (panoramic view of her teeth to see what teeth might be erupting soon). HIS take on it was that the bone graft would need to be done in about 6-9 months. But he also said this wasn't his call. Her xrays have already been forwared to the surgeon. But if she agrees, this means we need to start fairly soon with the Orthodontist to work on expanding her palate.
 |
| Zoe being a "statue" ... the only pic that turned out unfortunately of her dentist visit. |
So ... now we wait for the VPI test (to see if she needs pharyngeal flap surgery) and if so, they'll combine the teeth and that surgery. If not, we'll do the dental work soon. In the meantime, she's on antibiotic as she currently has abcesses. (Poor baby! She must be in so much pain but never says anything.)
I eventually got her back to school. And then I noticed that Manny's one cast (remember, he wiggled out of the other one on Saturday) was slipping. Several of his toes were no where to be found. The toes I *COULD* see were turning blue and he was in pain. So I prayed about it and felt I needed to get him to the ER. In the van, I tried one time to see if I could slip it off (it was that low). And he SCREAMED. So ... no.
Into our Local ER. The front desk nurse couldn't figure out what I needed ... even though I provided him the script from the PT/orthotist which says this child is in a serial casting program, it's only for stretching, not for breaks or surgery. The note says if a child presents with pain, they are to remove the cast and not recast it. Seemed straight forward to me. I showed him the green line where his toes WERE and where his toes were now. Thankfully a second desk triage nurse understood and sent us right through.
 |
| This doesn't show proper depth perception. But the big toe is about 2 1/2 inches down from the green line. The little toes are not visible as the foot is so far down and rotated. |
Once in the back, we got a nurse we've had before. In fact, the last time I was there, she was telling me about her granddaughter who'd just been diagnosed with heart hole and wanted prayer and advice on a good cardiologist. So today I asked about her and there was a praise report!
And then the ER doc was one we've had before. He immediately knew what to do and calmly ordered the right equipment. The last time there, he was very concerned about Manny as his heart rate was almost 200. He was really trying to get to the bottom of the diagnosis. So today I told him that even though it was unrelated, we knew his diagnosis. He asked the complications and I told him. One is lung ... and he immediately walked over to listen to his lungs. (So sweet.)
I loved that it was a doc and nurse who knew us so they didn't think we were nuts or anything.
The guy cutting the cast off was ... uh, scared. I don't know why he was the guy but he was scared. He kiddingly asked if I'd sign a waiver if he accidentally cut the baby. I told him how they usually cut it off and coached him through it. He did great. He was much relieved when it came off. Manny was also thrilled and kept saying, "Boot off!"
The baby's foot looked HORRIBLE. There was a lot of skin abrasion. But the most concerning part was an actual cut on his foot (not from the guy who cut it off). I have no clue how there could be such an injury on his foot. Strange. His toes immediately started to look better. His circulation was being cut off quickly. I don't know how long it would have been before there was a major problem ... but not long. That's for sure. I made the right call.
 |
| poor little foot ... doesn't do justice to how horribly painful it looked |
We were in and out in like 1 hour. (record). And the whole time, Manny was quite entertaining. He was talking (which they've never heard because he's usually very sick when we take him there). He saw the number 3 over the bed and said, "QRS". I told him it was the number three. To which he said, "4,5,6". He was crackin' everyone up!
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. (Well, if you count that I still have the flu uneventful.)
May 22, 2011
Birthdays times 2
Maybe I should continue my audition/application for the Real Mommies Show. Last night we had company and by the time we got to bed, it was very, very late. Manny is struggling with a cough (we're monitoring round the clock to hopefully keep it from going to pneumonia again lest I get to go back to the hospital). As a result, he's sleeping IN our bed where I can prop him better, rotate him more frequently and help him as he starts to cough/choke.
Very early this morning I was having a dream that I was about to throw up. I was a pretty realistic dream. Finally woke up and realized, *I* had to throw up. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. (Other flu like conditions accompanied it and I'll leave it at that.) Crawled back to bed and couldn't believe it ... Manny slept until 11am. Seriously! NEVER has he done that. I know I needed the sleep and it was probably good for him to have the extra sleep considering whatever it is he's fighting.
But the flu conditions continued. The other kids had slept in too (thankfully), had made themselves bowls of cereal and were watching TV. They were a bit worried about us they said since it was so late. I eventually drug myself out of bed about noon. Dan made brunch.
Why didn't I just stay in bed? Today is party day. This year for the first time, we've decided to do a combined party for Luke (who turned 8 on May 9) and Zoe (who will turn 6 on May 25). And that day is today. People are coming. Cakes are baked. Presents are bought. I'd have TWO very disappointed kids on my head.
I convinced Dan to take all the kids to the park around the corner. It's shady so they won't melt in this heat. They need to run some steam off. And I can decorate these cakes in half the time without "help". I'm all about the kids helping ... and they do ... all the time. But this time, I didn't have the energy to let them.
Zoe wanted the Lego Cake.
Luke wanted a self-portrait.
Hope they like them. (Luke was very specific about how he wanted it to look including the "chicklet" teeth!
The kids decorated the wall. They hung the happy birthday sign. They put 6 yellow streamers (Zoe's age and favorite color). And 8 green streamers (Luke's age and favorite color). They cut out a 6 and an 8. Then they made their names out of streamers. I think it looks very festive!
Very early this morning I was having a dream that I was about to throw up. I was a pretty realistic dream. Finally woke up and realized, *I* had to throw up. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. (Other flu like conditions accompanied it and I'll leave it at that.) Crawled back to bed and couldn't believe it ... Manny slept until 11am. Seriously! NEVER has he done that. I know I needed the sleep and it was probably good for him to have the extra sleep considering whatever it is he's fighting.
