tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post4726486254281293235..comments2023-11-02T10:58:05.869-04:00Comments on Gavin's Voice: Just me and GavinThe VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-41576135783310944262008-09-09T11:13:00.000-04:002008-09-09T11:13:00.000-04:00Oh, and since I forgot to mention this, I just had...Oh, and since I forgot to mention this, I just had to say that I have THE most handsome, smart, and fun nephews in all the land. *sigh* :o)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01423625698063463332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-32057615180331853662008-09-09T11:11:00.000-04:002008-09-09T11:11:00.000-04:00I'm so sorry you've had a rough start to the new s...I'm so sorry you've had a rough start to the new school year! I can imagine it would be quite the adjustment going from having your days filled with bustling noise and fun, to having you-and-Gavin time all day. Still, this is also a gift! I can't think of a bigger job anyone could ever do than to stay home and be a beacon of hope for their baby in need. Gavin is so blessed to have ALICIA VW as his mommy...not so many can boast this! :o) You mentioned not feeling like you have much of a purpose since the boys have grown bigger and are moving on to grade school and beyond. The funny thing is that when I read this, I instantly thought to myself, "It's ME who doesn't have much of a purpose...I can think of no more important job than the one my sister is doing!!" Take that for what it's worth, but I mean it with all my heart. <BR/><BR/>I think it's Gods intention for us to be humbled every now and again, so we push ourselves to new heights and capabilities. Maybe now is such a time for you? I can completely see you taking this Gavin's Voice idea so far! You could start a foundation to help those who have suffered similarly to Gavin and your family (medical negligence, etc)! By using the internet as a tool to propel this cause, people could donate online, or sign up for local charity walks, etc. You could be the hope for someone else who can't pay for gas to get to the hospital to see their own baby through yet another surgery, or even just a place for someone to go when they, themselves, need to put out a prayer request. Anything is possible, and I can't think of a better person that you to be able to carry such a mission out with success. I believe in you more than you will ever know! (((HUGS)))Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01423625698063463332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-62935325700935340462008-09-07T21:25:00.000-04:002008-09-07T21:25:00.000-04:00Alicia,Even though the situation with our children...Alicia,<BR/><BR/>Even though the situation with our children is different I still have alot of the same feelings. Not knowing if the judge will send these kids back to there "abusive home" kills me everyday. Not to long ago there mom abused one of them in a visit in front of a worker--it was all witnessed and still she is allowed to see them. I was ready to give up. Ryan and I try to protect them and then they are allowed to be abused by the people that are "supposed to be getting better". I feel we go 2 step backwards after every visit but the law says we have to do this. You are an awesome mom. I think a support group is a great idea---another foster care mom and i are starting a support group for foster parents. You dont have to be a leader---god will lead you. <BR/>Love you lots--<BR/>The Ruehs Familyruehshousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14289990103983781474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-81512873821844383292008-09-07T17:37:00.000-04:002008-09-07T17:37:00.000-04:00To all of my AWESOME supporters above,I appreciate...To all of my AWESOME supporters above,<BR/><BR/>I appreciate your kind words, prayers, scripture and sharing your own struggles with me! I can't thank you enough! You are all just what I needed this week! God always supplies me with what I need in each and every moment, but for some reason I am always in awe of it! God has used all of you this week to boost my soul. I am so thankful to all of you! May God bless all of you and fill you with the knowlegde of just how important you are to Him and me!<BR/><BR/>Love, AliciaThe VW'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-36474106108228074642008-09-07T12:38:00.000-04:002008-09-07T12:38:00.000-04:00Alicia,Lately I have had the same feelings of a la...Alicia,<BR/><BR/>Lately I have had the same feelings of a lack of purpose in life. Tim and I have decided not to have any more children and although it is the right decision for our family, it is a mourning that I have to go through (plan to blog about it one of these days). I don't have any hobbies really (finding I'm not too good at things). The wedding planning is over and Rena doesn't need me in the same ways she used to. Its a huge struggle.<BR/>As for you sweet girl, you have purpse WAY beyond anyone I know. Do you see all these posts above of people (as far as France) have found your blog and can relate and find inspiration!! The long days of little to no progress sure don't feel like it, but you are making such a difference in Gavin's life. In doing so you are teaching your older boys some of life's hardest and most important lessons. You were a fantastic mother before Gavin came along and now look at you....well beyond amazing.<BR/>We all feel down and we deserve those days, especially for you and the roller coaster you've been on. But please know your purpose is in the unconditional love you give yours family. You are a special person to so many.