tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48925679513462851102024-03-09T21:46:37.498-05:00Gavin's VoiceFor someone who can't even talk, Gavin has certainly taught us many valuable lessons.....The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.comBlogger527125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-45851090413911705982013-01-16T15:54:00.002-05:002013-01-17T09:38:44.984-05:00Then.....and.....NowA week and a half ago Gavin went in for a sedated heart echo, and to have his pacemaker read. I usually get nervous before these visits...I spend time wondering if we will get good, or not so good results. After we got home, the boys were asking me how it went, and then Nolan and Caleb started reminiscing about the days that Gavin spent a lot of time in the hospital.<br />
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They were remembering out loud what they thought about those days. They kept asking me questions about why Gavin was in the hospital so often, and just how bad his health was back then. <br />
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During those days, it was difficult for me to grasp just how our other boys were doing during those trying times. They seemed to be doing well at the time.....but you never know how much children grasp, and what things they may be worrying about, or not worrying about.<br />
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Gavin's 1st couple years of life were very fragile. He was in and out of hospitals, and was a very sick little guy. He had to go through a whole lot in those days! <br />
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Doctors were always very pessimistic about his outcome for living long. It was an extremely difficult time for us as a family! We were separated so often....with me and Gavin spending time in the hospital, and Joel trying to juggle work and children, and our other boys going from one grandma's house....to the other. I felt so torn between being there for Gavin, and being there for the rest of the family. It was a long, long road! In fact, Gavin spent 4 1/2 months straight for one of his stints in the hospital.....from Dec 26th to May 12th. (Most of this hospitalization being at a hospital 2 hours from our home.) When I think back to these days, I wonder how we managed the uncertainty, the separation from each other, the worrying, the stress, the pain. It was very hard! But, by the grace and strength of God....we made it through! Maybe even leaving us stronger than before, and definitely leaving us reaching for God at a greater frequency!<br />
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Nolan was communicating to me last week, that he never knew Gavin was as sick as he was. He was asking me about how serious Gavin's situation was back then. So...I started sharing more with him. Like, how one doctor told me that "You will probably never bring your son home." I remember that day so vividly. Gavin had just suffered a hypoxic brain injury.....at the fault of doctors that he was under the care of! His heart was in serious condition, his lungs were a mess, and he had just started having seizures due to the brain injury. I was a wreck! But, I had enough faith to trust that God was bigger than this situation, and that only He knew the plan for Gavin. So, I told that doctor, "I WILL be taking my boy home, and I will love him and care for him, and he will live!" I even told the doctor that I would "do a better job than they were doing, since they were obviously doing a poor job of taking care of him!" (I was very distraught over the fact that Gavin suffered a stroke due to errors they had made!) Obviously, I did not know if Gavin would ever come home with me, but I NEEDED to believe that he would at that very moment! Thankfully, God's plan was on track with mine! PTL!!!<br />
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When Caleb was remembering back to those days, he told me that he just thought babies spent a long time in the hospital! : ) Ahhh.....to have the innocence of a young child! : ) He said he loved going to visit Gavin in the hospital! He only remembered the fun parts of it all. This gives me comfort, knowing his young mind wasn't boggled down with worry and heartache. He also told me that when my sister had her son a couple of years ago, he was so surprised that Tate came home from the hospital so quickly, because he thought being in the hospital for weeks was the norm. Thankfully this isn't the case for most babies....but unfortunately it is the case for some families.....and it is truly a heartwrenching time!<br />
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By the way, Jake says he also remembers the hospital days positively. He says it was always fun to go to the hospital to see Gavin. I know it was harder on him, since he was older than his brothers, but I'm very relieved knowing there doesn't seem to be any long term effects from those hectic and worrisome days.<br />
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Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago:<br />
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Gavin went in for his heart check up. Keep in mind that his heart is still severely damaged. He wasn't "supposed" to do this well. His Mitral valve is still leaking a ton, and he was "supposed" to have needed a valve replacement years ago. Guess what?! God's plans were different than doctors' plans! And, we are so thankful and blessed by this fact!<br />
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Here is Gavin after they placed an I.V. to put him to sleep for his echo. He looks like he's thinking, "What the heck did they put in my arm?!" He didn't even cry for the placement! He is such a brave, good boy! (Unless you you are giving him a bath! He still thinks we are killing him during this process! Crazy boy!) <br />
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Here he is after he was asleep, during the echo. They let me hold him while they put the medicine in the I.V. for sedation. It is quite scary to watch and feel your child go from wide awake and moving....to out cold and limp, in seconds flat!<br />
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I hate that Gavin has to go through more than the typical child.....but he does it with such grace! He makes me feel so proud of him! He is a true inspiration to me.....I love him so much!<br />
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We ended up getting great results too! Gavin's heart function is good despite the significant valve leak. There are no longer any holes detected in the heart. His pacemaker is only having to fire about 8% of the time, and there is a 6-24 month battery life left on it. We have to go back in during the summer for further testing, and we know that he will need surgery to replace the battery and the leads on the heart someday....but otherwise his heart is tolerating his body's needs quite well! What a blessing!<br />
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Gavin's life may have started out very rough, but when I think back to "then"....and when I think about "now", I am amazed by the grace God has supplied our family! Not only did we get to bring our boy home, we have even seen him flourish in our home! Don't get me wrong, life isn't very easy on him....and days aren't exactly easy caring for him either! He is a 35 pound six year old, who can't even sit up on his own.....which makes dressing him and carrying him around quite strenuous. He can't eat by mouth, and is only fed by a gastric tube. Plus, he takes many meds and nebs per day. We have many doctor's visits for him, and we worry about him getting sick due to his already compromised health. He can't tell us how he's feeling or what he wants....his mind and body are functioning like that of a 4-9 month old. BUT.....he is alive, he is home with us, he is such a happy boy, and he is a wonderful blessing from the Lord!<br />
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"Then"....and....."Now." Wow! What a difference!<br />
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<b>"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." James 5:11</b>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-4732709082105986932012-11-24T09:22:00.000-05:002012-11-24T09:22:54.976-05:00I am so thankful for Gavin!A poem: I KNOW DIFFERENT<br />
by Tricia Proefrock<br />
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Dear mommy,<br />
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I have felt your tears, falling on my face. Someone else might think they are tears of sadness, because of what I can't do...I KNOW DIFFERENT.<br />
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I know those tears pour from your heart out of gratitude for me, because of what I CAN do : I can love everyone in the purest form possible. Unconditionally. I can be judged, but will never judge in return. I know different because I feel, in your hugs and kisses, that I'm perfect just the way I am.<br />
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I have seen you hang your head down in shame, when we go out on adventures. Someone else might think you are ashamed of having a child like me...I KNOW DIFFERENT.<br />
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I know you are ashamed of the grown-ups who ignore me, yet talk happily to all the other children. The grown-ups who won't look you in the eye, but stare at me, when they think you don't see. I know different because I've seen the many, many more times you have raised your head up high, with pride, because I'm yours. : )<br />
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I have heard you whispering desperate prayers at night. Someone else might think you are asking God to make me a typical kid...I KNOW DIFFERENT.<br />
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I know you are thanking Him that I got to be here, with you, for another day- exactly how I am. I know different because I have heard you ask me never to leave you. And I have heard you cheer for me, every single day of my life- you tell me I don't need to be typical to be amazing, I just need to be here.<br />
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I know you have a big job, taking care of me. I know your body hurts, because I'm getting so big. I know that more than anything, you want to hear me say your name. And I know you worry that you aren't good enough, and that you will fail me...BUT I KNOW DIFFERENT MOMMY.<br />
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I know that even on your worst days, you will always be enough for me, and I will always love you more than you know. ♥<br />
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Truly blessed! Truly proud! Truly happy!<br />
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Thank You God!!!<br />
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<b>"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15</b>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-78044395309033290122012-05-18T13:28:00.002-04:002012-09-04T13:58:48.944-04:00Happy Gavin = Happy Momma!<br />
Gavin has been quite sick this week. I turn into one big anxiety ball when Gavin gets sick. I hate to see him feeling miserable! Plus, once you've spent time in the E.R. or in the hospital with your child on numerous occasions for just having the common cold, you tend to think the worst and dread what may come if he continues to worsen.<br />
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I've been so thankful and amazed at how healthy he's been this last year. But, he made up for it this week! With this illness he was starting to go downhill with his breathing and I was very worried he was heading towards hospitalization! (He shared his illness with me, so I have an idea how he felt.....Rotten.....I was struggling to breathe, so with his lungs already compromised by lung disease, it must have felt worse for him.) Thankfully, he turned the corner quickly, and is once again a happy, smiley boy! <br />
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See for yourself! <br />
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I love when my sweet boy is feeling well and happy!
<b>"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24</b>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-47888534656062882472012-05-01T09:46:00.000-04:002012-05-01T09:49:46.198-04:00Bring the RainA few months ago the reality of caring for Gavin just hit me. I think it's when he suddenly grew a couple of inches and gained a few pounds. I realized that the future isn't going to change the fact that Gavin had a major stroke that killed off most of his brain, and he's most likely going to need to be carried around, and have all of his needs met by me forever. (Or as long as God blesses us with him in our lives.) Ever since this reality set in, I've been really struggling with this enormous responsibility. I've felt depressed, and even angry at times.....I just haven't been allowing myself to see the blessing that Gavin is.....something I've always been able to do in the past. Instead, I've felt a huge burden on my shoulders and it hasn't felt good at all!<br />
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This morning I heard a song on the radio after dropping the boys off at school. It's a song I've heard about 100 times, but this morning it really spoke to me. I sat in the car crying my eyes out and feeling such a sense of relief! I was, again, made aware of the fact that this world is NOT about me! I have been given this 'burden' for a reason........a reason that is way bigger than me!<br />
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I now feel refreshed, and ready to face my days with more gratitude! I hope to make this song my anthem in life.....and focus on the 'rainbows' that pop up with every 'storm' that comes my way!<br />
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"Bring me anything that brings You glory<br />
And I know there'll be days<br />
When this life brings me pain<br />
But if that's what it takes to praise You<br />
Jesus, bring the rain"<br />