But the flu conditions continued. The other kids had slept in too (thankfully), had made themselves bowls of cereal and were watching TV. They were a bit worried about us they said since it was so late. I eventually drug myself out of bed about noon. Dan made brunch.
Why didn't I just stay in bed? Today is party day. This year for the first time, we've decided to do a combined party for Luke (who turned 8 on May 9) and Zoe (who will turn 6 on May 25). And that day is today. People are coming. Cakes are baked. Presents are bought. I'd have TWO very disappointed kids on my head.
I convinced Dan to take all the kids to the park around the corner. It's shady so they won't melt in this heat. They need to run some steam off. And I can decorate these cakes in half the time without "help". I'm all about the kids helping ... and they do ... all the time. But this time, I didn't have the energy to let them.
Zoe wanted the Lego Cake.
The kids decorated the wall. They hung the happy birthday sign. They put 6 yellow streamers (Zoe's age and favorite color). And 8 green streamers (Luke's age and favorite color). They cut out a 6 and an 8. Then they made their names out of streamers. I think it looks very festive!
May 19, 2011
"Real Housewife" of Tampa
I have never watched any of the episodes of any of the "Real Housewives" series ... but here is my audition/application to be on a new series I'm proposing ... "The Real Mommies".
To Whom it May Concern,
I would love to be on the new show. I am a mother of 6 kids. That right there should qualify me but if it's not enough let me describe just part of my day.
After very few hours of sleep last night (and that included a child in my bed who has casts on that scratch a lot), I finally dragged myself out of bed. The poopie diaper couldn't be ignored any longer. The youngest daughter, home from school with Pneumonia, wanted salad for breakfast. Why not.
The oldest son had let his room get so bad there were varmin running FROM his room. So today was the day we were to tackle it. I wore my best "can get dirty in these" clothes. Thankfully I have a forklift license for all the loads of cr*p that were in there.
Before I knew it, it was time for lunch ... uhhhh ... hot dogs. (Cringe) It was the only thing I could do in about 10 seconds and get right back in the room to fend off the varmin and piles of looming trash.
The 5 year old wanted to get in on the action of cleaning so I started her on the "arts and crafts" closet. Just the two bottom shelves (where she could reach).
While back in the son's room, I was sitting on the closet floor sorting throuh clothes he wears and doesn't wear. It was an interesting conversation with him about why he would/not wear certain clothes. Some was about fit, some about holes, but most was about the way it felt ... texture. He refused to wear certain clothes because they "felt weird" (t-shirts, polo shirts, you name it.)
While sitting there, I found some dirty (and I'll leave it at that) clothes and as I picked it up, roaches ran ALL OVER ME. (I shudder just to re-live this moment.)
Eventually I picked up the kids from school, did homework, made lunches, got clothes out for tomorrow, made dinner, reassembled the closet the 5 year old was working on. Unfortunately, I went into the girl's room and decided that we should empty at least 2 shelves in there too. (I was already in a bad enough mood, what's a little more.)
Time for bed. Dispense evening meds. Dig out the obligatory buggers from daughter with cleft's nose. A few rounds of "get back in bed". And then put the baby to bed. (All through the day, I have to deal with his tube that keeps giving an error message.)
And now that it's quiet, time to clean the kitchen from dinner and take the long deserved bath. I think 2 baths might be in order in fact.
So that's how a Real Mommy lives her life. Then again, if this isn't enough, try me again tomorrow ... afterall, today was a slow day!
Thanks for considering me.
To Whom it May Concern,
I would love to be on the new show. I am a mother of 6 kids. That right there should qualify me but if it's not enough let me describe just part of my day.
After very few hours of sleep last night (and that included a child in my bed who has casts on that scratch a lot), I finally dragged myself out of bed. The poopie diaper couldn't be ignored any longer. The youngest daughter, home from school with Pneumonia, wanted salad for breakfast. Why not.
The oldest son had let his room get so bad there were varmin running FROM his room. So today was the day we were to tackle it. I wore my best "can get dirty in these" clothes. Thankfully I have a forklift license for all the loads of cr*p that were in there.
Before I knew it, it was time for lunch ... uhhhh ... hot dogs. (Cringe) It was the only thing I could do in about 10 seconds and get right back in the room to fend off the varmin and piles of looming trash.
The 5 year old wanted to get in on the action of cleaning so I started her on the "arts and crafts" closet. Just the two bottom shelves (where she could reach).
While back in the son's room, I was sitting on the closet floor sorting throuh clothes he wears and doesn't wear. It was an interesting conversation with him about why he would/not wear certain clothes. Some was about fit, some about holes, but most was about the way it felt ... texture. He refused to wear certain clothes because they "felt weird" (t-shirts, polo shirts, you name it.)
While sitting there, I found some dirty (and I'll leave it at that) clothes and as I picked it up, roaches ran ALL OVER ME. (I shudder just to re-live this moment.)
Eventually I picked up the kids from school, did homework, made lunches, got clothes out for tomorrow, made dinner, reassembled the closet the 5 year old was working on. Unfortunately, I went into the girl's room and decided that we should empty at least 2 shelves in there too. (I was already in a bad enough mood, what's a little more.)
Time for bed. Dispense evening meds. Dig out the obligatory buggers from daughter with cleft's nose. A few rounds of "get back in bed". And then put the baby to bed. (All through the day, I have to deal with his tube that keeps giving an error message.)
And now that it's quiet, time to clean the kitchen from dinner and take the long deserved bath. I think 2 baths might be in order in fact.
So that's how a Real Mommy lives her life. Then again, if this isn't enough, try me again tomorrow ... afterall, today was a slow day!
Thanks for considering me.
May 18, 2011
What a difference a year makes
One year ago today, at 7:45am, my world changed. HERE is the link to the blog post.
