Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
CHOICES...
Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
‘when not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they’ll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'we're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment & in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all teammates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, r un to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
(This was forwarded to me by another adoptive mom)
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
‘when not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they’ll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'we're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment & in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all teammates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, r un to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
(This was forwarded to me by another adoptive mom)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Serious help needed...
If you have been reading my blog, you know that I am involved in helping with a new orphanage/home for 'special needs' kids in Liberia. We are trying to raise funds to be able to start taking kids in that really need us. We have, at least 10 kids in need of our home, RIGHT NOW. I recieved some very sad news today. One of the children that we were going to take in, and hopefully adopt out, passed away last week. His death could have been prevented, with all the proper care and staff in place, our place, the Forget-Me-Not Children's home. It really makes me so sad to hear this, and try to portray the importance of a home like ours in Liberia. What's really hard, it knowing the need and knowing people can contribute. Maybe skip that $5 coffee, bottle of wine, dinner out, and contibute that money for a project that will save a life. This is not some petty request, this is a heart plea. We are ALL going through tough times financially. I am living that! We own two homes, not something we can afford right now, still trying to sell our other home, or rent it out! But that doesn't change the need. As a matter of fact, the need is worse because so many are choosing not to give. We all know how the trickle effect works, and unfortunately, the end of the trickle is a child dying.
I am asking you, please, contact me through my email if you feel like you would want to be a monthly sponsor, give a one time gift, or have us speak about the Forget Me Not Children's Home, at your church or group. You can contact me, or log onto www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the Forget Me Not link (on the left).
We need your help, but the children need you more!!! Please pray over this!
Thanks for reading!!
I am asking you, please, contact me through my email if you feel like you would want to be a monthly sponsor, give a one time gift, or have us speak about the Forget Me Not Children's Home, at your church or group. You can contact me, or log onto www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the Forget Me Not link (on the left).
We need your help, but the children need you more!!! Please pray over this!
Thanks for reading!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Being BOLD!
Boldness is not something I am comfortable with. I don't like to stand out in a crowd (kind of hard when you have kids of various colors!), I don't like to speak in front of more than a half a dozen people, if there is a corner...I may be in it, I would rather write out my thoughts and hand someone a piece of paper!! Speaking up and out is something I am having to learn in this 'wonderful' stage of life. One thing that I don't have a problem with though, is advocating for adoption. So many people think that you have to be something special to adopt. I will be the first to admit that YOU DON'T! I do feel that a lot of people God calls to adopt, some just go with wanting to help...and God takes it from there. There are also people that don't feel or want to adopt, and that is just fine in my 'small' opinion...BUT I feel strongly that EVERYONE needs to be some tool in helping the 'widows and orphans' of the world. This can mean so many things...being a support for an adoptive family, being a constant prayer warrior for an adoptive family, being a 'relief' worker for mom and dad for date night, coming along side families and organizations that work directly for these beautiful children. There are so many opportunities that truly do help children, orphans of this fallen world, without adoption. Sponsorship programs are everywhere. Churches should all have an adoption grant program to relieve some of the financial burden of adoption. Churches need to be the 'help workers' for these families. Individuals can help coordinated meals for a 'newly' adopted family. Sometimes just asking a family if they need anything, really makes my heart sing. We are all in this together, so therefore, we should all be tools for each other! And yes, financial help is a VERY big tool!!!
More on this later...
We finally have a healthy household. We have been dealing with the flu, RSV, sinus infections, colds, etc. Josiah ended up having to go in for surgery because of his sinus infections! Four months of fevers and infections on his little body, have really taken a toll on him and me!! Hopefully we are done!
Gotta go get ready for church!
More on this later...
We finally have a healthy household. We have been dealing with the flu, RSV, sinus infections, colds, etc. Josiah ended up having to go in for surgery because of his sinus infections! Four months of fevers and infections on his little body, have really taken a toll on him and me!! Hopefully we are done!
Gotta go get ready for church!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
A lot going on...
Josiah is growing like a weed! Between his therapy and dr. appointments, we had botox injections for his hamstrings in both legs. It seems to be loosening his legs up a bit. He now loves his adapted walker because he can move by himself in it. He is getting the walking motions down, he beams with pride knowing he is doing such an awesome job. He has a whole house full of 'cheerleaders'!!
Because Josiah can only say one word, "hi", he is learning all different signs, (sign language), and doing very well. We have been dealing with chronic sinus infections, so we may be off for another scan for his sinus' if this round of antibiotics doesn't work. By the way, I hate antibiotics!