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<b>"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of the flesh." Genesis 9:13-15a<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HSypzOZmWgM?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-8493652783875235972012-03-18T18:51:00.000-04:002012-03-18T18:51:55.202-04:00It Is Well With My SoulWe sang one of my favorite hymns in church this morning, and it's been on my heart all day long. I get tears, and sometimes even sobs, whenever we sing it. It always brings me back to the days when Gavin was an infant, and not doing well at all. We had several scares during those trying months in the hospital, and yet, each time I thought we were going to lose him, I had such a peace surrounding me.<br /><br />The following song speaks of such peace. Thank You Lord!<br /> <br /><br /><br />1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, <br /> when sorrows like sea billows roll; <br /> whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, <br /> It is well, it is well with my soul.<br /> <br />Refrain:<br /> It is well with my soul, <br /> it is well, it is well with my soul. <br /><br />2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, <br /> let this blest assurance control, <br /> that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, <br /> and hath shed his own blood for my soul. <br /> (Refrain) <br /><br />3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! <br /> My sin, not in part but the whole, <br /> is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, <br /> praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! <br /> (Refrain) <br /><br />4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, <br /> the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; <br /> the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, <br /> even so, it is well with my soul. <br /> (Refrain) <br /><br /><br />Here is the hymn, and also the story behind the man who wrote the lyrics for the song. He wrote the song after suffering many horrific trials in his life.....and yet.....It was well with his soul!<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Cu42EN42zEQ?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><strong>"He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness For His name's sake." Psalm 23:3</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-88664490142826720762012-03-13T11:10:00.003-04:002012-03-13T13:19:13.353-04:00It just hits me.....right in the heart!A couple of weeks ago I read something that caused me to spiral into tears. This happens to me every month or so. I can be having a perfectly fine day, and then a thought enters my head and all the feelings, concerning Gavin and his lot in this life, begin to flow right out of me! I suppose it's a good thing to have the ability to release the emotions.....the emotions that tend to build up inside when caring for a child like Gavin.<br /><br />At the time, I had just read a comment to someone else that was congratulating them on the birth of their child. Just a simple comment of, "Oh, he's just perfect!" That's all it took to open the flood gates of my soul!<br /><br />It brought me back to the day Gavin was born, and the months following his birth.<br /><br />I don't recall having anyone say such a comment to me after Gavin was born. And, looking back on those days, I felt a little cheated. These thoughts might seem quite silly, but that's what I was thinking at the time.<br /><br />This got me thinking about God's creation. Look around you! His creation IS perfect! And, this includes Gavin as well! It includes everything He has made!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMFsobqdfsuziHxm8MHXNmRHTMhrMlxNtd9OwSHZWZyz1INI_Hw_t8AV8hHTkff-jHoeZKOpkXsja0i5SJUKzEBq_03KFyYtwSJmR80C-J_usxK49E9E8rd2zkzBkZ2J3opmAwB89hfI/s1600/P644056_display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMFsobqdfsuziHxm8MHXNmRHTMhrMlxNtd9OwSHZWZyz1INI_Hw_t8AV8hHTkff-jHoeZKOpkXsja0i5SJUKzEBq_03KFyYtwSJmR80C-J_usxK49E9E8rd2zkzBkZ2J3opmAwB89hfI/s400/P644056_display.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714950818011983122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCdIDzHOAozaOtuCXdnuu5b6yQQkm3zrkHGeWmTQn52d7vlE5NtSHH5z_0L88kJ5Gr2zEgNG6kiWYSOTdZ2ammarrR1bFmmQfWwBvZlpluaLPn56GSwko8eA2s0_Qq-y09Jam80c5e5g/s1600/P644266_display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCdIDzHOAozaOtuCXdnuu5b6yQQkm3zrkHGeWmTQn52d7vlE5NtSHH5z_0L88kJ5Gr2zEgNG6kiWYSOTdZ2ammarrR1bFmmQfWwBvZlpluaLPn56GSwko8eA2s0_Qq-y09Jam80c5e5g/s400/P644266_display.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714949233806205762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVGZ-87Abup7vgEo7o4-3ep_Sg74_zbUUY6qqqPk5zpLfwbF723Splm28B2T-O8f3lhdL7Tu44fZsiH220d47agXDO3ZLO__CpQCEGansVMTXlGZce0M9EaWsjXxOpFGu3n1NZgiph-Q/s1600/P658601_display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVGZ-87Abup7vgEo7o4-3ep_Sg74_zbUUY6qqqPk5zpLfwbF723Splm28B2T-O8f3lhdL7Tu44fZsiH220d47agXDO3ZLO__CpQCEGansVMTXlGZce0M9EaWsjXxOpFGu3n1NZgiph-Q/s400/P658601_display.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714949234856874626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb29H0Q27jD3WezgOaEccnDv9PwozsLRuWqde8Zu2AkHJjhVycKMWNqAGV3RlMYKcqlEb2ltrZJzryyYFjZCMk-W3dFCIP-mWJ3_ZgKxM29smkJacTqv5dxwxYyKQQ0aCvxyE-bkd9Xw/s1600/P658609_display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb29H0Q27jD3WezgOaEccnDv9PwozsLRuWqde8Zu2AkHJjhVycKMWNqAGV3RlMYKcqlEb2ltrZJzryyYFjZCMk-W3dFCIP-mWJ3_ZgKxM29smkJacTqv5dxwxYyKQQ0aCvxyE-bkd9Xw/s400/P658609_display.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714949228531954482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim6tITcKvgY8AHOIGnGuqEaTdu7Cks25-GSXhFydoXzq1a-Q7951eghwIZlx5ovguSFYQbIXS7uxSlyinqlICqZqD4ghFBQukEuvJTTOHTzYInmXO2z9_5xv-T6qNcnWIC29Rr8plHzk/s1600/P918726_display.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim6tITcKvgY8AHOIGnGuqEaTdu7Cks25-GSXhFydoXzq1a-Q7951eghwIZlx5ovguSFYQbIXS7uxSlyinqlICqZqD4ghFBQukEuvJTTOHTzYInmXO2z9_5xv-T6qNcnWIC29Rr8plHzk/s400/P918726_display.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714949230029214866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ12WAgQn6FfA41MCQVTHQCjvIMaQsG8TgIIg6GhRipbpgmsELK_vI7KURWVf_XNrMVPkQ0rMLFrI-jP8lyVttMhgULn5tmsZHMWDGMYQCheVxjJ25O3DkXWZXvHep-Bu8M1JKA_sEDQ/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ12WAgQn6FfA41MCQVTHQCjvIMaQsG8TgIIg6GhRipbpgmsELK_vI7KURWVf_XNrMVPkQ0rMLFrI-jP8lyVttMhgULn5tmsZHMWDGMYQCheVxjJ25O3DkXWZXvHep-Bu8M1JKA_sEDQ/s400/026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714951687764413858" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you know someone who has a child similiar to Gavin, I ask that you tell them, "Congratulations!" Be happy around them, and for them! They might be fearful of the future, but they are still happy to have this child, and they still think their baby is perfect! Every baby is a gift from God, and the parents need to see your happiness for them, and to hear you tell them that their baby "is perfect". Trust me.....reaching out to them in this manner will mean so much to them! They will appreciate you more than you know!<br /><br />This Momma certainly sees God's perfect creation when she looks at the pictures above of her sweet boy!<br /><br />I am so thankful that God gave me, and all of us, the following verse to focus on! It always amazes me that He thought of everything we need to know, and shared it with us in His Word! What a source of comfort! What an awesome God!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:13-14</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-58288215992520578752012-03-07T09:44:00.003-05:002012-05-21T12:57:48.979-04:00Spread the Word!Today is "Spread the Word, to End the Word" day. <br />
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So, Gavin and I are spreading the word!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ulTQMJxKHW6CnUg16PsQrtJiNNZeWXCY4SxVIeR-G6hMsyLlVRdhSXVBM514SjPf0-za3CkH7I7PHY-jFchF14gjk-yojAqXihD29PLsl-3mm1dSjSSd8wbZPF7BJ88YpOIr-tTKY_s/s1600/431447_288124144593638_122133834526004_773897_788825307_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ulTQMJxKHW6CnUg16PsQrtJiNNZeWXCY4SxVIeR-G6hMsyLlVRdhSXVBM514SjPf0-za3CkH7I7PHY-jFchF14gjk-yojAqXihD29PLsl-3mm1dSjSSd8wbZPF7BJ88YpOIr-tTKY_s/s400/431447_288124144593638_122133834526004_773897_788825307_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717162858809187698" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.r-word.org/#.T1dvKoeKVOU.blogger">R-word | Spread the Word to End the Word</a><br />
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retarded defined:<br />
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(adj) underdeveloped, esp mentally, and esp having an IQ of 70 to 85.<br />
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Is this what you are saying about someone when you use the word retarded? Are you implying that they, or the something you are refering to, has an IQ at or below this level? Are you even aware of this person's IQ level?! Does that song, outfit, car, or whatever you are using this medical terminology to describe, even have an IQ?! <br />
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Gavin, all of his special friends, and I, ask that you think of us when you even consider using this word. Think of those who may not be as blessed as you are.....those who had no choice in whether or not they were born or became cognitively delayed. Think before you speak!<br />
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Gavin kindly thanks you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitniC9ARU1t1f_E8ILt94HexP7iOkeU_Cz8PBOX1FhSlmFLWacJE5D9XdaSP8qMbPX8LZIIMPOTFPkv2mMrOZasLh-gWwlJH3eePgu4dWbvhSuWKIBgb-tuxlevJY7FtaP88t_QuBuk/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitniC9ARU1t1f_E8ILt94HexP7iOkeU_Cz8PBOX1FhSlmFLWacJE5D9XdaSP8qMbPX8LZIIMPOTFPkv2mMrOZasLh-gWwlJH3eePgu4dWbvhSuWKIBgb-tuxlevJY7FtaP88t_QuBuk/s400/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717161893727397874" /></a><br />
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<strong>"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-53828924794951064242012-02-27T20:40:00.001-05:002012-02-28T04:38:29.881-05:00Sharing Gavin's Newest EquipmentI am always looking for great ideas, equipment, and tools to use with Gavin. When you have a child who can't even sit up on his own, you are always looking for a spot to place your child when you're not holding him. It really saddens me that Gavin is unable to move from place to place on his own, and also that he's unable to tell me if he's uncomfortable in a certain position.....or just plain bored from being in that position. <br /><br />Because I am very concerned about his comfort level, I try to find chairs and equipment that he will be comfortable in.....or at least help him to gain some type of therapy by being in it for awhile. I also look for items that are not too heavy for me to carry, and those that are easy to transport.<br /><br />I have gained so many great ideas from other Mommas out there, and I'm always interested in learning new ideas. So, Gavin and I wanted to share a few items that he has acquired in the last few months.<br /><br />First, is his new stroller. I pretty much hate the typical wheelchair for Gavin. They just aren't made comfortable enough! I found this push chair at Adaptive Mall, and I love it for him! It is big enough for him (holds a child up to 90 pounds), and it's comfy, with many of the features I was looking for. The only issue I have is that it takes a couple of steps to fold it up, and it takes up a lot of room in the back of the van. Otherwise I would give it an A.<br /><br />Here are some pictures of it:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2hiMIEz0Gi_MYw7gL6YGPP5Qa2BHFYA_Pr_ERukpgMK6PXgT6VTDqKtqNutWgV9KQX0oFi7vbzc1p89siBEnJMcqso2RljC3MJ08H3dWHmOVpZEbRUooKYplb1MShTQhRDtcu9Mr63Q/s1600/077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2hiMIEz0Gi_MYw7gL6YGPP5Qa2BHFYA_Pr_ERukpgMK6PXgT6VTDqKtqNutWgV9KQX0oFi7vbzc1p89siBEnJMcqso2RljC3MJ08H3dWHmOVpZEbRUooKYplb1MShTQhRDtcu9Mr63Q/s400/077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713980717559012674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uYHCc0sObDfP3kyPkbP0MCOfGHZAb64cTX8ctsYTGMSE9J-abAspIUjoXtoXTvQxq5OBR86uUfcuW0fRyx94o3H-9wbrHaupg5BQ9K8y2Pr3jDPWgH0DaOwADETCtrg36uMn_zgWnuI/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uYHCc0sObDfP3kyPkbP0MCOfGHZAb64cTX8ctsYTGMSE9J-abAspIUjoXtoXTvQxq5OBR86uUfcuW0fRyx94o3H-9wbrHaupg5BQ9K8y2Pr3jDPWgH0DaOwADETCtrg36uMn_zgWnuI/s400/078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713980711445994258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjVTTF871VAVhZhgeG6LbtkfKMeTCdg9C5Ha-POWbDRAuSeMfE_Ebi4zC64Rf23DDKTfhM5zh6cyY4CLN3EVZkwD41wnuCbs5KdsTNvqElAcu8-L5Kk8N73deK9JT-H0abW2PhkOIpmQ/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjVTTF871VAVhZhgeG6LbtkfKMeTCdg9C5Ha-POWbDRAuSeMfE_Ebi4zC64Rf23DDKTfhM5zh6cyY4CLN3EVZkwD41wnuCbs5KdsTNvqElAcu8-L5Kk8N73deK9JT-H0abW2PhkOIpmQ/s400/079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713980703750360370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXumJ2iQ-LrmewNfqnRLACA1QLeqEmXapJ-lipYsPVCOV2h_6_ZADlwxNopBcFVNIazuIThnd-Bpg2mrQNQplqFF9LLGVGI-yRNmTM5TOx9g8QxfjTsbbSkJVOTZmtlDEnK39bLNLsz9M/s1600/080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXumJ2iQ-LrmewNfqnRLACA1QLeqEmXapJ-lipYsPVCOV2h_6_ZADlwxNopBcFVNIazuIThnd-Bpg2mrQNQplqFF9LLGVGI-yRNmTM5TOx9g8QxfjTsbbSkJVOTZmtlDEnK39bLNLsz9M/s400/080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713980699860726738" /></a><br /><br />And, here's a link to where you can buy it:<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.adaptivemall.com/sptoeiopuch.html#.T0v4VDB56jE.blogger">Special Tomato® EIO Push Chair | Adaptivemall.com</a><br /><br />Next, is Gavin's new chair: <br /><br />Here are a couple pics of it on it's floor stand:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9p_SESfJQuM2OlWn36mGO2NFGfzpG0akUkdqJ1mwmxKr3U6sFijzAWoImsbWszJ64eiwndh4G4sCItr7WHZYA4rOay5s2PJD6p1hV4QHNWnYw1a_koVq208Gvwo2uugsI__HObkkNLY/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9p_SESfJQuM2OlWn36mGO2NFGfzpG0akUkdqJ1mwmxKr3U6sFijzAWoImsbWszJ64eiwndh4G4sCItr7WHZYA4rOay5s2PJD6p1hV4QHNWnYw1a_koVq208Gvwo2uugsI__HObkkNLY/s400/065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713971417829777458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmL4iKQYx1NR5E-xIUKuWgfzZ1odtGDi1iOuG_oQo9eUhiNRb0mcidA6K3DvZi4cEOz0TYuBUJATdUcJrQGU86Fv8exxr7yVVqbodzg6-U92_uf8K4AxGMu3Vixq1mZNhk7y-3U3EoTE/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmL4iKQYx1NR5E-xIUKuWgfzZ1odtGDi1iOuG_oQo9eUhiNRb0mcidA6K3DvZi4cEOz0TYuBUJATdUcJrQGU86Fv8exxr7yVVqbodzg6-U92_uf8K4AxGMu3Vixq1mZNhk7y-3U3EoTE/s400/066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713971414321665122" /></a><br /><br />And, a pic of Gavin happily sitting in it on the couch:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXhBhQeSgIKTFV66hy5npSwz7G82Hbg9Q4LOyviEWssHnjaLkoD8UQu83w4AGpu-a7GNsAP7gElL-uuQpwqtSETU_CBMEdRjIIU7UyF5t6Fv7iiCPMMvjsivcyqumOnegDfR1httOEIY/s1600/071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXhBhQeSgIKTFV66hy5npSwz7G82Hbg9Q4LOyviEWssHnjaLkoD8UQu83w4AGpu-a7GNsAP7gElL-uuQpwqtSETU_CBMEdRjIIU7UyF5t6Fv7iiCPMMvjsivcyqumOnegDfR1httOEIY/s400/071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713971405751556994" /></a><br /><br />It's more comfy than it looks, and we love it! It is very lightweight, easy to clean, and it can also be strapped to a chair to use at the table!<br /><br />Here is a link to it as well:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.adaptivemall.com/sosimotiweki3.html#.T0v42mhz49M.blogger">Soft-Touch® Sitter Mobile Tilt Wedge Kit | Adaptivemall.com</a><br /><br />Here is a pic of another chair we got for Gavin: <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvLSu1EWFMAu-QxRl3f83jYsQidTjZeTKOPzBOvbSk9UtE614X0oRLwzRZCIHtiued4XEDKd67FwJJwIzzBg3-g2mwP1CsvT7QTWwo1pv60SM54W_ilErv0C9zrZQxmx1e_8G9kBkhQQ/s1600/072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvLSu1EWFMAu-QxRl3f83jYsQidTjZeTKOPzBOvbSk9UtE614X0oRLwzRZCIHtiued4XEDKd67FwJJwIzzBg3-g2mwP1CsvT7QTWwo1pv60SM54W_ilErv0C9zrZQxmx1e_8G9kBkhQQ/s400/072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713972777502168722" /></a><br /><br />It is the chair we use at the table for him to sit in while we eat together. It isn't as comfy, but it helps to have him sit up fairly straight in a sitting position and gain a little therapy while using it. It is so lightweight and small enough to transport very easily! It can also be used on the floor, and it won't tip over even if the child is wiggly in it. It looks like it would tip over when the child is sitting in it on the floor, but it stays upright!<br /><br />Here is Gavin sitting in it:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkabt0y-oaBVkIMCe09NaFStg6DNy6-JXyh2PLuxThl7BhE_93LnGFeyYO4fiOauPLr-wR89vBegStveLVd8PQJR_h1oN9VuBOekSpQCzilTrtzGUSkUzho3yVp_5ibyhs4VCrkjucmFQ/s1600/074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkabt0y-oaBVkIMCe09NaFStg6DNy6-JXyh2PLuxThl7BhE_93LnGFeyYO4fiOauPLr-wR89vBegStveLVd8PQJR_h1oN9VuBOekSpQCzilTrtzGUSkUzho3yVp_5ibyhs4VCrkjucmFQ/s400/074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713972764822339954" /></a><br /><br />We had to buy a couple of accessories for it to work for Gavin. The 1st accessory is a headrest that fits into the top of the chair. The 2nd accessory is an abductor to put between his legs so he doesn't slide out of it.<br /><br />We didn't buy it from Adaptive mall, but here is a link to it (and the accessories) on their site. We found it cheaper by googling the name of it, and bought it elsewhere. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adaptivemall.com/wese1.html#.T0v57sBuZ_w.blogger">Small Wenzelite Seat2Go | Adaptivemall.