If you were following along back then, you know. We got a baby in March. 6 weeks later he ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. And then one year ago today, we got the devastating news that he had maybe a month to live. I captured it all on blog if anyone wants to go re-live that. But suffice to say, we were devastated. CHEATED is the word I used often.
As I type this today, I can't believe the difference a year makes.
He no longer has this horrible diagnosis.
He is stronger.
He is bigger.
He is doing many, many more things.
He can move body parts that were previously "stuck".
He is astonishing the doctors and therapists.
We are planning his 2nd birthday party! That's not something I'd dared to hope for a year ago today.
In fact, last year at this time, I had friends who had given me a cyber baby shower for Manny. Mostly clothes, most that fit right then. But there were a few things that were size 2T. When we got the news that he wouldn't likely live for another month, my first thought was those clothes. (Silly how our mind works ... when it can't handle one thing, it turns attention to something else.) I began to wonder if I should return them for something closer to his current size. And someone told me to keep them out of hope.
He's just about to grow into them! He WILL get to wear them.
So I just want to say on this anniversary of a horrible day ... I am truly blessed. Life over the past 365 days has been some of my most challenging days. I've mustered up courage, faith, hope and energy that I didn't know I had. I've been granted more mercy than one person deserves. I've been blessed with friends and support from unlikely places. I've seen miracle after miracle.
I've watched a baby learn how to use his hands, arms, feet, neck, back. I've seen him discover a wonderfully fun world. I've heard laughter from the depths of a child's soul. I've seen delight in making new sounds and playing with toys. I've noticed a sense of humor and a playful spirit. I've watched a child learn about cars and trains and airplanes and all things "boy". I've spent many times just watching him sleep ... in complete silence ... and in awe of the miracle of life.
I've also watched a baby struggle for breath. I've watched him suffer. I've watched as doctors and nurses did horrible, unspeakable things to him as I just stood by helpless. I've spent so many hours begging God to give him life, heal him, save him, give him breath. I've spent many hours thanking Him for doing just that.
And through it all, we have both become stronger. We both appreciate life in a way that we couldn't have had we not gone through this.
One year later... He is ALIVE. And that right there, defies all logic, all conventional medical thought. THAT is a miracle.
One year ago, I was asking God to let him live. At the time, I had no clue if He would say Yes or No.
God said YES.
What else is there to say.
If you were following along back then, you know. We got a baby in March. 6 weeks later he ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. And then one year ago today, we got the devastating news that he had maybe a month to live. I captured it all on blog if anyone wants to go re-live that. But suffice to say, we were devastated. CHEATED is the word I used often.
As I type this today, I can't believe the difference a year makes.
He no longer has this horrible diagnosis.
He is stronger.
He is bigger.
He is doing many, many more things.
He can move body parts that were previously "stuck".
He is astonishing the doctors and therapists.
We are planning his 2nd birthday party! That's not something I'd dared to hope for a year ago today.
In fact, last year at this time, I had friends who had given me a cyber baby shower for Manny. Mostly clothes, most that fit right then. But there were a few things that were size 2T. When we got the news that he wouldn't likely live for another month, my first thought was those clothes. (Silly how our mind works ... when it can't handle one thing, it turns attention to something else.) I began to wonder if I should return them for something closer to his current size. And someone told me to keep them out of hope.
He's just about to grow into them! He WILL get to wear them.
So I just want to say on this anniversary of a horrible day ... I am truly blessed. Life over the past 365 days has been some of my most challenging days. I've mustered up courage, faith, hope and energy that I didn't know I had. I've been granted more mercy than one person deserves. I've been blessed with friends and support from unlikely places. I've seen miracle after miracle.
I've watched a baby learn how to use his hands, arms, feet, neck, back. I've seen him discover a wonderfully fun world. I've heard laughter from the depths of a child's soul. I've seen delight in making new sounds and playing with toys. I've noticed a sense of humor and a playful spirit. I've watched a child learn about cars and trains and airplanes and all things "boy". I've spent many times just watching him sleep ... in complete silence ... and in awe of the miracle of life.
I've also watched a baby struggle for breath. I've watched him suffer. I've watched as doctors and nurses did horrible, unspeakable things to him as I just stood by helpless. I've spent so many hours begging God to give him life, heal him, save him, give him breath. I've spent many hours thanking Him for doing just that.
And through it all, we have both become stronger. We both appreciate life in a way that we couldn't have had we not gone through this.
One year later... He is ALIVE. And that right there, defies all logic, all conventional medical thought. THAT is a miracle.
One year ago, I was asking God to let him live. At the time, I had no clue if He would say Yes or No.
God said YES.
What else is there to say.
May 15, 2011
Mini vacay and Zoe cranio visit
Dan had his corporate yearly training meeting about an hour away from us. He already had the hotel room on a nice facility so we decided to make it a mini-vacation for us. The boys (Jacob, Sam and Luke) love to go to my Mom's house and play with my nephew. Zoe had to go with me to go to her appointment. Manny of course was going with me. So Kaley went too ... to help with Manny and also to not be the only girl in the all boy house.
We had fun in between the appointments. We went swimming. We went on a paddle boat. We hung out. Just the girls and the baby. (3 kids seems like such a breeze!)
Zoe's craniofacial appointment went much better than expected! First of all, her hearing was *mostly* in *almost* normal hearing range. That's great! She is in need of a lot of dental work (we knew that from looking at her teeth ourselves) and we have a plan in place to do it now.
Last year, they did a VPI study and it showed that the lateral walls of her throat were moving, the pharyngeal wall was not. (For those who don't know what I'm talking about ... a VPI is a study of the closure of the palate to produce certain sounds. The pharyngeal wall is the back of the throat, lateral walls are the side ones.) They scheduled a surgery to do a pharyngeal flap to help her produce those sounds. Surgery stopped.
