Quote of the Moment

This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Bad News

I was doing some work on the computer and Samuel came in and said, "Mom, I need to talk to you."  (now keep in mind, Samuel is 3)
Me: Okay Buddy, what do we need to talk about?
S: Well, I got some bad news and some good news.
Me: Really, well, I guess we should talk then.  What is the bad news?
S: Its the not good news.  One is good and the other is not good. Bad is not good.


Now I know the bad news is not the good news and that is all the news today :)  Such a silly little boy!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Thank you

We cannot say it enough.  Thank you!

Monday, November 7, 2011

We Need Help UPDATED

I don't know if any other statement is harder for me to say then, "I need help" and honestly if it didn't impact Samuel I would likely not ask.  But the fact that it does impact Samuel so much almost breaks my heart more because admiting that we need help to get him what he needs makes me feel a bit more like I am failing him.  I mean, he is my son so I feel it is my responsibility to get him what he needs, and admitting that I need help is humbling, to say the least. 
So, I am putting this out there for those who would like to help.

Most people are aware that Samuel was born with imperforate anus.  He has had several surgeries and he is doing very well.  He is a very happy and healthy little boy  He is growing quickly and amazes me every day with what he knows.  Since the moment he was born we have prayed that he would have the muscle needed to control his bowels. 
We have been surrounded by excellent medical providers and I found a group on Facebook that has helped me tremendously because of the knowledge shared by parents of other children with similar issues.  It is on the Facebook group that I learned of a treatment program at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital.  This program would be able to teach us and Samuel how to keep him clean and dry, and hopefully avoid any further surgery.  Because we would need to be in Cincinnati for over a week for the program I had tentatively planned to wait until the Summer of 2012 to get Samuel in.  However, at that same time there were budget cuts with my employer and it was decided that our insurance would change.  This means that as of January 1, 2012, this program would no longer be covered by my insurance.  I called the program and asked if there is any way we could get in by the end of the year and they have been excellent.  They worked us in to the December program! However, this means that I don't have 6 months to save and that is why we need help (plus, there is a huge disparity in temperatures between here and there in December!).  Although we don't have to pay hospital bills, we will still have many things that we need so that we can attend.

What we need:
(This is a list for me because when I see what I need to get it helps me to know what I need to be looking for on sale)
  • 2 Airline Tickets to Cincinnati  (12/6-12/18) (Purchased)
  • Hotel Accommodations  (12/6-12/18)  (In Process)
  • Meals while in Cincinnati ....So many people have responded!
  • Rental Car (12/6-12/18) ....This will also be covered, Thank you!
  • Winter Coat for Samuel Yes!
  • Winter Hat for Samuel   Yup, someone has one of those too!
  • Winter gloves for Samuel  Yes!
  • Long pants for Samuel (3T)  Yes!
  • Long sleeved shirts for Samuel (3T)  Yes!
  • Boots for Samuel (US Size 9 1/2)  Someone even had these!
  • Prayers   Many, many people have answered our prayers.  Thank you so much!
So, if you are aware of anyone that may be able to help with the above or if you hear of any sales, please let me know!  I do have confidence that everything will work out.  I know that it is the right decision to go to this program and that it will bless Samuel's life.  Here is the website that explains the program better http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/colorectal/treatments/bowel-management/ .

November 10, 2011 Update
So, I was hoping for coupon codes and perhaps pointers on what companies were having good sales, and what happened far exceeded everything I could have hoped for.  My post on the blog had been up for maybe a minute, and so many people have said they wanted to help.  Within 24 hours, so many friends and family members had come forward wanting to help.  Now, only 3 days after the post, I am so overwhelmed with the love and kindness that you have all shown.  My hopes were surpassed in so many ways.  Thank you! 

And stay tuned, I will try to update the blog regularly with Samuel's progress!