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adaptivemall.com/ophe.html#.T0v6WOFTC5k.blogger">Optional Headrest | Adaptivemall.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adaptivemall.com/opab.html#.T0v6kz8ocPI.blogger">Optional Abductor | Adaptivemall.com</a><br /><br />I also found this flimsy table type tray to use with it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrYCQa4dBsGKqW1HJmAoXb5XwbSKYsOohcKN7Np0htPiH3hmu6E9SBWP-Lv-PxDPPxN8qz2lsINgGZEpQKws2M7UUJEzVMJvYawdC5aLufSb5Ruj-XiSR4pX6ACBhN3JtsRKRDbATfAY/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrYCQa4dBsGKqW1HJmAoXb5XwbSKYsOohcKN7Np0htPiH3hmu6E9SBWP-Lv-PxDPPxN8qz2lsINgGZEpQKws2M7UUJEzVMJvYawdC5aLufSb5Ruj-XiSR4pX6ACBhN3JtsRKRDbATfAY/s400/073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713972774205455490" /></a><br /><br />It has loops on it, so that we can connect Gavin's toys to it.....so he can grab for them and not lose them by having them fall on the floor. This has made dinner time wonderful! I was always picking his toys up from off the floor when they slid off his old chair and tray! I feel badly that we sit and eat, and Gavin can't eat with us! Knowing that at least he has his linky toys to play with, which gives him something to do while we eat together as a family, makes me happier. He had a very expensive Tiger chair that insurance bought for him a few years ago, but he was never happy sitting in it. He is quite happy sitting in this chair, and it is was a fraction of the cost!<br /><br />Here he is playing with his toys while using the tray with the chair.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCet3JAPpOeWAFTu-f563m0DdevwunlBCGekUjeAcrz3mKd2MTL2vHNczYUNhuTcOftXDm5zWuOgAZYuWsWaKcsk5U-sp1HplA7ulMRUQdRcD7oW5mU0pFKexrPoDaJTFREphD2D4E8w/s1600/075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCet3JAPpOeWAFTu-f563m0DdevwunlBCGekUjeAcrz3mKd2MTL2vHNczYUNhuTcOftXDm5zWuOgAZYuWsWaKcsk5U-sp1HplA7ulMRUQdRcD7oW5mU0pFKexrPoDaJTFREphD2D4E8w/s400/075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713972761980496418" /></a><br /><br />Here is where I bought the tray. It won't link to the company, but you can copy and paste into your browser if you want to check it out.<br /><br />http://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=537347&parentCategoryId=85188&categoryId=117211<br /><br />So, there you go! Just some of the equipment that we use with Gavin on a daily basis. Hope you enjoyed a look into Gavin's special needs world. And, I hope some of you Mommas benefit from learning about a new tool to use with your child!<br /><br />Also, check out the toy bar that Joel built for Gavin's toys to hang on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63i6165RiPMSlXGH9fbYQOdP0iozHHvsk7swugUczs9aJU8lRiMC-KNG96rVEYet7BCSmc4XCjFub4eZmV-lq4knWjSuJOyAUmZOanOLtzK8WQZ3SR0ICPdBgW-DTySyH0imZsJDXDA/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt63i6165RiPMSlXGH9fbYQOdP0iozHHvsk7swugUczs9aJU8lRiMC-KNG96rVEYet7BCSmc4XCjFub4eZmV-lq4knWjSuJOyAUmZOanOLtzK8WQZ3SR0ICPdBgW-DTySyH0imZsJDXDA/s400/067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713993238831180242" /></a><br /><br />Pretty fancy and useful, huh?! Gavin is very thankful that his daddy is handy with wood and tools! I love it, because Gavin can easily reach his toys, and they are at his eye level.....Plus, I love that it is visually appealing to my eyes as well! We used to have plastic plumbing pipes put together to hold his hanging toys, but that wasn't very pretty....so now Gavin and Momma are both happy! : )<br /><br />Raising a child with severe special needs, like Gavin's, can be a guessing game. And, somtimes it takes a whole lot of improvising! But, I sure feel blessed that there are products out there to help equip us in this life...to make life easier and more comfortable for me and my precious boy!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 </strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-59038656849322590132012-02-22T14:45:00.004-05:002012-02-22T15:11:53.289-05:00Down Syndrome Basketball Player InspiresJust watched this on Facebook and had to share!<br /><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/02/down-syndrome-basketball-player-inspires-tennessee-team/#.T0VFxpt9jgQ.blogger">Down Syndrome Basketball Player Inspires Tennessee Team</a><br /><br />I had tears rolling down my face.....partly for this young man, partly for all who have Down syndrome, and partly for my sweet Gavin.<br /><br />I ache each and every day for him, wishing that he hadn't suffered a massive stroke that has left him unable to do almost anything for himself. I wish so badly that Gavin had been given the opportunity to do things like the young man in the video! Heck! I'd just love it if he had the capability to sit up on his own!<br /><br />I long for the day when I will see Gavin running in Heaven! This day can't come soon enough!<br /><br />I guess it took this video to get me out of my blogging slump. This blog has always been mostly about Gavin, and the last couple of months have been hard on me, concerning him.....and concerning a few other issues. So, I haven't felt like blogging much. I mean, who wants to read about a pitiful mom, who wants so much more for her son? <br /><br />Things are actually going fairly well for Gavin, but it's the day to day issues that I struggle with. Gavin can't sit up....he can't walk.....he can't talk.....etc. And, it's so hard to want so much for your child.....knowing that there is nothing you can do to change what happened, and there is nothing you can do to change the future.<br /><br />Days are tough! But, I have my sweet boy and his smile lifts me up each day! I thank God for those amazing smiles! And, I'm thankful to know that even though Gavin's future on this earth is not full of promise.....his future is great.....because God holds that future. <br /><br />Love one another! Be thankful for your abilities and those of your children! Life is so very fragile.....I'm really trying to focus on handling this fragile life with lots of prayer.<br /><br />Watch the video, if you didn't! It's inspiring! And, if you ask me.....so is my precious boy!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." Titus 4:8</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-7158128290890902832011-10-28T11:47:00.003-04:002011-10-28T11:59:38.311-04:00So much to say & share..........not enough time, energy, or brain power to say it or share it!<br /><br />So, here I go.....prepare for a long post!<br /><br />Lots going on with Gavin, and our family the last couple of months. Mostly good and exciting things.....along with a little bit of a scary thing. And of course, the dreaded sickness that invades a family of six!<br /> <br />The dreaded cold has made it's way through our family, sparing only Jacob so far. Gavin and I have it right now. I have felt miserable the last few days, especially in my head....it feels like it's going to explode! Gavin seems to be tolerating it better than I am, but he does sound horrible! (Very stuffy and a deep cough) Hopefully he continues to tolerate it so well....he's such a trooper, still giving smiles even though he must feel lousy! He's obviously more tough than his Momma is! I guess when your chest is cut open a few times, it takes more than a simple cold to put you down! <br /> <br />Some great news we got a few weeks ago is that Gavin's 2nd degree heart block has GONE AWAY! Some time between, 4 1/2 years ago when his pacemaker was put in, and now, his electical activity between the upper chambers of his heart started to communicate again with the lower chambers of his heart! This amazes me! ONLY GOD! Praising Him for this miracle!<br /><br />The scary part of this is that because he no longer has this block, the cardiologist tinkered with Gavin's pacemaker settings and decided to have his heart do all the work, instead of the pacemaker helping out. His pacemaker used to do 99% of the heart's firing, but now it will do close to 0%! This means we have to really watch Gavin for symptoms of heart block.....and this scares the Momma! I am used to relying on that pacemaker, knowing it would take over if Gavin's heart went crazy! Yikes! It will still kick in if Gavin's heart rate goes below 60 beats per minute, but it will only beat at 60 beats per minute continuously. This means that Gavin could feel really dizzy, and even lose consciousness if it stays beating at this rate. So, we have to watch for signs that his heart isn't beating as fast as it should be....which is around 100 beats per minute on average, for Gavin.<br /><br />But, this is definitely promising news! It is so much better for the heart to beat on it's own, like it does in most of us. Gavin's heart muscle will benefit from doing the work, instead of the pacemaker doing it!<br /><br />Here are some other things that our family has been up to:<br /><br />I'll start with a few pictures from Gavin's 5th birthday. (Yes, I realize it was a month and a half ago....I told you I haven't been sharing much on the blog!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjGzdciTSeUo_y761no4WXumwslpwNjcdjp5TJ0888kygPPKpO0dU6bfqOKhkSah6FdQ1o3ZmfZtm5p6hkezP7vu8a5kfWRa7YEiGnIb_agD6eGllXnPik2tAX-P9OEKpcDzYoJ9ton4/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjGzdciTSeUo_y761no4WXumwslpwNjcdjp5TJ0888kygPPKpO0dU6bfqOKhkSah6FdQ1o3ZmfZtm5p6hkezP7vu8a5kfWRa7YEiGnIb_agD6eGllXnPik2tAX-P9OEKpcDzYoJ9ton4/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668553447749272738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2yD8cmCRKdRen-_ML57T89wx0R9HgkSOJO_H5NKHh3kWJoF5hMvnl1lhIzVR6KT_FnqAo1yrRcB4u-GuNBr23xFaMlVViWFe9noOdxiGRuth2y3igsbv90b7WHM8eZBqUkO7QQzF1Jk/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2yD8cmCRKdRen-_ML57T89wx0R9HgkSOJO_H5NKHh3kWJoF5hMvnl1lhIzVR6KT_FnqAo1yrRcB4u-GuNBr23xFaMlVViWFe9noOdxiGRuth2y3igsbv90b7WHM8eZBqUkO7QQzF1Jk/s400/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668553442727594178" /></a><br /><br />Did you notice his "cake"?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofECX3kStLj6CMj_OvHfKz2VV8PrGmd7msN3q3PCWuWVAqG2SMht7hbQcaBLKq_mk1Km9Zzv8K-DbbUJ1UZvTmBTfW9z-gcsZxJpTspjveSUkKOSYF0y6DkSgOoXsld8vwcEZ1OKmeqg/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofECX3kStLj6CMj_OvHfKz2VV8PrGmd7msN3q3PCWuWVAqG2SMht7hbQcaBLKq_mk1Km9Zzv8K-DbbUJ1UZvTmBTfW9z-gcsZxJpTspjveSUkKOSYF0y6DkSgOoXsld8vwcEZ1OKmeqg/s400/018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668553439040834258" /></a><br /><br />Since Gavin doesn't eat by mouth, and he doesn't really like it when we give him tastes of anything anyway, I "made" Gavin a Compleat Pediatric "cake". That's all he eats anyway! :) And, I'm quite sure Gavin enjoyed this better than having to taste the frosting like we usually have him do....he's not a fan of anything in his mouth! Plus, it sure was an easy "cake" for me to make!<br /><br />Another thing our family did was to walk in the Make-A-Wish walk. We wanted to give back just a tiny bit of what they gave to us! I still can't believe the trip our family was able to take, due to this charity's efforts! They are such a blessing to so many families!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8Ztl6kVqdgdqMQR4idXpAFJCGxsNV2vG0mlHShW1AQpABtTY23NggztwIa3oDxCvriCo3aSh-7DmuO90Dv1qhm1pv5vjUiIeNPlZaerDu34nrwyg9MSUXU2HQFadM0HcVsBNx6brdc8/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8Ztl6kVqdgdqMQR4idXpAFJCGxsNV2vG0mlHShW1AQpABtTY23NggztwIa3oDxCvriCo3aSh-7DmuO90Dv1qhm1pv5vjUiIeNPlZaerDu34nrwyg9MSUXU2HQFadM0HcVsBNx6brdc8/s400/022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668553142662394418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qtPOpg0DTWpicjGyty97uaDns0R7e1_goW3H4ORaDYRssnljLiws2idX_zv1mY92lGsNIoQHwRRKRWMK0B7cqMSBmQ25VyYZth0dT8O1g00H6FtV6-gDIPPA9oeosxNfqeur6JMmC1Q/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qtPOpg0DTWpicjGyty97uaDns0R7e1_goW3H4ORaDYRssnljLiws2idX_zv1mY92lGsNIoQHwRRKRWMK0B7cqMSBmQ25VyYZth0dT8O1g00H6FtV6-gDIPPA9oeosxNfqeur6JMmC1Q/s400/023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668553135425132082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fFl02NFCJ9SsOZNyu-bDR7M9Q83LKDBcEZPloLO0pfMwrYMwkNsZMuYw2m6xK_FJbPECu_DEZfk_VSJCjItV-wJrj20gVjBJ1Ct4UmZwOUnAUfdLAoAnCO4qtiAzOpC_tiKc47TOWGA/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fFl02NFCJ9SsOZNyu-bDR7M9Q83LKDBcEZPloLO0pfMwrYMwkNsZMuYw2m6xK_FJbPECu_DEZfk_VSJCjItV-wJrj20gVjBJ1Ct4UmZwOUnAUfdLAoAnCO4qtiAzOpC_tiKc47TOWGA/s400/035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668552195675929026" /></a><br /><br />Gavin also started school again. This year he is having school at home. A teacher and therapist come once a week, and he and I go for a group class once a week at the school. We are hoping he stays healthier with this change. He was sick so often last year!<br /><br />Here is Gavin doing some therapy at home:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg2eu6OiNwCwOKOl-GKU6HXLeKEbpoK9fTg9y6Ci67X__5UBxu0Sjd8kXg15Q1BZl4NTlgYdO6lboLZZNboZkWVoQSz9NudTVHCxobcmJFJi-SzEU8yI0poFk3byjRHmobf9NT1V2tco/s1600/088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg2eu6OiNwCwOKOl-GKU6HXLeKEbpoK9fTg9y6Ci67X__5UBxu0Sjd8kXg15Q1BZl4NTlgYdO6lboLZZNboZkWVoQSz9NudTVHCxobcmJFJi-SzEU8yI0poFk3byjRHmobf9NT1V2tco/s400/088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668546221730188370" /></a><br /><br />This is tiring for him!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy18tsmMMvp0u76THspIAaPwsnmbnxcQVwGJ17d_-Q33hRWZx3jiOBtk_JnKt6kTTehayKdxCJCNB-na1qtUAf3hSl7hVgz1PcmKBDSfYluLKWBXwakSoapWpqLYQljgdP-UogREjGwE/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy18tsmMMvp0u76THspIAaPwsnmbnxcQVwGJ17d_-Q33hRWZx3jiOBtk_JnKt6kTTehayKdxCJCNB-na1qtUAf3hSl7hVgz1PcmKBDSfYluLKWBXwakSoapWpqLYQljgdP-UogREjGwE/s400/087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668546207457661890" /></a><br /><br />But, isn't he just precious?!<br /><br />We also walked in the Step Up For Down Syndrome walk this month. Our state changed the name to this, instead of calling it the original, "Buddy Walk". The name may have changed, but the fun we had, and the cuties we got to see stayed the same!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI2U05WnHdD8P7ZSMXwOWlPbWF_qw67CqNnyDIhJyrFXH0k4Ah1E9HL2GKnGElBrsXdTLlXahqLZYP1EyqujWoMwBQL0j_ZsuSBg2OxIL0bjQ_1pSlH5XlY9k2RBq1CuO67p6vf0hnJY/s1600/099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI2U05WnHdD8P7ZSMXwOWlPbWF_qw67CqNnyDIhJyrFXH0k4Ah1E9HL2GKnGElBrsXdTLlXahqLZYP1EyqujWoMwBQL0j_ZsuSBg2OxIL0bjQ_1pSlH5XlY9k2RBq1CuO67p6vf0hnJY/s400/099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668546204536362050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWrW3gvAJD6fguepnNZB_8aAk6UBkH9XEIQAauuGG7TSqjwpjKI8_BEIhcvtQ2cDdeqhZKiDckcKN8MdWMHMwzzlp0DMoMDDD9PEOXf2wpcA1nlSW948wj5s6zlK5P1sYRwFPR_IY8jo/s1600/103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWrW3gvAJD6fguepnNZB_8aAk6UBkH9XEIQAauuGG7TSqjwpjKI8_BEIhcvtQ2cDdeqhZKiDckcKN8MdWMHMwzzlp0DMoMDDD9PEOXf2wpcA1nlSW948wj5s6zlK5P1sYRwFPR_IY8jo/s400/103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668546193354111906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ9NtcUY_QNryMoCKTNZ1tcVqr7-h7Yf1XnwepjN-cszMpDKb9tIovll7sxGf9OZUBVs9VbGfvNIf-mflN0P9nzxfXusvpuYbpLyYjAVOTp7WiPMeyDt-A-OAu_gQdLtNnj_c5OWYS8o/s1600/112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ9NtcUY_QNryMoCKTNZ1tcVqr7-h7Yf1XnwepjN-cszMpDKb9tIovll7sxGf9OZUBVs9VbGfvNIf-mflN0P9nzxfXusvpuYbpLyYjAVOTp7WiPMeyDt-A-OAu_gQdLtNnj_c5OWYS8o/s400/112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668546185898614786" /></a><br /> <br />So, as you can see, we've been keeping busy.....especially when you add in doctor's appointments, school, sports for our older boys, and homework, etc. Life sure is busy! But, we are doing well and so very blessed!<br /><br />One more thing, please consider donating to help an orphan get home to a wonderful family waiting for her!