This visit, I thought for sure they would immediately recommend her to do the surgery ASAP. But they said she sounded better. She does a lot of therapy (in school and with us). She is highly motivated and not frustrated so she works hard. She also does a lot of errors in her speaking (especially some odd tongue movements). So they couldn't tell what was going on. The surgeon didn't even feel comfortable doing the surgery without doing the test again. So ... if she fails it, we will do the surgery. If she doesn't, it's off. (So now you know the specific prayer we're asking.)
Secondly, we know that about age 6, this team does the bone graft. Zoe is 1 1/2 weeks from being 6. So I thought they'd want to do that immediately. But they said she was a bit on the small side and would love to wait until she is a tiny bit bigger if they can ... to give her more time to grow, especially her hip (that's the bone they use for the graft).
The surgeon and the Orthodontist were talking about the plan. When they want to do the bone graft, her mouth is like a triangle, very tiny in the front and wider in the back. They will have to do an expander first. The surgeon and I were talking and saying that she is already starting to lose teeth so she might NOT have the time to wait. They looked at her last panaromic view of her teeth and realized there was a fairly mature tooth root ... and that was almost 2 years ago. (They are trying to do the bone graft JUST before the teeth would naturally erupt ... they provide an "anchor" for the face.)
So the plan is this ... get a new panoramic view of her teeth this week. IF the teeth are not due to erupt soon, we can wait. But if they are any where close, we will need to start the prep work for the bone graft.
In summary, we are facing 0,1 or 2 surgeries in the near future based on the results of these 2 tests. We know we will eventually need the bone graft no matter what. But the P-Flap is something we're hoping to avoid.
The next few weeks will be full of visits for Zoe.
We had fun in between the appointments. We went swimming. We went on a paddle boat. We hung out. Just the girls and the baby. (3 kids seems like such a breeze!)
Zoe's craniofacial appointment went much better than expected! First of all, her hearing was *mostly* in *almost* normal hearing range. That's great! She is in need of a lot of dental work (we knew that from looking at her teeth ourselves) and we have a plan in place to do it now.
Last year, they did a VPI study and it showed that the lateral walls of her throat were moving, the pharyngeal wall was not. (For those who don't know what I'm talking about ... a VPI is a study of the closure of the palate to produce certain sounds. The pharyngeal wall is the back of the throat, lateral walls are the side ones.) They scheduled a surgery to do a pharyngeal flap to help her produce those sounds.
This visit, I thought for sure they would immediately recommend her to do the surgery ASAP. But they said she sounded better. She does a lot of therapy (in school and with us). She is highly motivated and not frustrated so she works hard. She also does a lot of errors in her speaking (especially some odd tongue movements). So they couldn't tell what was going on. The surgeon didn't even feel comfortable doing the surgery without doing the test again. So ... if she fails it, we will do the surgery. If she doesn't, it's off. (So now you know the specific prayer we're asking.)
Secondly, we know that about age 6, this team does the bone graft. Zoe is 1 1/2 weeks from being 6. So I thought they'd want to do that immediately. But they said she was a bit on the small side and would love to wait until she is a tiny bit bigger if they can ... to give her more time to grow, especially her hip (that's the bone they use for the graft).
The surgeon and the Orthodontist were talking about the plan. When they want to do the bone graft, her mouth is like a triangle, very tiny in the front and wider in the back. They will have to do an expander first. The surgeon and I were talking and saying that she is already starting to lose teeth so she might NOT have the time to wait. They looked at her last panaromic view of her teeth and realized there was a fairly mature tooth root ... and that was almost 2 years ago. (They are trying to do the bone graft JUST before the teeth would naturally erupt ... they provide an "anchor" for the face.)
So the plan is this ... get a new panoramic view of her teeth this week. IF the teeth are not due to erupt soon, we can wait. But if they are any where close, we will need to start the prep work for the bone graft.
In summary, we are facing 0,1 or 2 surgeries in the near future based on the results of these 2 tests. We know we will eventually need the bone graft no matter what. But the P-Flap is something we're hoping to avoid.
The next few weeks will be full of visits for Zoe.
May 11, 2011
I got what I wanted for Mother's Day!
Manny is scheduled to have about 6 weeks of serial casts. Put on every Wednesday, take them off and immediately reapply. Today they took them off and his feet were too messed up to reapply them. Some swelling, bruising, abrasions, even sores between his toes. No wonder he was grimacing! That's the bad news.
But the good news is ... his feet went from -20 to + 15. In a week! For comparison, last time it took 6 weeks to go from -20 to +5 (the best they were able to achieve). So it's good to know he didn't go all the way back. They're hoping he will only need one or two more casts!
On other news, his tube is still clogging often. There is a pretty quick fix and during the day it's fine, but at night, it gets old. So the GI is scheduling a time to get it changed out. I'm waiting to hear when that will be.
And finally ... I didn't mention my mother's day present. Let's start with ... I'm not normal. (Duh, right?) And suffice to say I got exactly what I begged for! I'll show you in pictures. Thanks Dan!!
But the good news is ... his feet went from -20 to + 15. In a week! For comparison, last time it took 6 weeks to go from -20 to +5 (the best they were able to achieve). So it's good to know he didn't go all the way back. They're hoping he will only need one or two more casts!
On other news, his tube is still clogging often. There is a pretty quick fix and during the day it's fine, but at night, it gets old. So the GI is scheduling a time to get it changed out. I'm waiting to hear when that will be.
And finally ... I didn't mention my mother's day present. Let's start with ... I'm not normal. (Duh, right?) And suffice to say I got exactly what I begged for! I'll show you in pictures. Thanks Dan!!