<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>JulieInspiredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680325645387784822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-61822354840499625232008-09-06T16:16:00.000-04:002008-09-06T16:16:00.000-04:00Hi, I'm Abigail's Mama. We live in France. Abiga...Hi, I'm Abigail's Mama. We live in France. Abigail has a rare genetic disease called Jacobsens syndrome which means she too is delayed. Her development is further delayed by seizures due to West Syndrome. I do feel like I understand how you feel. Its tuff. And sometimes we just can't take the whole kaboudle anymore. I know. Been there too. <BR/><BR/>I know you already know this but your Gavin is gorgeous. I have so enjoyed discovering him through the pages of your blog. Behind as he may be, he is getting there. And he IS terribly cute! <BR/><BR/>You are doing a tremendous job of being a great Mom. To all of your kids. It permeates through every word printed in your blog. <BR/><BR/>Well done!<BR/><BR/>We are all allowed down days. They are necessary. <BR/><BR/>Bon courage, as we say in France!<BR/><BR/>I'll be back to read more!<BR/><BR/>Alison<BR/>(Bernard Bunch)Princess Abigailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12462601473590517921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-21994442370620012582008-09-06T01:19:00.000-04:002008-09-06T01:19:00.000-04:00Alicia, I am so sorry you had such an emotional da...Alicia, I am so sorry you had such an emotional day!You are such a good mommy filled with so much love for all of your boys. I wish I had advice to offer but just prayers. You have a very handsome group of guys.Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00725698005835278265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-84951473620403330982008-09-06T00:51:00.000-04:002008-09-06T00:51:00.000-04:00Right now I am hugging you though the screen your ...Right now I am hugging you though the screen your looking at!!!! I too cried and got emotional and had no idea why and had to question if it that time of the month was coming sooner than I thought. I pray you will see/feel the joy through all this! I pray that the Lord gives you and Gavin sweet time together during the days! Wow that is a wonderful idea about the study! I wouldn't know how to begin, but maybe open your home to those you know that live in our shoes? Maybe the school?While the kids are there maybe you could offer to the moms a place to come and share their stories, have a bit of coffee and dessert and relax. This time would just start off as a gathering and then maybe you can somehow introduce Christ... through Gavin's life. Just a thought... Let me know what you come up with and I will remember to pray for you in this regard. Remember when we are weak it is then that Christ is strong... Moses was afraid too Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." God told him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who give him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:10-12 May this scripture encourage you! I believe in you Alicia!Tamarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08876154179230948474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-74888661774464906572008-09-05T21:25:00.000-04:002008-09-05T21:25:00.000-04:00Sometimes I have these short sweet moments where I...Sometimes I have these short sweet moments where I am at peace with where Alex is developmentally, they are short moments, but I cherish these moments. There is nothing like peace. I hope you can find purpose even when you dont see the fruit of all that labor. You are working wonders, and the love from all that labor is the best thing for Gavin. This s l o w journey is so hard to be encouraged in, but feel encouraged tonight. You are such a wonderful mommma, and you and Gavin keep moving forward each and everyday.Anxious AFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10911308224630696808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-78409377707844782372008-09-05T12:51:00.000-04:002008-09-05T12:51:00.000-04:00Maybe someday Gavin will surprise everyone and tel...Maybe someday Gavin will surprise everyone and tell you how much purpose you've had in his life. I'm praying that you will find something that will fill the emptiness and give you something to look forward to.Annette Gysenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07458438008034828484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-58015883340942200242008-09-05T10:32:00.000-04:002008-09-05T10:32:00.000-04:00I came across your family's site on another, and w...I came across your family's site on another, and wanted to stop in and read more about your journey. I also have a special needs child. His name is Braeden and he has HLHS(a severe heart defect) as well as global developmental delays, and a g-tube. Although it has been challenging, God has brought us through many struggles. I look forward to following your familys journey.<BR/><BR/>~Stephanie<BR/>http://braedensheartjourney.blogspot.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-61627676656589697762008-09-05T10:15:00.000-04:002008-09-05T10:15:00.000-04:00Hi, I found your site through Tamara's. :) I rea...Hi, I found your site through Tamara's. :) I read your last few posts, and I can relate a lot to them. Having a severely delayed child makes it hard to see progress. <BR/><BR/>I wanted to comment on the wheelchair issue. At first I was scared of the stares, because we got them already when my daughter was in the stroller. I realized that once she was in a wheelchair, people didn't stare as much! It was like they didn't want to be caught staring at "the kid in the chair" so they look away. LOL <BR/><BR/>Now I am immune to the stares and I don't care anymore. It's just one more thing we have to get used to!!ANewKindOfPerfecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11978293330074662766noreply@blogger.com