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt0ECXbgO9AVMpi8AQCe6ZjkYK1bUhH_CFv80BC2lBxmQV4nPev_c188PMRDq9qUbDWJl63bqpkV3nFBaG80hckKrIm_jOKLFOLL6doorG2oMhn_kHmcVpxzm8CjdcMCNI8MA6CNeRto/s1600/Olga.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt0ECXbgO9AVMpi8AQCe6ZjkYK1bUhH_CFv80BC2lBxmQV4nPev_c188PMRDq9qUbDWJl63bqpkV3nFBaG80hckKrIm_jOKLFOLL6doorG2oMhn_kHmcVpxzm8CjdcMCNI8MA6CNeRto/s400/Olga.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668522547474549954" /></a><br /><br />This is Olga. She lives in Russia and has been in an orphange all of her life! She will soon be transfered to an institution where she will no longer be able to be adopted. Some countries do this when children turn about 6 years of age, especially if the child has special needs, because they consider them "unadoptable". It breaks my heart knowing that children may never have a family to call their own!<br /><br />But, the good news is Olga has a family here in the states waiting to be able to go get her! They are so close! They just need about $1200 more to reach the amount they need to go get their daughter! They have worked so hard to raise money, but they can't do it all on their own! Please consider helping them get to Olga before it's too late! Even $1 helps, if that's all you can give! Their adoption paper work expires in November, so time is running out! Please help this sweet girl get to her family! Go <a href="http://savingourstarfish.blogspot.com">here</a> to donate something to their cause. And, most importantly....PRAY!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Hebrews 13:15-16</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-671744126050995302011-10-25T11:10:00.001-04:002011-10-25T17:48:31.835-04:00Part of the ClubThis weekend I was reminded that I'm part of a club. This club is very inclusive, and you can't join unless you meet certain qualifications. Most people don't even want to join the club.....but once they are wisked into it, most are quite happy to be a part of it.<br /><br />I was reminded of this fact when I was at Costco with a few of my boys. Gavin was tucked away in his stroller. As we walked the isles of the store, I noticed a lady looking at him and smiling. This always makes me happy, because I love that Gavin can make others happy just by being him! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiVtrwN-VQUDJ-knKyJi0izp5i34SelN9Ip1rfSgo4YY9VheGdy6tp4Ji2j277jQjAnPc4cAUiGBBkfdBndw5EACLdxu9bisec-DdQq_KGjcI3ijrUCMyDQ1cEYAR0FHj0uFX65tBqg0/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiVtrwN-VQUDJ-knKyJi0izp5i34SelN9Ip1rfSgo4YY9VheGdy6tp4Ji2j277jQjAnPc4cAUiGBBkfdBndw5EACLdxu9bisec-DdQq_KGjcI3ijrUCMyDQ1cEYAR0FHj0uFX65tBqg0/s400/049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667423809419621554" /></a><br /><br />The boys and I finished our shopping and we headed to the check out. As soon as we walked away from the register, we were greeted by the same lady and her husband. They were holding up a cell phone with a picture of a boy on it. They both had a huge smiles on their faces, and said, "We have one too!" I knew exactly what they were talking about, even before I studied the picture on their phone. They were refering to their "winner." <br /><br />If you don't know what a "winner" is, here's an explanation: I was taught this term a couple of years ago by a Mom who has a "winner" of her own. A "winner" is a person who has Down syndrome, or some other form of special needs. This lady told me that this is what she refers to those who are born with a little something extra. And, I couldn't agree with her more! They are all winners in my eyes!<br /><br />Anyway, this couple at Costco went on to tell me about their boy, who also has Down syndrome. We talked a few minutes, sharing stories and diagnoses....and it was as if we'd been friends forever! We just "got" each other...all thanks to our special boys! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcuTLaStYj1hur9-j-ZeEnvopSs57O6hzCv3Tnwtd5MHBMDNBF5MkwOwkawBtGuPxsL0YLRPiN0laQ08nC6y_8fvcy9cNovmm7YTN5oKSTyUngz4Vqz9nuvIzHq-DoytHrPJg5LCDJEA/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcuTLaStYj1hur9-j-ZeEnvopSs57O6hzCv3Tnwtd5MHBMDNBF5MkwOwkawBtGuPxsL0YLRPiN0laQ08nC6y_8fvcy9cNovmm7YTN5oKSTyUngz4Vqz9nuvIzHq-DoytHrPJg5LCDJEA/s400/058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667423798078380930" /></a><br /><br />We are blessed to be part of this club! Our boys are the reasons we are allowed membership. We may not have wanted to join the club, but here we are.....and we are like family because of it!<br /><br />In fact, they were having a 6th birthday party for their son the next day, and we were invited to the party! That's how close these friendships are in this special club! Our family doesn't even get invited to some of our own family's birthday parties, but here is a family we had just met....and they invited us to join them! It's because we ARE a family! We have an instant bond, because we can relate to each other like no one else! <br /><br />We've been through the heartache, the daily struggles....and we know the feelings that have formed deep inside us, thanks to having our special children! <br /><br />We may not have chosen to join this special club, but now that we are in it, we embrace the goodness that comes from being a member. We are given challenges that most people will never understand. We are taught lessons that most people will never learn! We are also given a love that most may never feel.<br /><br />I am so thankful to be part of this club.....even through the hardships, long nights, long days, the worry, and the demands that have been placed on us since becoming a member of this organization! And, I am so thankful that God brings others into my life who truly understand the life that He has called us to live!<br /><br />Next to the membership that I have been blessed to be called into....that of being a member of God's Kingdom.....I am most thankful for the kinship I feel with those who have been placed into this special calling.....The calling of caring for one of God's most weak and precious creatures! The calling of being a special needs parent! Once you are part of this club, and once you get used to the new normal that comes with this calling, I guarantee you won't regret it in the end!<br /><br />May God bless all of you who are part of this club, and may He give you peace, strength and grace as you fulfill the work He has intended for you! Thanks for being part of my family and for supporting us along the way! Hugs!!!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." I Corinthians 12:26</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-83714779809465486492011-10-17T15:04:00.000-04:002011-10-17T15:04:34.541-04:00Purpose-Filled Life!It has been one of those days! A day that I sit and stare at Gavin, wishing that he had more purpose in this life. Wishing that he could sit on his own, walk, and talk. Feeling sorry for him.....and sorry for me. Wishing that Gavin hadn't had the severe stroke that he had...the one that has robbed us from a child who could have had so much possibility in this life! The stroke that I think back to every once in awhile, and think to myself, "What if the doctors had listened to me?! What if they had done what was needed to prevent this from happening? What if Gavin was just the 'typical' child with Down syndrome........What wonderful things would we be accomplishing today?"<br /><br />Yep, one of those days!<br /><br />Then I read the following poem:<br /><br /><br /><em>Dear God,<br /> <br /><br />I am just a little boy<br /> I don't know how to pray<br /> But please tell me, Lord<br /> ... Why did you make me this way <br /> <br />He explained,<br /> <br />I gave you no sight <br /> So others could see<br /> That My glory is planted<br /> In the smallest of seeds<br /> <br />I gave you no voice<br /> So others you could teach<br /> That even in silence<br /> I can hear you speak<br /> <br />I gave you a life that others<br /> Would not wish to have<br /> So they would be grateful<br /> Instead of boastful and proud<br /> <br />The body of a child<br /> The purpose of a man<br /> You were lovingly created<br /> To fulfill the Master's plan<br /> <br />So close your eyes, my child<br /> I will give you dreams<br /> For someday you will fly<br /> And you will not need wings<br /> <br />Lisa J. Brown<br /> </em><br /><br /><br />Some days I forget just how purposeful Gavin's life really is! I get caught up in the things he can't do, instead of the purpose he is fulfilling! Some people may look at Gavin and think, "What a shame." The truth is, God's plan for Gavin is probably greater than His plan for most of us.....and I am so thankful that God chose me to watch over Gavin until His plan is fulfilled!<br /><br />Gavin may not appear to be able to accomplish much in life. He may have to work very hard to just lift his head up for a few seconds while he sits in an infant toy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ql41ZPC05PVe-rOwtyAX7NGKnCgiXlhABf-P3qxybAQFLXQLY4Cx5TGHR-xYvMh5yXDIf753m63FHAePsjn5i34PCFTSzfW0g05X43pz4L4wo3-hnyfRCgXUttCQ2yObQjH80zkLQak/s1600/259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ql41ZPC05PVe-rOwtyAX7NGKnCgiXlhABf-P3qxybAQFLXQLY4Cx5TGHR-xYvMh5yXDIf753m63FHAePsjn5i34PCFTSzfW0g05X43pz4L4wo3-hnyfRCgXUttCQ2yObQjH80zkLQak/s400/259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664525395263353154" /></a><br /><br />......but thanks to reading this poem, and thanks to the promises that God has made known to us.....I KNOW that Gavin is living a very wonderful, purpose-filled life! And, I am so very proud of him!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-771341467538197892011-09-26T20:31:00.001-04:002011-09-26T22:00:50.719-04:00Step Up For Down Syndrome!It's that time of year again! Time to come out and walk with Gavin, and all of his cute friends! It's Buddy Walk time!<br /><br />Except this year the Down syndrome Association of West Michigan has changed the name of our walk to..........Step Up For Down Syndrome!<br /><br />Gavin would love it if you came out to walk with our family! And, even if you can't make the walk, you can join our team by donating to the cause.....or by thinking of our team, and all of those who have Down syndrome!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLMK8MwafosJHIJuBalQHnmLAXXREWFJSB5rBK4dhaZyNCHPd1aaSIrs6aNk2oDsHryCD6jg8d633vwFRxDn0Vo6SxvBTPtyPOtjZtTyVlxTorl85PAqgU6FLmzXT1O-eXXw0AaZS17o/s1600/5a9be6fd-e65e-42e8-93c6-f14a46414dc4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLMK8MwafosJHIJuBalQHnmLAXXREWFJSB5rBK4dhaZyNCHPd1aaSIrs6aNk2oDsHryCD6jg8d633vwFRxDn0Vo6SxvBTPtyPOtjZtTyVlxTorl85PAqgU6FLmzXT1O-eXXw0AaZS17o/s400/5a9be6fd-e65e-42e8-93c6-f14a46414dc4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656826778651740258" /></a><br /><br />Here is a link that you can click on to donate, or to get information on when and where the walk is:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/alicia-vanderwall/gavinsgang?utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=share&utm_source=at-blogger&utm_content=eua#.ToET_rQDO_A.blogger">FirstGiving - Your fundraising</a><br /><br />Thanks so much for your continued support of Gavin...our family...and all of our inspirational Down syndrome friends! <br /><br />Gavin says, "Thanks for stepping up for Down syndrome!" : )<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Order my steps in thy word: and let not my iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133 </strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-55167887069552817902011-09-23T18:16:00.000-04:002011-09-23T18:16:17.058-04:00Gavin's afternoon at the hospitalGavin and I spent the afternoon at the hospital. Here is a picture that I tried to take of Gavin while we were waiting in the waiting room:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftOBXzdP3tn1W6TpdhqcbY0krbpY9S7AAx0jEVTPJvO534wIszbaRnLqWGuxW1haDfeYbqlRHyDM0RrYbDpqD8rltkKEBYVRxqL5Jkqq7Zs-57UYMhRMgojx4vu9yhq-uIBVaTGINGOw/s1600/387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftOBXzdP3tn1W6TpdhqcbY0krbpY9S7AAx0jEVTPJvO534wIszbaRnLqWGuxW1haDfeYbqlRHyDM0RrYbDpqD8rltkKEBYVRxqL5Jkqq7Zs-57UYMhRMgojx4vu9yhq-uIBVaTGINGOw/s400/387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655670161436012146" /></a><br /><br />He doesn't look very pleased about the whole thing, does he? Actually, he was quite the trooper! He did SO WELL, despite the fact that it took 4 pokes to start an I.V. He didn't cry at all unti the 4th poke......What a good boy! Then he finally said, "THAT'S ENOUGH!", and started to cry.<br /><br />We were at the hospital to do a sedated heart echo, and also to have his pacemaker evaluated. They did the echo first. He has never had a sedated echo before, but this time the cardiologist wanted to sedate him to get a really good reading since Gavin doesn't lay as still as he used to. They used Propofol to put him to sleep. That is the drug that Michael Jackson died from. When they said they were going to use it, I said, "Wasn't that drug given a bad name by M.J.'s death?! You sure you want to use that one?!" They assured me it was safe, so I approved. After they put the med in Gavin's I.V., he was asleep in less than 10 seconds flat! It was kind of scary to see him go out that fast! But, it did make me aware why M.J. might have liked that drug! I sure would like to go to sleep, and stay asleep that well!<br /><br />The initial results show that Gavin's heart is not enlarged (great news!), and his Mitral valve leak has not gotten any worse! This was a relief, because I am dreading the day that they say he is in need of his next heart surgery!<br /><br />After his pacemaker was evaluated they decided to make some changes to the settings to try to preserve the battery life of the pacemaker, and also to allow his heart to work a little more on it's own. I'm praying this change doesn't create any ill effects! I asked his cardiologist if he really wanted to mess with a good thing, considering Gavin's history, but he thought Gavin could handle the changes, so hopefully he is right! <br /><br />Gavin was also sent home on a 24 hour holter monitor, to make sure his heart is beating regularly, and at a normal rhythm. It looks like Gavin has a bomb strapped to him! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97Xl9xRbpAyT-ppYh9k6lTbCyfSKWabjf_umXsGbpHRI-YXYIYsoVdaIVz0wwJeRgendUtcPumsmm4KYb15XP8c0E_pdher7Ha2XIE8i-uVkJoRrdFzfwCBjft5SOmQ0ngTL2XPsSOVs/s1600/389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97Xl9xRbpAyT-ppYh9k6lTbCyfSKWabjf_umXsGbpHRI-YXYIYsoVdaIVz0wwJeRgendUtcPumsmm4KYb15XP8c0E_pdher7Ha2XIE8i-uVkJoRrdFzfwCBjft5SOmQ0ngTL2XPsSOVs/s400/389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655670155900766370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjWdb_hZXjvk4-HiVgp1WA4Un4xqS9U6ZlbpRt_TlRBLRSC_YDaU8mQBmiiZl_ELo7pCNF2TjDzR5qtseGighzpgwY-aZRnWCrHi_Jz-boXmQ5THRGQL1TkJgwtwFgXkn8t0OdCRPv0s/s1600/390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjWdb_hZXjvk4-HiVgp1WA4Un4xqS9U6ZlbpRt_TlRBLRSC_YDaU8mQBmiiZl_ELo7pCNF2TjDzR5qtseGighzpgwY-aZRnWCrHi_Jz-boXmQ5THRGQL1TkJgwtwFgXkn8t0OdCRPv0s/s400/390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655670143269804994" /></a><br /><br />Nolan and Caleb feel really bad for Gavin. They think it's so sad that he has to wear this for 24 hours, because they said it doesn't look like it feels comfortable at all! I agree! They are also sad that Gavin had to be poked so many times today. It makes me sad to see them sad.....but it also makes me happy knowing they have such a sensitive spot for Gavin and that they love him so much! They are such great big brothers to Gavin!<br /><br />I'm glad this day is over with! I was worried about Gavin being sedated, and I was also worried about the results we would receive. I knew that God had it all under control, but still, this Momma thinks she'll sleep much better tonight, knowing that surgery isn't looming over us any time soon!