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| Once the potty was removed Kaley Said, "Look! A China potty!!" |
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| Yes, he is sitting on the potty outside. Can you say "redneck?" |
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| My new potty for the guest bathroom!! I am thrilled !! |
May 9, 2011
Luke is 8
Luke is 8 today. So here is a little bit about him. (Some of you know this story already.)
Before Luke, we had Jacob, Kaley, Sam and Anthony living with us. The oldest two were adopted, the next two were foster children we were working towards adoption with. In December 2002, with an hour's notice, Anthony was taken away from us to be placed with extended birthfamily. Devastation.
January and February, I felt a baby was out there and was going to be offered to us. I thought it was Jacob and Kaley's birthmother. I remember telling people I was either right or crazy because I was SURE of it.
March, Sam's social worker said that Sam's birthmother was pregnant. And it all made sense! I was only one uterus off. No one knew how far pregnant she was or when the baby was due or anything. We didn't even know if we would be offered the baby.
March 10, 2003 I had the strangest feeling. I KNEW "our" baby had been born. (There's no way I could have known that since we didn't know when she was due.)
I went a step further and actually called the hospital. Now you have to realize, there are 3 major hospitals right near each other in Tampa and I only called one. I said, "Kathy X in maternity please" to the receptionist and they transferred me! A voice answered and I hung up.
What are the odds I would know which hospital to call and when??
Turns out, the baby had been born the night before ... May 9.
Sure enough, the social worker calls and says the baby has been born and would I be able to take him? Would I be able to go pick him up from the hospital that day.
Within an hour, I was at the nursery of the hospital. There were rows and rows of baby cribs with names on them. I was immediately drawn right to this one baby in the front row. I read the tag and it was a different name so I knew it couldn't be him. I kept searching the faces to see if I could find the one that would be coming home with me. But time and time again, I was drawn to this one.
Sure enough, they'd put a different name on his crib ... but it was him!! A few minutes later and I was driving home with him in the car. (I have a picture but it's not uploading right so you'll have to click HERE to view it.)
He was sooo pitiful! He had so many problems. He was very big but actually preemie. (They estimated he should have been 13 pounds or more if he was full term.) He had a hole in his heart, jaundice, birthing complications, etc.
We were told that the birthmother would not be able to have him but the birthfather was pursuing being able to take him. So basically, we were told he was not staying. We figured we would love him best we could for the 3 or so weeks that he would be with us. Long story short, the birthfather couldn't pass the homestudy and decided to relinquish his rights.
It took over a year, but the birthmother did eventually too. We met her numerous times. She knew we had Sam and she signed him over to us.
Fast forward 8 years and Luke is a sweet, funny kid. He is "all boy". He loves Star Wars (who is shocked considering his name is Luke!). He loves Legos. He loves to mess with people. He is quick to laugh but also quick to cry. He is still a Mama's boy. His beautiful blue eyes can be seen across a room. His cute dimples have gotten him out of trouble some days. Candy is the way to his heart.
Today, he wore a badge that says it's his birthday. He asked me to bring cookies and drinks to school to share with his friends. As I delivered them, he was happy to see us but also a bit embarrassed at the same time.
The past 8 years have been full of lots of ups and downs with him (including an open heart surgery, miscellaneous horrible allergies, asthma, spina bifida, etc.) During the years, I remember having a weird feeling that I had to fight for his very life. I don't know why but I always was feeling there was a spirit of death on and with him (sorry to "weird anyone out"). But it was strong. I never shared that with anyone but would only pray about it. One day about 2 years ago, HE said something about that feeling. We prayed about it and neither of us have felt it since. It's like he had to get old enough to be able to pray about it. I no longer live with that feeling.
And out of all the kids, he is the most open (so far) to the things of God. I remember telling him something and he would be like, "Reeeeeaaaalllly????"
So if you know Luke, you know what a great kid he is. If you don't, now you have a little better idea of who this amazing kid is!
Happy Birthday Sweetie!
January and February, I felt a baby was out there and was going to be offered to us. I thought it was Jacob and Kaley's birthmother. I remember telling people I was either right or crazy because I was SURE of it.
March, Sam's social worker said that Sam's birthmother was pregnant. And it all made sense! I was only one uterus off. No one knew how far pregnant she was or when the baby was due or anything. We didn't even know if we would be offered the baby.
March 10, 2003 I had the strangest feeling. I KNEW "our" baby had been born. (There's no way I could have known that since we didn't know when she was due.)
I went a step further and actually called the hospital. Now you have to realize, there are 3 major hospitals right near each other in Tampa and I only called one. I said, "Kathy X in maternity please" to the receptionist and they transferred me! A voice answered and I hung up.
What are the odds I would know which hospital to call and when??
Turns out, the baby had been born the night before ... May 9.
Sure enough, the social worker calls and says the baby has been born and would I be able to take him? Would I be able to go pick him up from the hospital that day.
Within an hour, I was at the nursery of the hospital. There were rows and rows of baby cribs with names on them. I was immediately drawn right to this one baby in the front row. I read the tag and it was a different name so I knew it couldn't be him. I kept searching the faces to see if I could find the one that would be coming home with me. But time and time again, I was drawn to this one.
Sure enough, they'd put a different name on his crib ... but it was him!! A few minutes later and I was driving home with him in the car. (I have a picture but it's not uploading right so you'll have to click HERE to view it.)
He was sooo pitiful! He had so many problems. He was very big but actually preemie. (They estimated he should have been 13 pounds or more if he was full term.) He had a hole in his heart, jaundice, birthing complications, etc.
We were told that the birthmother would not be able to have him but the birthfather was pursuing being able to take him. So basically, we were told he was not staying. We figured we would love him best we could for the 3 or so weeks that he would be with us. Long story short, the birthfather couldn't pass the homestudy and decided to relinquish his rights.
