Prayers and stuff for other kids.

****Anything bolded in this entry is clickable and will take you to a link to visit that child's page.****

I have been meaning to do this for a few weeks but I just ha vent so I am doing it today.

PLEASE continue to pray for little Reesie. She is still in the hospital and is recovering from her open heart surgery. Pray that her heart and lungs will continue to grow stronger and that they will be able to extubate her very soon.

I have also been following little Reagan. I met her mom through another special needs parenting site. Reagan is another little one that I look at and think WOW, what strength and determination she has. She is in DESPERATE need for a kidney transplant. She is 14 months old and ON DIALYSIS. I can't even imagine. They have had terrible issues with keeping her catheter infection free and working. SHE NEEDS A KIDNEY. They are asking for ANYONE with type O blood to contact them and be tested to see if they are a match for Reagan. Her parents have already been through the process and unfortunately neither of them are a close enough match to make the transplant a successful one. If you feel led to help this family please contact the Transplant Center at the University of Minnesota at 800-328-5465. Press "0" for the operator and ask to speak to Cathy Garvey. She can provide information on living donation and answer any questions.

Lastly I would like to ask for prayers for Ryan and his family. He was born with a terminal mitochondrial disease. He was recently sent home on Hospice and his family is cherishing every single second they have with him right now. His mother and Ryan lived in the hospital for several weeks recently and to say they have been through the ringer is an understatement. Please offer prayers and encouragement on his page (click on his name).

All that being said I just want to remind everyone that reads my blog to HUG YOUR CHILDREN TIGHT, thank the Lord above for their health. All of these families had a "normal" life before their children were born or became ill. None of them thought anything like this would ever happen to their family.....they were just like you. You NEVER know what life is going to throw at you, never.

Cherish every moment.

I will leave you with this. The first time I read it was on Ryan's site. It is SO TRUE and I know echo's my feelings and probably most other special needs family's feelings too.

"Someone I Love"

Someone I love relies on me in ways you will never understand.

Someone I love endures pain and challenges that break my heart and renew my spirit at the same time.

Someone I love is unable to advocate for themselves for things that most of us take for granted.

Someone I love will never have the opportunities that every child should have.

Someone I love will need unconditional love and support after I am gone-this frightens me to the core.

Someone I love encounters pity, stereotyping responses, and prejudice at every turn, because they look, act, and/or learn differently than others.

Someone I love has needs that require me to allow 'outsiders' to have power and input in areas that should be mine alone to meet.

Someone I love will continue to look to me for everything in life long after other children are able to assume a place as part of the world.

Someone I love has needs that require more time and energy than I have to give.

Someone I love has needs that mean I am not able to meet basic needs of my own.

Someone I love has needs that have become the driving force behind major decisions my family makes.

Someone I love has changed me in ways I will never be able to describe.

Someone I love has taught me about love and about the really important things in life...