<br /><br />Hopefully Gavin will sleep good as well.....but after the great nap he got while being sedated today, he may just decide to stay up and party all night long! : ) If he chooses to do this, I'll gladly stay up and party right along with my sweet boy!<br /><br />Gavin was the talk of everyone who saw him at the hospital.....thanks to his cute football socks!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHJ-NFo0L_xL1CYOKYCmjpsXsY5WRg-jmznHa07_Mns0eei1MEU_ZZ6jAEtippvlOrjk5qn7chYTp7bEQh3Va30tmutTtleeRCFdWOKUsV68r5V3yJx8qabtzPvSmP-67cKayexkf7gA/s1600/397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHJ-NFo0L_xL1CYOKYCmjpsXsY5WRg-jmznHa07_Mns0eei1MEU_ZZ6jAEtippvlOrjk5qn7chYTp7bEQh3Va30tmutTtleeRCFdWOKUsV68r5V3yJx8qabtzPvSmP-67cKayexkf7gA/s400/397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655670135043424082" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they adorable?!<br /><br />And, isn't my brave boy a cutie as well?!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE9AZYdMUWjKuL-LxjGP36rSHIHI8xzmw18IHO4AQYT60A041m__l0qLYfrBXcJl0vUFhCSgSV3BVxnydOD1-hrFp-zgYdAEuxgzUybE8wEJp09kO6uLk6iS-9ysnLa_SWlKAKLZ_yIc/s1600/395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE9AZYdMUWjKuL-LxjGP36rSHIHI8xzmw18IHO4AQYT60A041m__l0qLYfrBXcJl0vUFhCSgSV3BVxnydOD1-hrFp-zgYdAEuxgzUybE8wEJp09kO6uLk6iS-9ysnLa_SWlKAKLZ_yIc/s400/395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655670122370101698" /></a><br /><br />He makes me so happy, I just love him so much!<br /><br />Thanks for praying for my boy! Hugs!!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will gaurd your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-71060953873290332612011-09-15T10:40:00.000-04:002011-09-15T10:40:42.830-04:00Five Years of Blessing!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoaHypIHg4RnGZ6S1pZa65Q3dOI4p0Y0wPVIkyNcvJjuu6uJ_ghwuupVgv0hyphenhyphenihvfuqSEyy06U6FSc8qNtsO2S-GhyphenhyphensLFdOl68ZerKC5Jm0IPW-E6PT_xdj_1GyztqUt_-kCXGDQYq_g/s1600/133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoaHypIHg4RnGZ6S1pZa65Q3dOI4p0Y0wPVIkyNcvJjuu6uJ_ghwuupVgv0hyphenhyphenihvfuqSEyy06U6FSc8qNtsO2S-GhyphenhyphensLFdOl68ZerKC5Jm0IPW-E6PT_xdj_1GyztqUt_-kCXGDQYq_g/s400/133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652594193732978866" /></a><br /><br />Happy 5th Birthday Gavin!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F-aQf8H8PNkx8WW8WMZyvZnkWk0C_z4VdAxTffmKDSjBYCEZHlZ7zBdNkP9aM7yHrcuF8eJAdlsCu9-1W8zFUJEaCdTUHJj4gQxHTKvBxJ9JodLTK6lWjAd4aygLhojPUc4QMogiQFM/s1600/118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F-aQf8H8PNkx8WW8WMZyvZnkWk0C_z4VdAxTffmKDSjBYCEZHlZ7zBdNkP9aM7yHrcuF8eJAdlsCu9-1W8zFUJEaCdTUHJj4gQxHTKvBxJ9JodLTK6lWjAd4aygLhojPUc4QMogiQFM/s400/118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652594187405825922" /></a><br /><br />We Love You!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSiq0aIUoqE07GecH2kJPsoH7fptDJcbIKSF-lsbjrjkjacZ0VeekWHbyZ0vTmfm4gBQyCBqFYsvvTs_uPCojmvQckTmbjCeVn2fGxU0X_yPrRYzwwuV8jS5xZdt_VXgP5m3XYeMRQoo/s1600/120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSiq0aIUoqE07GecH2kJPsoH7fptDJcbIKSF-lsbjrjkjacZ0VeekWHbyZ0vTmfm4gBQyCBqFYsvvTs_uPCojmvQckTmbjCeVn2fGxU0X_yPrRYzwwuV8jS5xZdt_VXgP5m3XYeMRQoo/s400/120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652594175990754898" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe how blessed we are to have you in our lives!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAC7cE5KjolwVWAkYgGjP0i09msY99DLqwF8Jao78Zl9WamjRzBijEy-n7Cp8-NlHMsrevEgWxpBP6aKtH9dmMlP7CeaY1Kp-d2ixzRwscSEj1MJliguEDZJjgVdIUkyTAhfq3xawt20/s1600/132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAC7cE5KjolwVWAkYgGjP0i09msY99DLqwF8Jao78Zl9WamjRzBijEy-n7Cp8-NlHMsrevEgWxpBP6aKtH9dmMlP7CeaY1Kp-d2ixzRwscSEj1MJliguEDZJjgVdIUkyTAhfq3xawt20/s400/132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652594169798972338" /></a><br /><br />We thank God for you, and can't believe that He trusted us with YOU!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3icaAg1XmwQgGqCI_ApH5QgBLLUZoEyg1c5uvgDyYdhIICJf6vUZZb2yO6keZru69dboacUj6fLEtfUvt2t4oqYv2ccSw4MrTT2laUyvgwMOV8AUqcardh8CFNAJNog5FLmJv3AQdec/s1600/130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3icaAg1XmwQgGqCI_ApH5QgBLLUZoEyg1c5uvgDyYdhIICJf6vUZZb2yO6keZru69dboacUj6fLEtfUvt2t4oqYv2ccSw4MrTT2laUyvgwMOV8AUqcardh8CFNAJNog5FLmJv3AQdec/s400/130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652593172219274690" /></a><br /><br />You are such a gift! Love you sweet boy!!<br /><br /><br />"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." James 1:17aThe VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-19465874994109792202011-09-09T10:33:00.002-04:002011-09-09T10:51:47.889-04:00How much should I tell people?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglacd0jrIDIX7VLrIqdw_VVuBqfCeS1iKjDWbZaKmeqWqYU8CJwaed6xzg2UWsZeeAMqVAqxlpat38PCEf8xc-v89CddJQwR5OBCFQKRlJfZi91cpCyT_52obBuezJJq6pT9LIex0imcA/s1600/148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglacd0jrIDIX7VLrIqdw_VVuBqfCeS1iKjDWbZaKmeqWqYU8CJwaed6xzg2UWsZeeAMqVAqxlpat38PCEf8xc-v89CddJQwR5OBCFQKRlJfZi91cpCyT_52obBuezJJq6pT9LIex0imcA/s400/148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650341128379961218" /></a><br /><br />This week I had a dentist appointment for myself. I took Gavin with me for the appointment. He sat in his stroller next to me while I was having work done, and he behaved himself so well that the dentist said he could pick a toy from the treasure box. I was thinking to myself, of course he was well behaved.....Gavin is always a good boy! But, I guess this is rare for a soon-to-be 5 year old boy. They are usually busy and can't sit still! Gavin is easy to bring along with me, because I always know right where he is and that he won't be getting into anything. But, the dentist seemed surprised by how great Gavin was throughout the appointment.....and this got me thinking.<br /><br />When he offered the toy to Gavin, I was about to tell him that Gavin wouldn't really be able to play with any of the toys.....but then I realized that explaining Gavin's developmental stage would take too long, and it didn't really matter if the dentist understood why Gavin wouldn't play with the toy. So, I pretended to show Gavin the toys and ask him what he would like....and then I took a ball from the box, knowing full well that Gavin wouldn't be playing with it, but feeling proud that the dentist thought Gavin was a good boy and deserved a toy anyway.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgL2U29BFb34AkUq80pwwpdqEr0KJ1FsPzOaFVl_MevjT0SOOspplmDLGOi4degIrWXsw7YJOxCITqw0VhJLkVIjLT94lnLunq7qExJRuS8uGw40DQdpnvOwjwvPgCMRQSL6i3heQgiY/s1600/149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgL2U29BFb34AkUq80pwwpdqEr0KJ1FsPzOaFVl_MevjT0SOOspplmDLGOi4degIrWXsw7YJOxCITqw0VhJLkVIjLT94lnLunq7qExJRuS8uGw40DQdpnvOwjwvPgCMRQSL6i3heQgiY/s400/149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650341118471380066" /></a><br /><br />I always struggle with times like these. How much should I tell people concerning Gavin? I know that they realize something isn't typical about Gavin.....especially when they ask me how old he is.....but do they really want to know Gavin's story? Do they really want to know that Gavin's brain is totally damaged by a stroke, and that he is unlikely to advance much further than he already is.....or do they wish to remain in their blissful state of innocence that all children progress, and this includes Gavin? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XJntSuabKI6sHFo4Dhwqdd1Ynzp_micLcWzd2F_IgJ3AhmghjQxwUCWwffkMr3aVfOa219hp3w0zCSvroV9n1yEt4ZtnOnUCU819eTIRAZf8FTjCbZBu3Ot7gbENdHmKbMsXCu7QG5A/s1600/151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XJntSuabKI6sHFo4Dhwqdd1Ynzp_micLcWzd2F_IgJ3AhmghjQxwUCWwffkMr3aVfOa219hp3w0zCSvroV9n1yEt4ZtnOnUCU819eTIRAZf8FTjCbZBu3Ot7gbENdHmKbMsXCu7QG5A/s400/151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650341114464793154" /></a><br /><br />The last time I took Gavin to the neurologist, he was seen by a new person to that office. She started talking to Gavin like he understood what she was saying to him. She was asking him questions and explaining everything to him in detail. I do appreciate it when people treat Gavin the same way they would treat any other child, but should I have told her that Gavin can't really understand all that you are saying to him, and all you really need to do is just be gentle with him and talk to him in a kind voice, because he doesn't understand what you are about to do anyway. But, again, I just let her do her thing, without explaining everything to her.....because quite frankly, if you ask me, spending any more time in a doctor's office than I need to is quite unnecessary! And, taking the time to fully explain Gavin to her would have meant that we would be there longer than we aready had been.....and Gavin and I do not like spending our days at the doctor's.....we are there often enough already! So, I said nothing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1suKklcTs3FPw6kK9gIQHnjS26XOkWrIQqD1gglZnlxHHeTqGYJfue6Waofb5ToC7gn3Nm0xRLGQPeYTlj55jMoTy95I2rVLZrrTkcBTNcKdSVpoDQZVREKI_hNCwr7ZZD2v1zrprwQE/s1600/152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1suKklcTs3FPw6kK9gIQHnjS26XOkWrIQqD1gglZnlxHHeTqGYJfue6Waofb5ToC7gn3Nm0xRLGQPeYTlj55jMoTy95I2rVLZrrTkcBTNcKdSVpoDQZVREKI_hNCwr7ZZD2v1zrprwQE/s400/152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650341103817923522" /></a><br /><br />I did try to have Gavin play with the ball he got at the dentist office.....but he can't hold it, or control it. But, he did feel it and get some stimulation from it's texture.....so that's probably good for him.<br /><br />Another time I wondered if I should explain things about Gavin was this past weekend. We were at a wedding, and there was a band playing music there. Gavin started to have a seizure, which makes him jerk and move irregularly. Most people don't notice that he is having a seizure, because it doesn't look like the grand-mal seizure that most people typically think is what a seizure looks like. But, one lady sitting by Gavin said, "He looks like he is trying to dance! How cute!" My first thought was to tell her, "No, he's just having a seizure." But, then I decided to just let her think that he was trying to dance.....because that is a much better thought to be left with, than he's having a seizure!<br /><br />So, as you can see, I have a difficult time knowing how much I should tell people when it concerns Gavin. I love to talk about Gavin with others, but I don't want to overwhelm them with all that Gavin is. Plus, when I do tell them more about Gavin, and then I follow up the story with how blessed we are to have him in our lives....they usually look at me with pity or don't believe me when I explain how happy I am to be his Momma! I guess no one can truly get it, unless they have a child like Gavin. <br /><br />I may carry a ton of responsibilty on my shoulders caring for his many needs, and having so many thoughts running through my head.....but I also get to look at this sweet boy each day! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0uaih0Psa_LYDZ_nUv0EeJNwtEKoAgyIJk1EWI-oXbMfHW592UBwkU72GtHYH7Cr_U-6D4QNyGepG7c_eIpO10xFdlay-JI7VvjuwMtq8a4APR17atc-GXh9aZYP9_P1tfV0X7xg2uY/s1600/150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0uaih0Psa_LYDZ_nUv0EeJNwtEKoAgyIJk1EWI-oXbMfHW592UBwkU72GtHYH7Cr_U-6D4QNyGepG7c_eIpO10xFdlay-JI7VvjuwMtq8a4APR17atc-GXh9aZYP9_P1tfV0X7xg2uY/s400/150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650341102326664210" /></a><br /><br />I get to hold him and love him each and every day! And, despite the weight that is always on my shoulders, I am filled with such lightness when he gives me one of his infectious smiles! I may not know how much to tell people about Gavin, but the one thing I want everyone to know is that I am one very blessed Momma to have him in my life! : )<br /><br /><br /><strong>"I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." John 4:25</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-12287740366250256942011-09-01T08:38:00.007-04:002011-09-01T09:08:25.832-04:00(In)dependenceOur church puts out a monthly publication, called The Bethany Beacon. This month I wrote a little something for them to add to it. I wanted to update those at our church, who may not know Gavin's full story, on how he is doing. I also wanted to share my thoughts on how blessed we are to have Gavin in our lives.....and most importantly, how blessed we are to be dependent on God!
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<br />Since what I wrote pertains to Gavin, I thought I'd put it on the blog to share it with all of you! So, here you go!
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<br /><strong>Reflections on (In)dependence</strong>
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<br />This year on the Fourth of July, I began reflecting on our independence. Every year as this holiday rolls around, I am aware just how blessed we are to live in a nation where we are granted the freedoms that we, as Americans, are blessed to have! It feels so freeing to celebrate, what so many countries do not have the opportunity to possess. This year as we celebrated our nation's independence, I suddenly had a revelation about just how independent we are.
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<br />I have Gavin to thank for this revelation.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDpJj-SFCjWvfFP35zRI97bJNQHWuwsDaUYDSLvDoZEz2Y3pLrjh9TFY_vNIxxqsqvUKpjRAPn7RNddEIFhM9anrIWvwZEyvtuHDoB8Q4QrL-16BGZqX4ODmUFqCCZxRU2dqMceEWuJQ/s1600/107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDpJj-SFCjWvfFP35zRI97bJNQHWuwsDaUYDSLvDoZEz2Y3pLrjh9TFY_vNIxxqsqvUKpjRAPn7RNddEIFhM9anrIWvwZEyvtuHDoB8Q4QrL-16BGZqX4ODmUFqCCZxRU2dqMceEWuJQ/s400/107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647037074121446610" /></a>
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<br />I am often asked how Gavin is doing. I enjoy sharing my sweet boy with others, and I look forward to talking about him with whomever shows interest in his wellbeing. One of the questions I am often asked, "Is Gavin crawling yet?" The answer to this question is way more complex than, "No, he's not." So, if you've ever wondered just how well Gavin is doing.....here is a short update on his life.
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<br />Gavin's life started out very fragile.......but we had no idea just how fragile he would become. At 7 months of age, after having several cardiac surgeries, Gavin was doing quite well. Things were looking up for him and our family, but while recovering at a local hospital, an unexpected mistake occured. Due to this profound error, Gavin suffered a hypoxic brain injury, otherwise known as a stroke. The stroke left Gavin's brain severely damaged. His entire brain was affected. There was nothing that could be done to correct what had happened. But, God kept him alive, despite the fact that doctors thought he wouldn't survive. We are very thankful for this gift!
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<br />This leaves us to the present day. Gavin turns 5 years old this month, and yet, he is only at a 4-6 month old level. And, he is unlikely to progress much further. In fact, Gavin is totally dependent on many for his survival in this world. He is dependent on a pacemaker and cardiac medications to keep his heart pumping. He is dependent on medications to prevent him from having seizures, and also for helping his lungs to breath properly. He is dependent on a feeding tube inserted directly into his stomach, in which to gain nourishment and fluids to grow and live. He is dependent on many doctors to keep him healthy and well. He is totally dependent on his family. In fact, without us holding him up into a sitting position, he would fall right over. He also depends on us to change him, position him, help him when he is gagging, administer his nourishment and medications, give him breathing treatments, move him from place to place.....and the list goes on!