It took over a year, but the birthmother did eventually too. We met her numerous times. She knew we had Sam and she signed him over to us.
Fast forward 8 years and Luke is a sweet, funny kid. He is "all boy". He loves Star Wars (who is shocked considering his name is Luke!). He loves Legos. He loves to mess with people. He is quick to laugh but also quick to cry. He is still a Mama's boy. His beautiful blue eyes can be seen across a room. His cute dimples have gotten him out of trouble some days. Candy is the way to his heart.
Today, he wore a badge that says it's his birthday. He asked me to bring cookies and drinks to school to share with his friends. As I delivered them, he was happy to see us but also a bit embarrassed at the same time.
The past 8 years have been full of lots of ups and downs with him (including an open heart surgery, miscellaneous horrible allergies, asthma, spina bifida, etc.) During the years, I remember having a weird feeling that I had to fight for his very life. I don't know why but I always was feeling there was a spirit of death on and with him (sorry to "weird anyone out"). But it was strong. I never shared that with anyone but would only pray about it. One day about 2 years ago, HE said something about that feeling. We prayed about it and neither of us have felt it since. It's like he had to get old enough to be able to pray about it. I no longer live with that feeling.
And out of all the kids, he is the most open (so far) to the things of God. I remember telling him something and he would be like, "Reeeeeaaaalllly????"
So if you know Luke, you know what a great kid he is. If you don't, now you have a little better idea of who this amazing kid is!
Happy Birthday Sweetie!
May 8, 2011
Zoe landed in the right place
I realized, I never filled everyone in on the continuing saga of the Zoe story.
So for a recap first ... Zoe was having some issues at school. I met with the Guidance Counselor and Teacher. I decided to give her a few days off of school to let us figure out what to do. I never told the school what I was thinking during that time, I was waiting to let the dust settle a bit. During that time, the baby ended up back in the hospital. (That's where I left off telling the story.)
While we were in the hospital with Manny and Zoe was at home from school, I got a call from the Principal asking if I would like to move Zoe to another teacher's classroom. Now you have to know ... this was exactly what we were hoping for but I had not told anyone that. Turns out, the Guidance Counselor and the Principal decided based on facts that they knew (i.e. without any of my observations/opinions or Zoe's point of view), that moving her would be best. The Principal said, "Maybe a change of scenery would be best for everyone."
Of course we agreed!
That all happened on the Wednesday while I was in the hospital. And that was the day that we thought for SURE we would have to stay longer but they discharged us late that night. Then the whirlwind began.
That Thursday I flew through packing for the vacation. Friday we headed to Spring Break (and had no internet in the beach house).
So last Monday, Zoe started with her new class and new teacher. (She looks 12 by the way.) I spoke with the teacher after class that day and she said there were no problems. She sounded surprised. I told her I was not. She said, "I will be the third opinion." (Meaning that I thought Zoe was fine, the previous teacher thought Zoe was a problem.) I was welcoming of that challenge!!
On the way home, Zoe said, "There was a kid who made a mistake and the teacher said, 'That's OK, you can have another chance.' She didn't even get mad mom." WOW! That was her first reaction. Amazing, huh? Zoe was genuinely shocked that the teacher didn't yell and lose it.
That day, she got a new folder. She was very proud of it. And she pulled her old folder out of the backpack and asked if she could burn it. (Not something we've EVER done ... burn something.) But I thought this would be a wonder therapeutic thing for her. So I let her.
Long story short, Zoe finished her first week of school with the new teacher HAPPY. There were no troubles. No meltdowns. The teacher says she is a joy (like she is for us). Phew! At the end of the first week, Zoe said, "My new teacher knows I am a good girl."
We've noticed that Zoe has even gotten calmer at home again too. She doesn't seemed as stressed.
There are only 5 weeks left of school ... but I am so glad we made the move. Sad we didn't know before what was going on or we would have moved her MUCH sooner.
So for a recap first ... Zoe was having some issues at school. I met with the Guidance Counselor and Teacher. I decided to give her a few days off of school to let us figure out what to do. I never told the school what I was thinking during that time, I was waiting to let the dust settle a bit. During that time, the baby ended up back in the hospital. (That's where I left off telling the story.)
While we were in the hospital with Manny and Zoe was at home from school, I got a call from the Principal asking if I would like to move Zoe to another teacher's classroom. Now you have to know ... this was exactly what we were hoping for but I had not told anyone that. Turns out, the Guidance Counselor and the Principal decided based on facts that they knew (i.e. without any of my observations/opinions or Zoe's point of view), that moving her would be best. The Principal said, "Maybe a change of scenery would be best for everyone."
Of course we agreed!
That all happened on the Wednesday while I was in the hospital. And that was the day that we thought for SURE we would have to stay longer but they discharged us late that night. Then the whirlwind began.
That Thursday I flew through packing for the vacation. Friday we headed to Spring Break (and had no internet in the beach house).
So last Monday, Zoe started with her new class and new teacher. (She looks 12 by the way.) I spoke with the teacher after class that day and she said there were no problems. She sounded surprised. I told her I was not. She said, "I will be the third opinion." (Meaning that I thought Zoe was fine, the previous teacher thought Zoe was a problem.) I was welcoming of that challenge!!
On the way home, Zoe said, "There was a kid who made a mistake and the teacher said, 'That's OK, you can have another chance.' She didn't even get mad mom." WOW! That was her first reaction. Amazing, huh? Zoe was genuinely shocked that the teacher didn't yell and lose it.
That day, she got a new folder. She was very proud of it. And she pulled her old folder out of the backpack and asked if she could burn it. (Not something we've EVER done ... burn something.) But I thought this would be a wonder therapeutic thing for her. So I let her.