We are still working on independent sitting. He still does not have enough streangth in his trunk muscles to securely hold himself up.
He really does well with his creeping around at lightning speed! His bicepts are huge!
With the VERY cold weather we have been having, our outside play has been very limited. When it does warm up, (above 10 degrees), the kids go sledding down our hills. We had the whole family out on the hills on Loves 6th birthday. Even grandma! Our hills are steep and fast! I bet all those 'Florida' people just envy us! Ha ha! (I would trade our snow for warmer weather any day!).
We are loving our alpacas! They are so fun to be with, very calming and funny! I really don't mind the twice a day barn chores, even in the -0 degree weather we were having. My time out in the barn is a very good stress reliever. Plus, I always remind myself that very few people are out in this stinkin cold weather, so I may be the only one at that time, enjoying the view God has provided. Our views are just amazing! Since our house is straight up a steep hill, we have views in all directions, for miles!! Our God is just amazing!
Because Josiah can only say one word, "hi", he is learning all different signs, (sign language), and doing very well. We have been dealing with chronic sinus infections, so we may be off for another scan for his sinus' if this round of antibiotics doesn't work. By the way, I hate antibiotics!
We are still working on independent sitting. He still does not have enough streangth in his trunk muscles to securely hold himself up.
He really does well with his creeping around at lightning speed! His bicepts are huge!
With the VERY cold weather we have been having, our outside play has been very limited. When it does warm up, (above 10 degrees), the kids go sledding down our hills. We had the whole family out on the hills on Loves 6th birthday. Even grandma! Our hills are steep and fast! I bet all those 'Florida' people just envy us! Ha ha! (I would trade our snow for warmer weather any day!).
We are loving our alpacas! They are so fun to be with, very calming and funny! I really don't mind the twice a day barn chores, even in the -0 degree weather we were having. My time out in the barn is a very good stress reliever. Plus, I always remind myself that very few people are out in this stinkin cold weather, so I may be the only one at that time, enjoying the view God has provided. Our views are just amazing! Since our house is straight up a steep hill, we have views in all directions, for miles!! Our God is just amazing!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Josiah Blessing!
Josiah's pic in the hospital in Monrovia and then home one year!!!
What a difference a year makes!
0 degrees!!!! That is supposed to be the high for today...IF we can get past the -30 wind chills!!!
Things are starting to get a bit more busy the closer we get to Christmas. Our Josiah had his 'gotcha' day last week. I still can't believe he has been home one year! What a sweet blessing he has been to our family!
Our oldest son will be coming home from college this week, and grandparents coming into town for the week. Our house will be full and joyous!!
What a difference a year makes!
0 degrees!!!! That is supposed to be the high for today...IF we can get past the -30 wind chills!!!
Things are starting to get a bit more busy the closer we get to Christmas. Our Josiah had his 'gotcha' day last week. I still can't believe he has been home one year! What a sweet blessing he has been to our family!
Our oldest son will be coming home from college this week, and grandparents coming into town for the week. Our house will be full and joyous!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Forget Me Not...
As you all know, our little Josiah has Cerebral Palsy. It was almost a year ago that I flew down to Liberia to finish up our adoption. He was in the hospital with Malaria and Pneumonia, and had a few pretty scary episodes of not breathing well. While he was in the hospital, I had the opportunity to pray over an infant baby girl. She was there with severe malnutrition and having a very difficult time breathing. Of course I prayed for her healing, but her healing took place in Our Father's arms. She had passed during the night and is now resting in perfect peace with Him. With the limited medical facitilities and care in Liberia, this is such a common, everyday occurance. This baby girl left a lasting immpression on my heart.
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Saturday, November 22, 2008
WHATSUP!!
We are still trying to sell our other home. This will start being a huge financial burden if it does not sell in the next couple months. We will have an 'extra' tight Christmas this year. Clearance racks and thrift stores have been my best friend this past year. I love bargain hunting, always have. It's almost like a treasure hunt for me...trying to see how far I can stretch a $20 bill. My most recently prized purchase, is a pair of 'farming boots' that would have cost over $50 bucks, but I got them for $3! Today I found a few more pair for Scott and Anthony for $5! (Okay, stop laughing)!
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Just some thoughts...
There has been a lot going on in our lives lately, but I'm still trying to absorb some of it. I would humbly ask for prayer.
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Forget Me Not...
Forget Me Not Children's Home, is an orphanage for "special needs" kids in Liberia.
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)