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<br />Gavin is far from independent!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w6Og-mbAPiE4uyC2w_6JUI1QSUy3Uax0g7dWqkVVjMl3AyEkD_cNJVj6xDGxIqG6R4jEglV0L61ogzN5Kdxh2VshbliC9j_Qs13BdU3dClZCM3M7Od3VnwBBIKfALPoTK9KBms2d86o/s1600/111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w6Og-mbAPiE4uyC2w_6JUI1QSUy3Uax0g7dWqkVVjMl3AyEkD_cNJVj6xDGxIqG6R4jEglV0L61ogzN5Kdxh2VshbliC9j_Qs13BdU3dClZCM3M7Od3VnwBBIKfALPoTK9KBms2d86o/s400/111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647037063525629618" /></a>
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<br />Some people might look at Gavin with pity, because he is so reliant on others. The truth is, Gavin is probably the happiest person that I know! He is a bright light in this dark world. He is totally unaware of his dependence on others. He is free from the worries that most of us spend our days concerned with. I believe that most of us like to think that we are in control of our lives. We go about our days, making decisions and thinking that we are achieving plenty of goals. This makes me think about the bumper sticker that reads, "God is my co-pilot." The reality is, if we think that we are in the driver's seat, we had better switch seats quickly!
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<br />Since Gavin came into my life, and since having to care for his many needs, I've been made aware just how dependent we ALL are! Gavin is very dependent on others, but I like to think that his life also presents an opportunity to show others what a blessing it is to be dependent on Someone Else! Gavin's dependence may be very obvious to us all, but the truth is, we are all dependent. We are dependent on the maker of heaven and earth, our Almighty God! And, knowing this fact can truly set us free! Relying on our dependence on the Lord, is the best medication there is! When we fully depend on God, we are given the worry-free and joyful existence that our son Gavin is blessed to live. I am so thankful for the perspective that God has given me since Gavin came into our lives! And, I can't imagine going through life without my dependence on Him!
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<br />I remain grateful to possess the independence that comes from living in America, but I am even more grateful for the knowledge that as a child of God; my life is not my own.....and I am truly dependent on Him alone!
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<br /><strong>"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." Isaiah 40:29 </strong>
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<br />The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-13934603030044819572011-08-22T12:27:00.000-04:002011-08-22T13:40:00.326-04:00850!That is the number of pictures we took while we were away on Gavin's Make-A-Wish trip!
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<br />I'm a little overwhelmed by so many pictures.....that's why it's taking me so long to update everyone on our vacation.
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<br />But, here's a sneak peak of our AWESOME, HUMBLING, AMAZING, FUN, INSPIRING, WONDERFUL and BLESSED trip!
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<br />Here we are at the airport, just after landing in Florida:
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXzsdiI10FseTJsNBQiC9JweEO1yFj3R4US0IMmM2GNWRPSTZXwMPO_5A_S5rRg6mS-WVxL3M-BqVVWPqeLjSz9KvQ1aMdAcUYY50hXlY3V5VCwvwdrf0WNftaAonJA963Du4FBvdzbc/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXzsdiI10FseTJsNBQiC9JweEO1yFj3R4US0IMmM2GNWRPSTZXwMPO_5A_S5rRg6mS-WVxL3M-BqVVWPqeLjSz9KvQ1aMdAcUYY50hXlY3V5VCwvwdrf0WNftaAonJA963Du4FBvdzbc/s400/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710822910924290" /></a>
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<br />Gavin really seemed to enjoy himself on our trip! Here are some pictures of him enjoying a few of his favorite things on the trip:
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<br />I was very worried about how he'd react to flying since Gavin is easily overstimulated by uncertain noises and situations.....but as you can see from this picture, one of Gavin's favorite parts of our trip was the airplane ride! He LOVED it!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdfQ0evjrExaAZswO1-MjdYVJb7rtpXTGMBVLzQoNEjtVtThPAsP-NhTCXFtbQjflKQPb9ylyXihkYuFnq8v31wYhthUmqOxv9psD8NwxFxbSa2dSTGq1pN-BoOMMa7cQTTirZiRLoBE/s1600/811.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdfQ0evjrExaAZswO1-MjdYVJb7rtpXTGMBVLzQoNEjtVtThPAsP-NhTCXFtbQjflKQPb9ylyXihkYuFnq8v31wYhthUmqOxv9psD8NwxFxbSa2dSTGq1pN-BoOMMa7cQTTirZiRLoBE/s400/811.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710324704800434" /></a>
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<br />Another highlight was each evening when we returned to our villa, after our fun-filled days at the parks. Gavin loved to lay on our bed and play with Mickey Mouse! As soon as we laid him on the bed, he would go crazy! He would smile, laugh, squeal, "talk" and have so much fun!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGYBJO3S1qRONjWrsPhCvLN3mzG3nVstqv5HjXbyXQRz5_H4bCaJoxmFgJK-E405cipPa7eaZpnu7fjkUaTK5LS4CdK6GMAn8MzromOk4xBVIsgLk_86ORCedELmfVQ7EuPCpaqrnFiY/s1600/681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGYBJO3S1qRONjWrsPhCvLN3mzG3nVstqv5HjXbyXQRz5_H4bCaJoxmFgJK-E405cipPa7eaZpnu7fjkUaTK5LS4CdK6GMAn8MzromOk4xBVIsgLk_86ORCedELmfVQ7EuPCpaqrnFiY/s400/681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710313633950690" /></a>
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<br />Another thing he really enjoyed was the safari ride that we went on at Animal Kingdom. It was a bumpy ride, and Gavin thought it was the best!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJfG0HYV5wECO5ANwCBE8iT1e7QKZKmt4MLqxgc5rHYg7j-k3afchTqokEoVLNG-4PNfSLZYXbNFOfBuqe45tpkoh_RrB5MjWnFlr1feZWx3zQ6nlNPfC5TiORocFqJ1gxYAfWgeH08I/s1600/564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJfG0HYV5wECO5ANwCBE8iT1e7QKZKmt4MLqxgc5rHYg7j-k3afchTqokEoVLNG-4PNfSLZYXbNFOfBuqe45tpkoh_RrB5MjWnFlr1feZWx3zQ6nlNPfC5TiORocFqJ1gxYAfWgeH08I/s400/564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710303583611890" /></a>
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<br />It was VERY hot while we were in Florida! But, we managed to stay somewhat cool by making frequent stops into the air-conditioned shops throughout the parks. We also kept Gavin cool by using his stroller fan and spraying him down with water frequently. Also, all of us filled up on extra fluids throughout the day. But, it was SERIOUSLY HOT!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3ObmzLVmmc2cR3iROxl2P037zsAxQW_4-gWP0YamXRNyxAwGjfxl1EXEBIq2Es18e2bpFhkUV70U1FnKez5XVcEgc9p7QQdS1iSPC4VvWJUdwPy2-mKX_2I0Wd73nEH9NMl0hRx4zv0/s1600/337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3ObmzLVmmc2cR3iROxl2P037zsAxQW_4-gWP0YamXRNyxAwGjfxl1EXEBIq2Es18e2bpFhkUV70U1FnKez5XVcEgc9p7QQdS1iSPC4VvWJUdwPy2-mKX_2I0Wd73nEH9NMl0hRx4zv0/s400/337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710834331320466" /></a>
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<br />Gavin as a very cute and happy Mickey!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GGMCsgQ_b2JlwhXm_VFAHrSBmhGEFBTpLp00UsBJ7supFtmpL4V0JTj5X3kmmnfh5VmfHnlivlOuZ4a4GmvqtXN0rj1Ww5dR70FV1Ozu2_ApOY1jVxdvTzKU5B6ZbdGlYiHhU6elwbY/s1600/379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GGMCsgQ_b2JlwhXm_VFAHrSBmhGEFBTpLp00UsBJ7supFtmpL4V0JTj5X3kmmnfh5VmfHnlivlOuZ4a4GmvqtXN0rj1Ww5dR70FV1Ozu2_ApOY1jVxdvTzKU5B6ZbdGlYiHhU6elwbY/s400/379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710293361739490" /></a>
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<br />We enjoyed our time away tremendously! We had to keep pinching ourselves because we couldn't believe how blessed we were by this opportunity! We were, and are, so blessed!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDR9BkRfP-HQpR1nSp2-CE1TJnYY1mjK4cpii-bsQYhThPM3eBTHs9ayhc2ewIr6NVYT9tZdJGMtlwR2wwgylj_hZNaex6xeVBJ4oDJuigjU3USYOsLsi3-_fJqMj-f9OSTXnogL2tXs/s1600/272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDR9BkRfP-HQpR1nSp2-CE1TJnYY1mjK4cpii-bsQYhThPM3eBTHs9ayhc2ewIr6NVYT9tZdJGMtlwR2wwgylj_hZNaex6xeVBJ4oDJuigjU3USYOsLsi3-_fJqMj-f9OSTXnogL2tXs/s400/272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643710281626232754" /></a>
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<br /><strong>"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-62366268061565537142011-08-01T09:29:00.000-04:002011-08-01T09:29:24.037-04:00We're leaving on a jet plane!I have been a blog slacker this summer! I guess I've just been concentrating on family and my boys.....so I guess that's a great thing to spend time on if I'm not blogging! Right?!<br /><br />But, since I haven't been blogging, I also haven't been keeping a chronicle of our life, or keeping friends and family up to date with what's been going on with us. There has been lots to share, but sharing time with each other has been my focus this summer.<br /><br />So.....many of you probably don't know that, Lord willing, we are about to leave to go on Gavin's Make-A-Wish trip! And, we are so excited!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qf7Xis-MMrhLVT2oiMcCQr2JNmyJxA2S-cY0iyzjl9RO2cxpSemGMOeRa1hTXH-ahyphenhyphenEOb9ZUWRiJkez420-Cov6hgGkbbu7LM8J7N7ASw7j5KirqNsqZ8XYjzVIKD0zwZW61BqWWvNI/s1600/541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qf7Xis-MMrhLVT2oiMcCQr2JNmyJxA2S-cY0iyzjl9RO2cxpSemGMOeRa1hTXH-ahyphenhyphenEOb9ZUWRiJkez420-Cov6hgGkbbu7LM8J7N7ASw7j5KirqNsqZ8XYjzVIKD0zwZW61BqWWvNI/s400/541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635868453626447090" /></a><br /><br />Here is Gavin researching all there is to do at Disney:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ivwFndMHvfiR0tGdyGfMrXiH-s70t5TugOcqq2SnoWQhjmu6GjlZm0NIO2s6wVQcKaEGgoVjU7aYt-zxQ5wrxkCX2rmGK3Ycfvn6X4kHMIwTU4siw2uytbCAyEz3UTSQa5gLqElUDXM/s1600/544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ivwFndMHvfiR0tGdyGfMrXiH-s70t5TugOcqq2SnoWQhjmu6GjlZm0NIO2s6wVQcKaEGgoVjU7aYt-zxQ5wrxkCX2rmGK3Ycfvn6X4kHMIwTU4siw2uytbCAyEz3UTSQa5gLqElUDXM/s400/544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635868443996595202" /></a><br /><br />I think he's a little overwhelmed about all of our options! I know that I am! I'm also a little overwhelmed about packing all of Gavin's supplies up, and also about taking him on an airplane! Yikes! Pray that he tolerates all the excitement!<br /><br />We are so thankful for this opportunity and we can't wait to make some wonderful memories together!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx5g6CPQgrD50PuE2H4v9L9OQyHo6gDUXMjgIA50_dhuPr5t_f8jGZmPHDIkZ7hdtFOgdi_t5hTZbBQtLDk12E4GTOjqksBn3LL17Xb9kfMnZIJjweCZYebzoj_6CrHCNTaSOtPuH2As/s1600/472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx5g6CPQgrD50PuE2H4v9L9OQyHo6gDUXMjgIA50_dhuPr5t_f8jGZmPHDIkZ7hdtFOgdi_t5hTZbBQtLDk12E4GTOjqksBn3LL17Xb9kfMnZIJjweCZYebzoj_6CrHCNTaSOtPuH2As/s400/472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635868433954091970" /></a><br /><br />We'll fill you in on our trip when we get home! May all of you be blessed with as wonderful of a week as we plan on having! Wish we could take all of you with us! Love and Hugs until we meet again! :)<br /><br /><br /><strong>"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:21</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-44521046124798674822011-06-28T12:22:00.007-04:002011-06-29T04:12:39.569-04:00Hi Friends!Just wanted to give all of you a shout out from Gavin!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHsAWjzCvugIDEi0gD9L59dHVgdUHAdxB2WEzMqG5DS_-ytIPyykPv1obf0Kqhj9LMbF3B20f2C5Q8yddZtsQbIXB3I9lD8B4iWQ0tXVLaOjWPitZHAlmV9xzq6t3xOcwH2aSY1Rf2Do/s1600/174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHsAWjzCvugIDEi0gD9L59dHVgdUHAdxB2WEzMqG5DS_-ytIPyykPv1obf0Kqhj9LMbF3B20f2C5Q8yddZtsQbIXB3I9lD8B4iWQ0tXVLaOjWPitZHAlmV9xzq6t3xOcwH2aSY1Rf2Do/s400/174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623304703263984786" /></a><br /><br />My Mom says she has been very busy, so she hasn't taken the time to do any posts on the blog lately. Plus, her brain is too crowded with thoughts. So crowded, that she can't even think well enough to write them all down!..........Whatever that means?! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAdpRO8sAeC081QA8b8BUfi6EY8ld87lL_Kul3w2YEBNWFB9z9JNStxVHr1z2iZ89HU-Ufj8bPmrNhSrOMSzsett-X-_QX65YxGiHfd-xP6-Yi99cKs4i3NKWXMFrJCYYBOgCN7wHOMQ/s1600/171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAdpRO8sAeC081QA8b8BUfi6EY8ld87lL_Kul3w2YEBNWFB9z9JNStxVHr1z2iZ89HU-Ufj8bPmrNhSrOMSzsett-X-_QX65YxGiHfd-xP6-Yi99cKs4i3NKWXMFrJCYYBOgCN7wHOMQ/s400/171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623304693417523346" /></a><br /><br />In fact, these are pictures that my Mom took of me way back in May! Since then I've had a haircut, but I still look cute in the pics if you ask me! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMaZXmFbo77Iu4FLms559vtdm06iCW3eDgl94id_-zz4jrxRjLy72nZW1ZUSkYyBRcVVF8pI9IrCwMAqMdD64xHTq3BHrHsQcW36yWlo89F34k_DmdwszJMl_A-AWGEkczRX20QWuIIY/s1600/175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMaZXmFbo77Iu4FLms559vtdm06iCW3eDgl94id_-zz4jrxRjLy72nZW1ZUSkYyBRcVVF8pI9IrCwMAqMdD64xHTq3BHrHsQcW36yWlo89F34k_DmdwszJMl_A-AWGEkczRX20QWuIIY/s400/175.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623304685190119058" /></a><br /><br />I just wanted to let all of you know that we are still here, and we are doing well! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqSLUt_hbIGH31sNSKW_8y71nJ2e4QrJeVhACjzFavN0Tb-HNAYbl45MADrJyMGQEkZFYqel8JHv3NobCeuBZeFFFs_Z6S5J6EoMrAJC-OwHfHt4KB49cd_u3wNPtmog_JaeV9742n2k/s1600/178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqSLUt_hbIGH31sNSKW_8y71nJ2e4QrJeVhACjzFavN0Tb-HNAYbl45MADrJyMGQEkZFYqel8JHv3NobCeuBZeFFFs_Z6S5J6EoMrAJC-OwHfHt4KB49cd_u3wNPtmog_JaeV9742n2k/s400/178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623304678632418418" /></a><br /><br />Just lots going on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOwX9pVKKlPRmGGUX_wHGK21PJdTY2IUI-X68YnwoJAlJ0_GCNDS4KBihJpctl5cjZ_jnu9OZWb4YSYEo-L_UExitDPi7lNYXseFUkdaly9TZUdws6QYyoQh44baSEAtS5mvzeGL9CXo/s1600/176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOwX9pVKKlPRmGGUX_wHGK21PJdTY2IUI-X68YnwoJAlJ0_GCNDS4KBihJpctl5cjZ_jnu9OZWb4YSYEo-L_UExitDPi7lNYXseFUkdaly9TZUdws6QYyoQh44baSEAtS5mvzeGL9CXo/s400/176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623304668939987234" /></a><br /><br />Hope to "talk" again soon! <br /><br />Love and Hugs from Gavin :)<br /><br /><br /><strong>"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-28044907960954536532011-05-20T10:49:00.000-04:002011-05-20T10:49:44.019-04:00Been Busy!I can't believe that I haven't posted anything on here for over a month! We are all alive, and actually doing well.....just busy! Between school, school functions and programs, Lots of SPORTS, and just living life....I just haven't had the time to blog, or if I had the time, I just didn't feel like it or know how to put my jumbled thoughts into words! I've been thinking a lot about life, and also our prospect of adoption. And, it's been filling my brain to capacity, and making my mind just want to shut down! I feel overwhelmed, but in a good way. I just don't know how to accomplish everything that I want to do, and it frustruates me that time and money regulates my wanting to help a child, that so desperately needs love! It just shouldn't be this complicated! <br /><br />Gavin has been unbelievably healthy lately.....and I am loving this! I am thanking God for this reprieve, because for awhile, I wondered if he'd ever be healthy again! We decided to take him out of school, and I believe this is how he is finally staying healthy. I am sad that he isn't able to attend school, because I know he benefitted greatly from going, and he enjoyed it too! But, my goals for him have always been, and always will be, to be HAPPY and HEALTHY. So, looking at things in this perspective, our goals for him are being fulfilled!