Long story short, Zoe finished her first week of school with the new teacher HAPPY. There were no troubles. No meltdowns. The teacher says she is a joy (like she is for us). Phew! At the end of the first week, Zoe said, "My new teacher knows I am a good girl."
We've noticed that Zoe has even gotten calmer at home again too. She doesn't seemed as stressed.
There are only 5 weeks left of school ... but I am so glad we made the move. Sad we didn't know before what was going on or we would have moved her MUCH sooner.
May 5, 2011
Thankful it's just the pump
Wednesday Manny went to get more serial casts on his feet. Remember back in December he did that for 6 weeks? Well, due to all the visits to the hospital and the IVs in his feet, his feet have turned back and we had to recast.
He HATES it being put on! But last time, he would stop crying, never mention it again. He didn't seem bothered by them. He was just heavier to carry.
But this time, even as I left the hospital, he was crying and grimmacing and saying, "Owie" when I would lift him, carry him or move his legs/feet. That's new. I wondered if it was just due to him objecting or if it really hurt.
All through the day Wednesday he was fine unless I would have to move him or his legs or feet.
Meanwhile, also starting Wednesday, his feeding pump showed a feeding error. The machine was acting "normal" but I knew it could be the problem. OR the problem could be with the tube in his tummy. But that was flushing fine and acting right too. So ... not sure what it was.
About 9pm, the pump refused to work at all. I changed the bag, his extender tube, flushed him, etc etc. I tried everything and nothing was working. For 3 hours I tried. Nothing.
I put the prayer request out on Facebook and I tried one more time and it worked. That fed him for 2 hours before it acted up again. So at 2am, I had to turn the pump off and wait for morning.
During this same time, he was waking up often ... SCREAMING. And we didn't know if there was a pain in his tummy or his legs. Tylenol didn't help.
Before the crack of dawn, we just decided to call it a night and turn on the TV for him, hoping that he would stop crying. (We've noticed he's less likely to cry when he's awake.) And I got ready for work. I agreed to teach a seminar all day Thursday and Friday. I knew I wasn't going to be on my best game!
Dan was at home with him. And called the DME company. They delivered a new pump ASAP and it's worked just fine all day. No troubles. Thank You Lord! That means it was the pump (the easy fix) and not his stomach (which would require a hospital stay and surgery!!). So needless to say, we're very relieved tonight.
Also, through the day today, he still continued to cry every time his legs would get moved. So when I got home tonight, I called the Serial Casting lady and left her the message. She's gone for the day but I am sure she will call first thing in the morning and let us know what to do.
We're just praying for a decent night sleep!!
So thanks to everyone for your prayers for Manny. We can truly feel the difference it makes.
He HATES it being put on! But last time, he would stop crying, never mention it again. He didn't seem bothered by them. He was just heavier to carry.
But this time, even as I left the hospital, he was crying and grimmacing and saying, "Owie" when I would lift him, carry him or move his legs/feet. That's new. I wondered if it was just due to him objecting or if it really hurt.
All through the day Wednesday he was fine unless I would have to move him or his legs or feet.
Meanwhile, also starting Wednesday, his feeding pump showed a feeding error. The machine was acting "normal" but I knew it could be the problem. OR the problem could be with the tube in his tummy. But that was flushing fine and acting right too. So ... not sure what it was.
About 9pm, the pump refused to work at all. I changed the bag, his extender tube, flushed him, etc etc. I tried everything and nothing was working. For 3 hours I tried. Nothing.
I put the prayer request out on Facebook and I tried one more time and it worked. That fed him for 2 hours before it acted up again. So at 2am, I had to turn the pump off and wait for morning.
During this same time, he was waking up often ... SCREAMING. And we didn't know if there was a pain in his tummy or his legs. Tylenol didn't help.
Before the crack of dawn, we just decided to call it a night and turn on the TV for him, hoping that he would stop crying. (We've noticed he's less likely to cry when he's awake.) And I got ready for work. I agreed to teach a seminar all day Thursday and Friday. I knew I wasn't going to be on my best game!
Dan was at home with him. And called the DME company. They delivered a new pump ASAP and it's worked just fine all day. No troubles. Thank You Lord! That means it was the pump (the easy fix) and not his stomach (which would require a hospital stay and surgery!!). So needless to say, we're very relieved tonight.
Also, through the day today, he still continued to cry every time his legs would get moved. So when I got home tonight, I called the Serial Casting lady and left her the message. She's gone for the day but I am sure she will call first thing in the morning and let us know what to do.
We're just praying for a decent night sleep!!
So thanks to everyone for your prayers for Manny. We can truly feel the difference it makes.
May 3, 2011
God Sets the Lonely in Families
Psalm 68:6 "God sets the lonely in families" (NIV). Isn't that amazing?
One of the ways He does that is through adoption.
For more than a decade, He's shown me personally the plight of the orphan. First in the US foster care system. I worked hard. I set up support groups. I became a speaker and trainer for this set of orphans. I advocated for that world. I still do.
Then it was through international adoption (China specifically). I got involved, got supplies, went, held the kids. Cried. Saw a lot. Still involved. (Because once you SEE something, you can't "unsee" it.)
And recently, I've been shown the needs of the kids with profound special needs and those with terminal diagnoses. My heart has been broken at the suffering I've seen.
A few have found their ways to families.
Most have not.
Like this morning, I got a call about a 6 month old biracial micropreemie who is still in the hospital. He NEEDS a family. No one knows how profound his special needs. No one knows the extent of the damage done by being born too soon. No one knows how far he'll go in life.
And yet he needs a family.
One that will love him unconditionally. Forever. However long that might be.
Before Manny, I couldn't understand fully what that means. What that looks like. It seemed to huge to consider.