<br /><br />Today marks Joel's and my 16th wedding anniversary! We have been together for over 19 years, which is half our lives on this earth! It's been a wild ride, but one that has been filled with blessing! Happy Anniversary Joel.....I love you more today than I did 16 years ago, and I thank God for placing you in my life!<br /><br />The other day I was feeling sad about how the world appears to look at those like Gavin. I was wondering who gets to decide what a person's worth is? Why do people seem to think that you have to be accomplishing so much, to really be worth anything? Having been given the gift of Gavin, I have also been given an open heart and mind, to those similiar to him. On FB, I asked people what their thoughts were on how much worth a person has. To me, God's opinion is far greater than the opinion of humans.....and since He doesn't make mistakes, I know that He finds great worth in those like Gavin. They may not be able to DO a whole lot, but they bring more to "the table" than most people I know. God's purpose for Gavin may seem trivial to many, but I believe His purpose is great!<br /><br />Here is a comment, and a couple of verses that a friend left for me on FB:<br /> <br /><em>"Having a child with special needs has really opened my eyes to look at the worth of others as God would, not as the world does. Sure, there are days when the world's view still hurts, but that's when I go back to these verses:"</em><br /><br /><strong>"What people value is highly detestable in God's sight." Luke 16:5b<br /><br />"For the Lord sees not as man sees, man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." I Samuel 16:7</strong><br /><br />SO TRUE! I was thankful to have these verses to brighten my mood!<br /><br />And, here is a story that another friend messaged to me:<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><em><strong>A Blue Rose </strong></em><em><br /><br />Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went. <br /><br />I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." <br /><br />It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" <br /><br />"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. <br /><br />"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve." <br /><br />"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?" <br /><br />"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. <br /><br />"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by." <br /><br />I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. <br /><br />Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. <br /><br />I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God. <br /><br />She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?" <br /><br />Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden." <br /><br />She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes. <br /><br />May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family. <br /><br />From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. </em><br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />I've read this story before, and it gets me crying everytime I read it!<br /><br />I'm just so thankful that God chose me to have the opportunity to care for such a rare "Blue Rose." I am so blessed!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BB4ijCKbAftlT15vUh1qIIQAG_lebzRL7J2YBBx68otTKiCWmetWRRaL8ZlYLy_zlwadPyV0CTiPv-2-0nGbmCt9VQkZCAz14VKX83qamntWiCaSUC0ERxdO5oLD0ZM9WtZEnm9eYk8/s1600/892.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BB4ijCKbAftlT15vUh1qIIQAG_lebzRL7J2YBBx68otTKiCWmetWRRaL8ZlYLy_zlwadPyV0CTiPv-2-0nGbmCt9VQkZCAz14VKX83qamntWiCaSUC0ERxdO5oLD0ZM9WtZEnm9eYk8/s400/892.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608791247077005058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgx0H25OuEPu57x5cmkuHecA_19BtAxyqJ1sfI0VKfwDCGQqDhCbXgL_9X3-1ahMKE0x9V4z6gGOkxOM09R2zKUJsvlzubQTVRGD3L_Mo6xM-023qeZx16ZWiodHP9OXHejKEfDysTRw/s1600/894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgx0H25OuEPu57x5cmkuHecA_19BtAxyqJ1sfI0VKfwDCGQqDhCbXgL_9X3-1ahMKE0x9V4z6gGOkxOM09R2zKUJsvlzubQTVRGD3L_Mo6xM-023qeZx16ZWiodHP9OXHejKEfDysTRw/s400/894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608791239328330722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYwLbubVQzywevaHdbbuQnfeLKF8nPa2ACFTgpaaHcVwvVB3NaDrhuRqoXgFfjkenhkb0kc9hAvbkXsrEkGUdLPFwQt4x63bXWtkXxFmFZ47wNKEsobrHeJpJZGeOPQR8Eyrx9_b_-dM/s1600/895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYwLbubVQzywevaHdbbuQnfeLKF8nPa2ACFTgpaaHcVwvVB3NaDrhuRqoXgFfjkenhkb0kc9hAvbkXsrEkGUdLPFwQt4x63bXWtkXxFmFZ47wNKEsobrHeJpJZGeOPQR8Eyrx9_b_-dM/s400/895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608791230854654946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>"And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing." Isaiah 35:1b-2a</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-6936808885142993902011-04-19T13:40:00.009-04:002011-04-20T08:56:47.247-04:00Got to Dance!A couple of days ago a <a href="http://ourdailysmiles.blogspot.com">friend</a> posted the following video on her FB page. She warned us to grab some tissue before we watched it. I didn't follow her advice, but I wished that I had when I had tears rolling down my face! They were mostly tears of joy, but some filled with sadness as well. <br /><br />Watch these Down syndrome cuties cut loose with their siblings, in an expression of dance. And, tell me you didn't get a smile on your face, with perhaps a few tears mixed in as well! <br /><br />*Pause music on the right-hand sidebar of this blog to hear video!*<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sI7nX100PQ4?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Told ya that you'd smile, and maybe even need a tissue! :)<br /><br />I am always amazed by the emotions that come forth when people are around those who have Down syndrome. I'm not sure why it amazes me, because I have experience with the joy they bring to others! I really don't think it's possible to not become happy when you are around such fun, innocent and perfect human beings!<br /><br />I was seriously crying tears of joy as I watched them dance with abandon. But, then the tears of sadness crept in. I pictured Gavin being able to dance with such energy and happiness.....and my tears turned to sobs and longing.<br /><br />I long for Gavin to have such ability! I wish with all my heart that Gavin hadn't suffered a life-altering stroke, and that he could be up.....dancing.....and running! It made me think of the "What if's." What if Gavin hadn't had a severe brain injury? What if Gavin was able to talk, walk, run, play and lead a more purposeful life?<br /><br />I will never know the possibilities that Gavin might have had.......and this breaks my heart!<br /><br />I do believe that Gavin dances in his own way though. Sometimes he gets so excited and his body just starts a movin'! I choose to believe that this is Gavin's way of dancing in the only way that he knows how to dance. And, Guess what? This Momma thinks it's the best dancing that she has ever seen!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9MBoXZzNN-4WDPh7Dg3niKdUqtoXlXQa6HccuXK3holRyJL2sCv_XoYsyFwNt1ApTfghMmcq8IvW1_IS-eyngahwvTCMSQd1UCvRRmOBToxJHoMg388mi3szCes644XTsW3VQ56a5Es/s1600/636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9MBoXZzNN-4WDPh7Dg3niKdUqtoXlXQa6HccuXK3holRyJL2sCv_XoYsyFwNt1ApTfghMmcq8IvW1_IS-eyngahwvTCMSQd1UCvRRmOBToxJHoMg388mi3szCes644XTsW3VQ56a5Es/s400/636.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597313609396963154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXlEuzyDIsT_1XK1N1GgE2U_hmHYhTmnR4hSYK45KqtJ520snoitddLRweNEfcbtwZO71R9BMgU9GsKrdnqmyt3slXQM_FiUOKM-JQd7GsdtKDVF5W-7RzfVh_9GLiCWbkyO4mNGhsWU/s1600/627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXlEuzyDIsT_1XK1N1GgE2U_hmHYhTmnR4hSYK45KqtJ520snoitddLRweNEfcbtwZO71R9BMgU9GsKrdnqmyt3slXQM_FiUOKM-JQd7GsdtKDVF5W-7RzfVh_9GLiCWbkyO4mNGhsWU/s400/627.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597313603925083762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfhcV_zids3QvdSYGkh-Gvdq6XZmfjNkVT7_afFLTlbeMwXFwzTMafqkUDG0zF0RuKMwRk8oVO7QTmXHjvBj3TToR1Kq3RXIB2xS1ApRzQh5VD7oGRdd2wJ3ecbhKGsMp8koODYZtoZk/s1600/638.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfhcV_zids3QvdSYGkh-Gvdq6XZmfjNkVT7_afFLTlbeMwXFwzTMafqkUDG0zF0RuKMwRk8oVO7QTmXHjvBj3TToR1Kq3RXIB2xS1ApRzQh5VD7oGRdd2wJ3ecbhKGsMp8koODYZtoZk/s400/638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597313596120190418" /></a><br /><br />And, when I see him wiggling, moving, smiling and squealing his deep squeals....I know that Gavin is doing the best he is able to, to come out of his stroke-damaged brain, and that he is trying so hard to relate with us and share with those around him.....So, he REALLY is leading a purposeful life! <br /><br />His purpose is to bring happiness to others, and to teach us lessons of gratitude! And, I believe that Gavin does his job very well! <br /><br />On a slightly different note:<br /><br />For the past 3 years I have had the desire to adopt a child who has Ds. I've thought about it, and I've prayed about it. I've even tried to talk myself out of this crazy desire! I've told myself that it's just not possible, and that we just can't take on such a huge undertaking! I've done everything that I can to put it out of my mind....but this desire just won't go away!<br /><br />I keep asking myself why I desire to adopt another sweetie with Ds. I ask myself why I have this feeling that our family just isn't complete yet. I ask why I want another child, when my hands and life are so busy with the 4 that I already have! I've woke up many mornings telling myself that our family is complete and to STOP thinking about this crazy thought!<br /><br />But, it won't go away!<br /><br />Joel has listened to me for the past 3 years. I'm quite sure that he has listened with closed ears most of the time! :) But, lately he has been praying about this as well. He knows that it's important to me, and he is willing to seriously consider this huge undertaking.<br /><br />I'm asking that you pray for us in this matter. We feel that the answer is there, but it just hasn't been shown to us yet. Please pray that we will make wise choices and that we are shown a clear answer in this tough decision!<br /><br />I know that we have lots of love to give, and many opportunities to share with another child. I also know that there are many Ds blessings out there without a Mom and a Dad.....who are waiting to be loved and cared for. It breaks my heart to think that they aren't being given the chance to grow, to be loved, to be given opportunities that children need to be given, and the chance to DANCE with abandonment in a family who adores them!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Let them praise His name with dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:3-4 </strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-69143648191404844702011-04-09T09:49:00.001-04:002011-04-09T09:54:04.396-04:00Gavin Adores His Brothers!Gavin has been sick. But, what is new?! Gavin has had a really rough couple of months! He just can't seem to catch a break, and I think it's beginning to wear on him.....and I know that it's wearing on me! He has been catching every little thing that comes around him, and it's been hitting him hard every time! Plus, he has been generous in sharing his germs with me......so life around here hasn't been the most enjoyable lately. I can't wait until the germs of winter are gone, and we have some consistantly nice weather and fewer illnesses! I need this so badly! And, so does my sweet Gavin!<br /><br />The other day I was trying to take a few pictures of Gavin. He hasn't been his happy self, due to all his sickness, so I couldn't get a smile out of him no matter how hard I tried! <br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bkNtZXOLVpMvhQ91HOUhGsOJprHc73hxJH5PiA_Ku0-itzK5JjSSIvqb2t3zID7xde1CY7I1H6ShccsKCnDDytoK0IJWX8DOsR5Aat56w0AAOy9KOL_UJfu1IJHq4W4eRjhoWbrh6NU/s1600/871.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590241559309550002 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bkNtZXOLVpMvhQ91HOUhGsOJprHc73hxJH5PiA_Ku0-itzK5JjSSIvqb2t3zID7xde1CY7I1H6ShccsKCnDDytoK0IJWX8DOsR5Aat56w0AAOy9KOL_UJfu1IJHq4W4eRjhoWbrh6NU/s400/871.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiGSzDwv5ecgpacR5AzP7uqzTFNrY5giQ4_l1OFuJu44F0Q8A287TloCZwxUaZMAdjEyfXfSymJhIlSu5PeRAYKYXqnb5PULRqU6w9QITAbkW_etx0fSTchVnO5ZFzLSy6ONrK8XG4sQ/s1600/884.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590241554222309634 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiGSzDwv5ecgpacR5AzP7uqzTFNrY5giQ4_l1OFuJu44F0Q8A287TloCZwxUaZMAdjEyfXfSymJhIlSu5PeRAYKYXqnb5PULRqU6w9QITAbkW_etx0fSTchVnO5ZFzLSy6ONrK8XG4sQ/s400/884.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVJ6YSVb3ILxVezpoqnMxraKurXt6wsUn4yAZMKPiypw6jRUKq0KGczfduJuincMs_ixkX27kwvE79dE1kygi1kqrCIeV3PjsCheVtHZo7iXFAspL4_jvj3v_1k_yH8tiKIsSzqaQAvU/s1600/889.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 366px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590241546749710898 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVJ6YSVb3ILxVezpoqnMxraKurXt6wsUn4yAZMKPiypw6jRUKq0KGczfduJuincMs_ixkX27kwvE79dE1kygi1kqrCIeV3PjsCheVtHZo7iXFAspL4_jvj3v_1k_yH8tiKIsSzqaQAvU/s400/889.JPG"></A> <br /><br />Then along came big brother Jake! He always likes to "pet" Gavin on the head.<br /><br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a_iSh_7cPaiGYbXbJXQ2gzPC9We1yyVKCDfg0-JNXX0zO97rMplt3_9ZhLFhXPiRXaIhvlBgr0Tx1ekRMAyCM5gyOAYHD43P873HeA0XYYsIEk-rgb8DWwrswtjCPbr1w59y0GebAKY/s1600/885.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590240501965569538 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6a_iSh_7cPaiGYbXbJXQ2gzPC9We1yyVKCDfg0-JNXX0zO97rMplt3_9ZhLFhXPiRXaIhvlBgr0Tx1ekRMAyCM5gyOAYHD43P873HeA0XYYsIEk-rgb8DWwrswtjCPbr1w59y0GebAKY/s400/885.JPG"></A> <br /><br />And, Gavin knows that Jake is around as soon as he feels that little "pet" on his head! He simply adores Jake! In fact, Gavin adores all of his brothers!<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOxq4qKi6r8dGspjtbPx9_N2Aw0KAruCT3ns9_utuk2myLBKOcoUPmwHA7hzyKe5zpzpNd233hNt6T01WpezRIXNJuR3qVkMyni4TMR3C_z0-mc-MxST0NRDigDAqhzp_4gwgLv719-o/s1600/873.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590240505393544850 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOxq4qKi6r8dGspjtbPx9_N2Aw0KAruCT3ns9_utuk2myLBKOcoUPmwHA7hzyKe5zpzpNd233hNt6T01WpezRIXNJuR3qVkMyni4TMR3C_z0-mc-MxST0NRDigDAqhzp_4gwgLv719-o/s400/873.JPG"></A> <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AEsBXSpManlw-cBKNKZzJhvnUoAFBLz7pwgPz2w4LFMpWaHkhERzmAq_81yf4U7u9ccFXqyUzMHDpE2uJM4Xm2cwdX1zmnJuZqKxPcBTOcZM2FnvpPpIcT1T2UxSLFZJaS0scpxIXhc/s1600/874.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 366px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590240517561508386 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AEsBXSpManlw-cBKNKZzJhvnUoAFBLz7pwgPz2w4LFMpWaHkhERzmAq_81yf4U7u9ccFXqyUzMHDpE2uJM4Xm2cwdX1zmnJuZqKxPcBTOcZM2FnvpPpIcT1T2UxSLFZJaS0scpxIXhc/s400/874.JPG"></A> <br /><br />And, here's the proof!<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoqlcIjmf-09T9geW8zyGSOmVJWBOwEub0PuLXB6GoR_mSNmIIHDGvVLXvK0e5lrIlThf9d_9qI-BBfCokeLydnUmYz01_CDMEy2OdKHb4jSy6lHyqg8G9HbuHGQauX9AKIeutHbOkYk/s1600/869.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590240489526524754 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoqlcIjmf-09T9geW8zyGSOmVJWBOwEub0PuLXB6GoR_mSNmIIHDGvVLXvK0e5lrIlThf9d_9qI-BBfCokeLydnUmYz01_CDMEy2OdKHb4jSy6lHyqg8G9HbuHGQauX9AKIeutHbOkYk/s400/869.JPG"></A><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7_b_r_P1TZrKLnIN24KixmV4zIpvZRUvDrqvWQ0bSZodSYqVUk9y7qCyYKyqP0U8c11BnOEMJwdpEGHUsa24GxkPAbYUtoVAs4kfg6appgM86JCmZGhLPBM0nZDxhsX5khp8-Uj6avQ/s1600/868.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590240487275076418 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7_b_r_P1TZrKLnIN24KixmV4zIpvZRUvDrqvWQ0bSZodSYqVUk9y7qCyYKyqP0U8c11BnOEMJwdpEGHUsa24GxkPAbYUtoVAs4kfg6appgM86JCmZGhLPBM0nZDxhsX5khp8-Uj6avQ/s400/868.JPG"></A><br /><br />All it took to get a smile from Gavin was a visit from one of his brothers! Thanks Jacob for helping me get a smile, and a great picture of our little man! :)<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8a</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-50006136320732661792011-03-25T17:15:00.002-04:002011-03-26T08:35:33.215-04:00One Fish, Two Fish, Long Hair, Short Hair?Remember these shoes of Gavin's?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFBekbAuOH5PhqGmD0VJxJ1FE1_eY_1QXUUrG0qIegGAA-Wsl0DzOD577-i3D8B_68Rw52PZDwpLAFe_GjktYeLWz7Q9Ue_L7eMe77udeHgiWQEKijqlIZNexmU4eJ0K4BJ5kbL_0WXQ/s1600/852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFBekbAuOH5PhqGmD0VJxJ1FE1_eY_1QXUUrG0qIegGAA-Wsl0DzOD577-i3D8B_68Rw52PZDwpLAFe_GjktYeLWz7Q9Ue_L7eMe77udeHgiWQEKijqlIZNexmU4eJ0K4BJ5kbL_0WXQ/s400/852.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588124875572553314" /></a><br /><br />Every time I put them on his feet, I get a little happier. It's funny how something so simple can brighten one's mood.....well this happens to me anyway. And, now I get even happier when I put them on his feet, when I also put this shirt on him as well! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kcgHZftBDZtojNxaOfj9m8soUuf03eW2ShKnvBlFk4YRGNUv0JKaiSfNUiDjekm47m9rJuuFwY-BKy94gI5iiIgPR0CuRnoDoL-vQOyHvuoJw-07XjwpXfxAbh4Lxle2x_9Ssx31XMY/s1600/850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kcgHZftBDZtojNxaOfj9m8soUuf03eW2ShKnvBlFk4YRGNUv0JKaiSfNUiDjekm47m9rJuuFwY-BKy94gI5iiIgPR0CuRnoDoL-vQOyHvuoJw-07XjwpXfxAbh4Lxle2x_9Ssx31XMY/s400/850.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588124872489406722" /></a><br /><br />Adorable, don't you think?!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhXECaBdgcHQ1reIJ0mkIJSkRpjjJQktrXIp63zoUXiPpM4gEhNYmQmLbKxCmjS6Rm8Ly6aCcrFmicJJJ3F6XPE10pEfjpQWee95yzmeQQ-AgmOeLsE8A1cr8zKh_yQ_wFPpoZB1CjA/s1600/848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhXECaBdgcHQ1reIJ0mkIJSkRpjjJQktrXIp63zoUXiPpM4gEhNYmQmLbKxCmjS6Rm8Ly6aCcrFmicJJJ3F6XPE10pEfjpQWee95yzmeQQ-AgmOeLsE8A1cr8zKh_yQ_wFPpoZB1CjA/s400/848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588124863284324130" /></a><br /><br />One or two of our other boys wore this shirt when they were younger, but I didn't think it would fit Gavin until after he had grown out of these matching shoes. But, I tried it on him last week and it already fits him! Yay!<br /><br />Can you tell this makes me happy?! :)<br /><br />Last week I also decided that Gavin needed a haircut. This is always a chore, because Gavin likes his hair cut just about as much as he likes to have a bath! (NOT AT ALL!)<br /><br />Here is a picture of him before the haircut:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit6_7HqQuoAxBK1npwEsiPPpHFqwlTJ0Pf66BknG5ozkPfSEvx4NTeM63A1PuEsGxfwqGkrHjBDqxIcPiZ91zNYw9Tn0TPUT3gxNo4y72r7t01qWA0r0_uxvcegeeAxs2dnZVRh2Otz8/s1600/849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit6_7HqQuoAxBK1npwEsiPPpHFqwlTJ0Pf66BknG5ozkPfSEvx4NTeM63A1PuEsGxfwqGkrHjBDqxIcPiZ91zNYw9Tn0TPUT3gxNo4y72r7t01qWA0r0_uxvcegeeAxs2dnZVRh2Otz8/s400/849.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588124860038830898" /></a><br /><br />And, here is a picture of him after the haircut:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G5SqD6tpy5J81PGdhnnC07ri_871Wfx0htmP2DXYIch6JXIOmprLmKTzFhyphenhyphenSSq7yJGFFtwLlhmuCQxU_lnoFf6INQiCsSPCXnd7UkgaohnOuNKOSPX5SCpIosjlI086blUsa9xz8oMk/s1600/853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G5SqD6tpy5J81PGdhnnC07ri_871Wfx0htmP2DXYIch6JXIOmprLmKTzFhyphenhyphenSSq7yJGFFtwLlhmuCQxU_lnoFf6INQiCsSPCXnd7UkgaohnOuNKOSPX5SCpIosjlI086blUsa9xz8oMk/s400/853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588124851834067938" /></a><br /><br />I personally think he looks cute either way, but there are some strong opinions in our family about how some of us prefer Gavin's hair. So, I'm wondering which way do you prefer it.....Long or Short?<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892567951346285110.post-74244374176681400912011-03-21T12:51:00.001-04:002011-03-21T20:09:44.888-04:00Carrying a Contact...a Cartoon...a Charity...and a Cause!So.....my last post was about how empty my heart has felt ever since we found out that Gavin had suffered a stroke, and that he was likely to stay infant-like for the rest of his life. This empty feeling has not changed since I wrote that post, and this burden that I have to carry each and every day will most likely never go away.<br /><br />And, my questions of why Gavin had to have this stroke may also never be answered on this side of heaven.....but, I WAS sent an e-mail recently that has me thinking a little more clearly.<br /><br />Joel's aunt sent us the following true story, and it was something that I really benefited from reading! So, I thought that I would share it with all of you!<br /><br /><br />Here it is:<br /><br /><em>The Ant and the Contact Lens: (A true story)<br /><br />Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens. 'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.'<br /><br />She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.<br /><br />She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens.<br /><br />When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK_stjK-GOqK_DXybQseTMkciKQQaIj0m1WpVc9bSwbzwPIJzLnh6E4ZUnccNSahyphenhyphensMFrRSbGRUwJD7tJNMFmYfwJ3EQukl863ELLwbt1fN7lxbCkLbY2eGeVXqeS2NuhUpwMxx4SXqE/s1600/hiker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK_stjK-GOqK_DXybQseTMkciKQQaIj0m1WpVc9bSwbzwPIJzLnh6E4ZUnccNSahyphenhyphensMFrRSbGRUwJD7tJNMFmYfwJ3EQukl863ELLwbt1fN7lxbCkLbY2eGeVXqeS2NuhUpwMxx4SXqE/s400/hiker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586541146011610114" /></a><br /><br />She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'<br /><br />Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?'<br /><br />Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnT3CjWS-gzt3xa-uiz9tzfLjXWBk5mD6r-qnUJu2ZpAnpA8Lsg1DKIP1AI1rTr6QMCCWe8p2JDLaKVFjy6wWTSmz0s6Pzg4l0q2bzXLoPPM3k35_hR2EMNsir6CXSQeEp7t-mFEZbyE/s1600/ant+and+contact.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnT3CjWS-gzt3xa-uiz9tzfLjXWBk5mD6r-qnUJu2ZpAnpA8Lsg1DKIP1AI1rTr6QMCCWe8p2JDLaKVFjy6wWTSmz0s6Pzg4l0q2bzXLoPPM3k35_hR2EMNsir6CXSQeEp7t-mFEZbyE/s400/ant+and+contact.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586541135023921986" /></a><br /><br />The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.'<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9OjHPI22iQjrMBtEaf24gEafGit1nwtmQF3MhIPCN7nrs7bURvDep80LZrK1HOBGmEuleSa5oUVkC5taL_r0tCKbMtoXHlDSP6-2xgShRT4mWqh5tmC05ksikNep1I_S5K5ZVNNWd1o/s1600/securedownload.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9OjHPI22iQjrMBtEaf24gEafGit1nwtmQF3MhIPCN7nrs7bURvDep80LZrK1HOBGmEuleSa5oUVkC5taL_r0tCKbMtoXHlDSP6-2xgShRT4mWqh5tmC05ksikNep1I_S5K5ZVNNWd1o/s400/securedownload.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586541133852088162" /></a><br /><br />I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.'</em><br /><br />Reading this story has helped me to remember that God has a purpose for all of us.....for me.....and even, or maybe even ESPECIALLY, for Gavin! I know this in my empty heart, but sometimes I forget to keep this in the forefront of my mind. <br /><br />Every single day is truly difficult for me as I care for Gavin. But, I have to remember to rely on God's strength, and to trust in His plan! Because, even though my "load may be heavy", He has a reason for having me carry this blessed load!<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Have you ever heard about a place/organization called <em>Give Kids the World</em>? Well, they have a resort in Florida that allows children who have life-threatening illnesses to go on a vacation of a lifetime! This is where our family will likely stay when we are able to take Gavin on his Make-A-Wish trip.<br /><br />Today, if you visit your area Perkins restaurant, they are serving free <a href="http://www.facebook.com/eatatperkins#!/event.php?eid=117551331653667">pancakes</a> to raise money for <em>Give Kids the World</em>. If you go in to eat at a Perkins restaurant today, you and your entire family will be given a free short stack of pancakes. They just ask that you consider donating to this great charity! So, on behalf of Gavin and other children like him, please consider eating at a Perkins restaurant today!<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />And finally, did you know that today is <a href="http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/">World Down Syndrome Day</a>? Well, it is! In fact, every year on March 21, it is! They chose this particular day to try to educate the world about those who have Down syndrome, because it represents the number of Chromosomes a person with Down syndrome has. Normally, we have 46 Chromosomes in our DNA, with a pair of Chromosomes on each Chromosome.....but, most people with DS have an extra Chromosome on their 21st Chromosome, making them have 3, instead of 2. So, today's date (3/21) is used to represent the fact that there are 3 Chromosomes on their 21st Chromosome! Pretty cool huh?!<br /><br />So many people seem to be afraid of those who have Down syndrome, and many seem to think that they aren't able to do what many people are capable of doing. This is FAR from the truth!.....(With the exception of a few like Gavin, who happens to have severe brain damage secondary to the stroke that he suffered.) Those with DS are quite capable! They are the same as everyone else, and they can learn to do most everything the typical person does, it just may take them a little bit longer to achieve their goals. They have feelings, emotions, love, and abilities.....like all of us do! And, those of us who are blessed to have someone who has DS in our lives know this truth!<br /><br />In fact, some of us who have a special child, who happens to have Down syndrome, tend to think that we are more blessed than all of you who don't have a child like ours! Seriously! I personally know that I think that I'm really blessed to have Gavin in my life.....and you may find this to be a shocker, but I even want to adopt another child who has Ds! That's how blessed I feel to have a child with Down syndrome! I just wish that my child who has Ds didn't also have to have a stroke. :( <br /><br />So, in spirit of this day, get to know someone who has Down syndrome.....if you put some effort into getting to know the REAL them, you will see what a gift they are to this world!<br /><br />Here is Gavin wearing his "Nothing to see here, Just an extra Chromosome" shirt. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAULuGWDSmrFehy_Taj7cfdD35vow2LwmXQKP1263XU2n4nKmnl_yAaivOt2JVzCsCdaEsk-ePrt9uSMcGQW8Djf2oOd3bSjnZRhQ1r3gHb96E4d5aOELA0fYCMrlpZs8y8CFTKZ_D9M/s1600/892.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAULuGWDSmrFehy_Taj7cfdD35vow2LwmXQKP1263XU2n4nKmnl_yAaivOt2JVzCsCdaEsk-ePrt9uSMcGQW8Djf2oOd3bSjnZRhQ1r3gHb96E4d5aOELA0fYCMrlpZs8y8CFTKZ_D9M/s400/892.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586569395261193810" /></a><br /><br />Don't you think that I'm very blessed to have this special guy in my life?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPbJkz5x41jF7wXqorOgXJliBebd_QTL-NnOcJEFQH7iMK-zYmTiL250U05WoeGiRaCE3qoDDKt-FMSQD06EvXj3kwyH2dheZzjZoR10gRZZAM3hsaWm-EdClUS4QynWau4rrWCDm3jk/s1600/894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPbJkz5x41jF7wXqorOgXJliBebd_QTL-NnOcJEFQH7iMK-zYmTiL250U05WoeGiRaCE3qoDDKt-FMSQD06EvXj3kwyH2dheZzjZoR10gRZZAM3hsaWm-EdClUS4QynWau4rrWCDm3jk/s400/894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586569390558191378" /></a><br /><br />I mean.....just look at his smile!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYktptYWT9LRFeK3ilF1FkWMdZPqRYRhBXMTtBSfEjU0T2IA2m9bnmLxYUytYwN6EUoplHwGwEZ5gVhWfFKvo-zWQn4QDt_PPKY3EGrG4yUdt8Y88DbFXjzKX0kOCbl2X3KRDA10Wh-SU/s1600/895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYktptYWT9LRFeK3ilF1FkWMdZPqRYRhBXMTtBSfEjU0T2IA2m9bnmLxYUytYwN6EUoplHwGwEZ5gVhWfFKvo-zWQn4QDt_PPKY3EGrG4yUdt8Y88DbFXjzKX0kOCbl2X3KRDA10Wh-SU/s400/895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586569383729471442" /></a><br /><br />This boy, who just happens to have an extra Chromosome.....and perhaps the best smile EVER, is seriously the light of my life!<br /><br /><br /><strong>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13</strong>The VW'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05116325494368190699noreply@blogger.com10