But now ... I see things from a completely different point of view. I know there must be a family out there who is willing to take the leap of faith. To love him no matter what. To give him every chance at life.
I'm sure there is someone who has felt that nudge of wanting to do MORE. Wanting to make a difference in the world.
And just like Manny ... he needed a family. He needed prayers. He needed miracles. He got them.
This little boy needs a chance at a family too. He needs prayers. He needs miracles.
And maybe you're not equipped to adopt a special needs child. There is still plenty you can do. You can advocate for these special little ones. You can pray. You can stand in the gap. You can find a local family with special needs kids and "adopt" them. (Trust me, from the inside of one of these families, we could use a LOT of support! I have TONS of ideas of ways to help!!)
One of the ways He does that is through adoption.
For more than a decade, He's shown me personally the plight of the orphan. First in the US foster care system. I worked hard. I set up support groups. I became a speaker and trainer for this set of orphans. I advocated for that world. I still do.
Then it was through international adoption (China specifically). I got involved, got supplies, went, held the kids. Cried. Saw a lot. Still involved. (Because once you SEE something, you can't "unsee" it.)
And recently, I've been shown the needs of the kids with profound special needs and those with terminal diagnoses. My heart has been broken at the suffering I've seen.
A few have found their ways to families.
Most have not.
Like this morning, I got a call about a 6 month old biracial micropreemie who is still in the hospital. He NEEDS a family. No one knows how profound his special needs. No one knows the extent of the damage done by being born too soon. No one knows how far he'll go in life.
And yet he needs a family.
One that will love him unconditionally. Forever. However long that might be.
Before Manny, I couldn't understand fully what that means. What that looks like. It seemed to huge to consider.
But now ... I see things from a completely different point of view. I know there must be a family out there who is willing to take the leap of faith. To love him no matter what. To give him every chance at life.
I'm sure there is someone who has felt that nudge of wanting to do MORE. Wanting to make a difference in the world.
And just like Manny ... he needed a family. He needed prayers. He needed miracles. He got them.
This little boy needs a chance at a family too. He needs prayers. He needs miracles.
And maybe you're not equipped to adopt a special needs child. There is still plenty you can do. You can advocate for these special little ones. You can pray. You can stand in the gap. You can find a local family with special needs kids and "adopt" them. (Trust me, from the inside of one of these families, we could use a LOT of support! I have TONS of ideas of ways to help!!)
My point?
Keep your eyes open.
Keep your hands open.
Keep your heart open.
You never know how God will fill them.
May 1, 2011
Beach bums part 2
Pictures are posted as promised. I know many of you also are "friends" on Facebook so you have access to the album there but some are not and for those, here is the album I just posted on there with some of the basic pictures from our vacation.
Spring Break Photo Album
We usually stay in a high rise condo and have to walk to the beach. But this time, we decided to stay in a beach house ON the water. Literally only a few steps out and we were at the Gulf of Mexico. Most days we got up late, got breakfast and hit the shore. By midday (i.e. prime sunburn time) we would head in for lunch and time to play with toys. Then back out late afternoon until dinner time. The kids slept really, really well.
We also went to mini golf 2 times. And everyone (except Manny of course) got at least one hole in one! Dan went on one of the days with us and had to work the other time we went golfing. We don't play ... we carry Manny and keep everyone focused and on task. (quite the job as you can imagine).
One of the golf places had baby gators to feed. That was really neat. Being from Florida, we see them in the wild all the time but this was the first time we were able to feed them. (It's illegal in the wild.) You put this stuff that looks like dog treats on a fishing pole looking thing and put it over. Then they jump to get the food. Even behind the fence, it's still a rush to see them JUMP. Manny was quite impressed.
Then on the last day, we packed up and were headed home. We had wanted to rent a boat during the last one or two days there ... but the winds from the Tornados north of us were causing high/rough seas. So we missed that chance. But ... as we were driving away from the beach house, we saw a boat rental sign. We passed it for a few miles and then decided ... what the heck ... and drove back.
We spent 3 hours on the boat and the kids could have spent 3 days on it. Manny's first boat ride but the rest have been on many. There was a small sand bar where they even got out and caught HUGE crabs (not for eating ... ewwww) and all sorts of other creatures.
It was the perfect way to end a vacation.
Spring Break Photo Album
We usually stay in a high rise condo and have to walk to the beach. But this time, we decided to stay in a beach house ON the water. Literally only a few steps out and we were at the Gulf of Mexico. Most days we got up late, got breakfast and hit the shore. By midday (i.e. prime sunburn time) we would head in for lunch and time to play with toys. Then back out late afternoon until dinner time. The kids slept really, really well.
We also went to mini golf 2 times. And everyone (except Manny of course) got at least one hole in one! Dan went on one of the days with us and had to work the other time we went golfing. We don't play ... we carry Manny and keep everyone focused and on task. (quite the job as you can imagine).
One of the golf places had baby gators to feed. That was really neat. Being from Florida, we see them in the wild all the time but this was the first time we were able to feed them. (It's illegal in the wild.) You put this stuff that looks like dog treats on a fishing pole looking thing and put it over. Then they jump to get the food. Even behind the fence, it's still a rush to see them JUMP. Manny was quite impressed.
Then on the last day, we packed up and were headed home. We had wanted to rent a boat during the last one or two days there ... but the winds from the Tornados north of us were causing high/rough seas. So we missed that chance. But ... as we were driving away from the beach house, we saw a boat rental sign. We passed it for a few miles and then decided ... what the heck ... and drove back.
We spent 3 hours on the boat and the kids could have spent 3 days on it. Manny's first boat ride but the rest have been on many. There was a small sand bar where they even got out and caught HUGE crabs (not for eating ... ewwww) and all sorts of other creatures.
It was the perfect way to end a vacation.
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